| abstract |
One aspect of the present invention relates to compositions and methods comprising polyelectrolyte molecules for treating patients who have certain diseases. Aspects of the invention relate to using certain polyelectrolyte compositions in therapy. According to the invention polyelectrolyte compositions may be used, for example, to slow or stop cell growth, kill cells (e.g., via necrotic or apoptotic pathways), promote fibrosis, or a combination thereof. In one aspect of the invention, certain toxic (e.g., cytotoxic) properties of polyelectrolytes are exploited for therapeutic purposes. In certain embodiments, compositions and methods of the invention are used to target polyelectrolyte toxicity to predetermined regions within a subject, while minimizing undesirable toxicity at other regions with the subject. In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to lung-volume-reduction therapy using a polyelectrolyte composition. |