U.S. patent application number 17/097465 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-07 for treatment and prevention of bone loss using resolvins.
The applicant listed for this patent is Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children. Invention is credited to Thomas E. Van Dyke.
Application Number | 20210308087 17/097465 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005657117 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210308087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Van Dyke; Thomas E. |
October 7, 2021 |
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF BONE LOSS USING RESOLVINS
Abstract
The invention provides new methods for inducing or promoting
bone growth and/or for reducing or preventing bone deterioration in
a mammal subject. The inventive methods generally comprise
administering to the subject an effective amount of a resolving. In
particular, the inventive methods may be useful for treating or
preventing conditions associated with bone degradation,
deterioration or degeneration such as periodontal disease,
osteoarthritis, and metastatic bone disease and osteolytic bone
disease. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising at least
one resolving are also provided that can be used to performed the
inventive methods.
Inventors: |
Van Dyke; Thomas E.; (West
Roxbury, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children |
Cambridge |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005657117 |
Appl. No.: |
17/097465 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15913279 |
Mar 6, 2018 |
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17097465 |
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14134627 |
Dec 19, 2013 |
9968577 |
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15913279 |
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12094016 |
Jul 11, 2008 |
8636986 |
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PCT/US2006/044556 |
Nov 17, 2006 |
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14134627 |
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60738328 |
Nov 18, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/557 20130101;
A61K 45/06 20130101; A61K 31/202 20130101; A61K 31/663 20130101;
A61K 31/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/202 20060101
A61K031/202; A61K 31/22 20060101 A61K031/22; A61K 31/557 20060101
A61K031/557; A61K 31/663 20060101 A61K031/663; A61K 45/06 20060101
A61K045/06 |
Goverment Interests
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
[0002] The work described herein was funded by the National
Institutes of Health (Grant No. DE16191). The United States
Government may have certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1-17. (canceled)
18. A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one resolvin,
at least one therapeutic agent that promotes bone growth or
inhibits bone resorption, and at least one pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier or excipient.
19. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 18, wherein the
therapeutic agent that promotes bone growth or inhibits bone
resorption is selected from the group consisting of bone
morphogenetic factors, anti-resorptive agents, osteogenic factors,
cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins, growth hormones,
estrogens, bisphosphonates, statins, differentiating factors,
growth factors, connective tissue activating peptides (CTAPs),
minerals, vitamins, hormones, prostaglandins, inhibitors of
15-lipoxygenase, dexamethasone, bone morphogenic proteins,
progestins, estrone, estriol, 17.alpha.-ethynyl estradiol,
17.beta.-ethynyl estradiol, SB242784, polyphosphonates, and
combinations thereof.
20. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 18, wherein said at
least one resolvin is selected from the group consisting of members
of the Resolvin E series, members of the Resolvin D series, and
combinations thereof.
21. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 20, wherein said at
least one resolvin is selected from the group consisting of
di-hydroxy members of the Resolvin E series, di-hydroxy members of
the Resolvin D series, tri-hydroxy members of the Resolvin E
series, tri-hydroxy members of the Resolvin D series, and
combinations thereof.
22. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 20, wherein said at
least one resolvin comprises Resolvin E1, Resolvin D1, or Resolvin
D2.
23. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 18, wherein said
composition is formulated to be administered topically.
24. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 23, wherein said
composition is formulated to be topically administered to a subject
that is susceptible to or is suffering from a bone condition
associated with bone loss.
25. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 24, wherein said bone
condition is selected from the group consisting of periodontal
disease, bone fracture, bone deficiency, metastatic bone disease,
osteoarthritis, and osteolytic bone disease.
26. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 25, wherein periodontal
disease is gingivitis or periodontitis.
27. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 23, wherein said
composition is formulated to be administered topically to the
subject's oral cavity.
28. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 27, wherein said
composition is formulated as a preparation selected from the group
consisting of solution, suspension, dispersion, ointment, cream,
gel, toothpaste, tooth powder, lozenge, salve, chewing gum,
aerosol, mouth spray, pastille, sachet, mouthwash, toothpick,
tablet, capsule, and dental floss.
29. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 18, wherein said
composition further comprises at least one additional therapeutic
agent selected from the group consisting of analgesics,
anesthetics, antimicrobial agents, antibacterial agents, antiviral
agents, antifungal agents, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents,
antioxidants, antiseptic agents, immunostimulating agents,
antiprotozoan agents, and combinations thereof.
30. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 18, wherein
administration of said composition to a subject in need thereof
results in one or more of: prevention of bone deterioration,
prevention of bone degradation, prevention of bone degeneration,
prevention of loss of bone mass, prevention of loss of bone
density, stabilization of bone deterioration, stabilization of bone
degradation, stabilization of bone degeneration, stabilization of
loss of bone mass, stabilization of loss of bone density, decrease
of bone deterioration, decrease of bone degradation, decrease of
bone degeneration, decrease of loss of bone mass, decrease of loss
of bone density, increase of bone mass, increase of bone density,
and combinations thereof.
