| abstract |
Provided are compositions and methods for treating lung or respiratory disorders or conditions characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation, or a symptom thereof (e.g., asthma, rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and COPD-associated conditions (e.g., bronchitis, emphysema, asthma), emphysema, pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza, SARS, tuberculosis, and whooping cough (pertussis), and the like) in a subject in need thereof by administering a therapeutic composition comprising at least one electrokinetically altered fluid (gas-enriched (e.g., oxygen-enriched) electrokinetic fluids) comprising an ionic aqueous solution of charge-stabilized oxygen-containing nanostructures as disclosed herein. In certain aspects, the methods comprise regulating intracellular signal transduction by modulation of at least one of cellular membranes, membrane potential and/or conductance, membrane proteins (e.g., membrane receptors, (e.g., to G protein coupled receptors, and intercellular junctions)). Additional aspects include therapeutic compositions, and combination therapies comprising administration of the electrokinetically generated fluids with at least one additional therapeutic agent. |