| abstract |
Human elastase IV polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques and utilizing such polypeptide for therapeutic purposes, for example, restoration of elasticity of arterial walls, improvement of serum lipid abnormality and improvement of serum lipoprotein metabolism are disclosed. Also disclosed are antagonist/inhibitors against such polypeptides and their use in treating inflammation, arthritis, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, septic shock, pancreatitis and limiting tissue damage in ulceration. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention are also disclosed. |