31-46. (canceled)
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from Provisional
Application No. 60/738,328 filed on Nov. 18, 2005 and entitled
"Treatment and Prevention of Bone Loss Using Resolvins". The
Provisional Application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Periodontal disease, ranging from gingivitis to more severe
forms of periodontitis, remains a significant health problem and is
a major cause of tooth loss in adults both in the United States and
throughout the world (E. Reich and K. Hiller, Comm. Dent. Oral
Epidem., 1993, 21: 379; J. Angelillo et al., Comm. Dent. Oral
Epidem., 1996, 24: 336; H. Murray et al., Int. Dent. J., 1997, 47:
3-8; R. C Oliver et al., J. Periodontol., 1998, 69: 269-278; G.
Ong. Int. Dental J., 1998, 48: 233-238; I. Haddad et al., Dental
J., 1999, 49: 343-346; E. F. Corbet et al., Periodontology, 2000,
29: 122-152; A. Sheiham et al., Periodontology, 2000, 29: 104-121;
I. Chestnutt et al., J. Dentist., 2000, 28: 295-297; U. M. Irfan et
al., S. Int. Acad. Periodontol., 2001, 3: 14-21). It is estimated
that different types of periodontal disease affect 15-35% of the
U.S. population, which translates into tens of millions of patients
(J. M. Albandar et al., J. Peridontol., 1999, 70: 13-29) and costs
billions of dollars a year. Furthermore, periodontal disease has
implications beyond the deleterious effects on oral tissues and
structural integrity, and represents a potential risk factor for
increased morbidity and mortality for several systemic conditions
including cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy complications and
diabetes (R. C. Page et al., Ann. Periodontol., 1998, 3: 108-120;
R. I. Garcia et al., Ann. Periodontol., 1998, 3: 339-349).
[0004] Periodontitis is an infectious disease in which an
inflammatory process is stimulated by the presence of plaque that
may lead to loss of clinical attachment and alveolar bone. The most
common form of periodontal disease is observed in adults and shows
chronic progression (I. Brook, Gen. Dent., 203, 51: 424-428). The
progression of periodontal disease relies on persistence of
chronicity of the host response. Out of the hundreds of bacterial
species present in the oral cavity, only a small number are
involved in the etiology of periodontal disease (S. S. Socransky
and A. D. Huffajee, Periodontal., 2002, 28: 12-55). The biofilm may
contain bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides
forsythus, and Treponema denticola, the presence of which is
strikingly related to clinical features of periodontal disease, in
particular the pocket depth and bleeding on probing (S. S.
Socransky et al., J. Clin. Periodontol., 1998, 25: 134-144). Some
of these pathogenic organisms can invade periodontal tissues,
dentinal tubules, as well as other areas of the oral cavity.
Conventional periodontal therapy has emphasized mechanical removal
of soft and hard accretions of bacteria from the root surface via
use of dental instruments placed into the gingival crevice to
mechanically shear the accretions from the tooth structure.
However, scaling and root planning is often only partially
effective in the removal of these accretions. Moreover, even in the
case of easily accessible areas, the removal is transient and the
bacteria re-colonize the root surface.
[0005] When virulent bacteria begin to flourish in the periodontal
region, they release toxic and pathogenic products under the
gum-line that induce an inflammatory response and can cause a
chronic infection. As the bacterial toxins dissolve the alveolar
bone, the gums and bone can recede together, exposing the roots of
the teeth. In other instances, the bone can recede but the gums
remain puffy and form a wall around the pockets of debris that have
replaced the lost bone. In both circumstances, the roots of the
teeth become exposed to either air or to irritating bacterial
toxins, both of which can cause spontaneous pain or tooth
sensitivities to cold, hot or sweet or sour food. Although the
damage caused by bone loss is usually permanent, early
periodontitis can be arrested with proper home oral hygiene and the
risk of tooth loss is minimal. As bone loss progresses, more
aggressive treatment must be performed to keep the teeth clean. If
bone loss continues and the tooth support is compromised, the teeth
become mobile and eventually are lost or need to be extracted.
[0006] Current treatment of periodontal diseases involve primarily
the use of compositions containing antimicrobial compounds or
various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Systemic
antibiotics have been used in the periodontal therapy (R. J. Genco,
J. Periodontal., 1981, 52: 545-558). However, systemic delivery
(e.g., oral or intramuscular) typically does not provide a
sufficient concentration of antibiotics over an extended period of
time to the gingival crevice area. In advanced cases of periodontal
disease, surgical intervention to eliminate the periodontal pocket
and recontour the bone may be performed. Splinting of loose teeth
and selective reshaping of tooth surfaces to eliminate traumatic
occlusion may be necessary. Despite these known treatments, there
remains a need for novel, improved methods for preventing and
treating periodontal diseases. In particular, methods for
preventing and treating periodontitis-related bone loss are highly
desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to new systems and strategies
for the non-invasive treatment of bone conditions associated with
bone loss. One aspect of the present invention encompasses the
recognition that topical administration of Resolvin E1 unexpectedly
prevents bone loss in P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis in a
rabbit model. In particular, the present Applicants have shown that
resolvin-treated rabbits exhibits distinctly healthier soft tissues
than rabbits in a control group. Furthermore, soft tissue pocket
depth, hard tissue crestal distance, hard tissue-infrabony pocket
depth and tooth mobility measurements in the resolvin-treated
groups were observed to be lower than in the control group
suggesting that Resolvin E1 was assisting in deposition of bone,
i.e., in bone growth.
[0008] Accordingly, methods and compositions are provided herein
for inducing or promoting bone growth and/or for reducing or
preventing bone resorption in a vertebrate subject, including
humans and animals.
[0009] More specifically, in one aspect, the present invention
provides a method of treating a bone condition in a vertebrate
subject, comprising a step of administering to the subject an
effective amount of at least one resolvin. In certain embodiments,
the bone condition is associated with bone loss. The bone condition
may be selected from the group consisting of periodontal disease
(e.g., gingivitis or periodontitis), bone fracture, bone
deficiency, metastatic bone disease, osteoarthritis, and osteolytic
bone disease.
[0010] In certain embodiments, the method results in one or more
of: prevention of bone deterioration, prevention of bone
degradation, prevention of bone degeneration, prevention of loss of
bone mass, prevention of loss of bone density, stabilization of
bone deterioration, stabilization of bone degradation,
stabilization of bone degeneration, stabilization of loss of bone
mass, stabilization of loss of bone density, decrease of bone
deterioration, decrease of bone degradation, decrease of bone
degeneration, decrease of loss of bone mass, decrease of loss of
bone density, increase of bone mass, increase of bone density, and
combinations thereof.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the resolvin is administered
topically, for example to the subject's oral cavity. In other
embodiments, the resolvin is administered enterally, for example
orally.
[0012] Resolving administered according to the present invention
may be selected from the group consisting of members of the
Resolvin E series, members of the Resolvin D series, and
combinations thereof. For example, resolvins may be selected from
the group consisting of di-hydroxy members of the Resolvin E
series, di-hydroxy members of the Resolvin D series, tri-hydroxy
members of the Resolvin E series, tri-hydroxy members of the
Resolvin D series, and combinations thereof. In certain
embodiments, the resolvin administered comprises Resolvin E1.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises a step
of administering to the subject an effective amount of a
therapeutic agent that promotes bone growth or inhibits bone
resorption. The steps of administering the resolvin and
administering the therapeutic agent that promotes bone growth or
inhibits bone resorption may be performed sequentially or
simultaneously.
[0014] In certain embodiments, the therapeutic agent that promotes
bone growth or inhibits bone resorption is selected from the group
consisting of bone morphogenetic factors, anti-resorptive agents,
osteogenic factors, cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins,
growth hormones, estrogens, bisphosphonates, statins,
differentiating factors, and combinations thereof.
[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a
pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one resolvin, at
least one therapeutic agent that promotes bone growth or inhibits
bone resorption, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier or excipient.
[0016] Resolvins present in pharmaceutical compositions of the
present invention may be selected from the group consisting of
members of the Resolvin E series, members of the Resolvin D series,
and combinations thereof. For example, resolvins may be selected
from the group consisting of di-hydroxy members of the Resolvin E
series, di-hydroxy members of the Resolvin D series, tri-hydroxy
members of the Resolvin E series, tri-hydroxy members of the
Resolvin D series, and combinations thereof. In certain
embodiments, the resolvin present in an inventive pharmaceutical
composition comprises Resolvin E1.
[0017] In certain embodiments, the therapeutic agent that promotes
bone growth or inhibits bone resorption present in pharmaceutical
compositions of the present invention may be selected from the
group consisting of bone morphogenetic factors, anti-resorptive
agents, osteogenic factors, cartilage-derived morphogenetic
proteins, growth hormones, estrogens, bisphosphonates, statins,
differentiating factors, and combinations thereof.
[0018] A pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be
formulated to be administered enterally, for example orally, or
topically. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is
formulated to be topically administered to a subject that is
susceptible to or is suffering from a bone condition associated
with bone loss, for example, periodontal disease (e.g., gingivitis
or periodontitis), bone fracture, bone deficiency, metastatic bone
disease, osteoarthritis, and osteolytic bone disease. For example,
a pharmaceutical composition may be formulated to be administered
to the subject's oral cavity, for example as a solution,
suspension, dispersion, ointment, cream, gel, toothpaste, tooth
powder, lozenge, salve, chewing gum, aerosol, mouth spray,
pastille, sachet, mouthwash, toothpick, tablet, capsule, or dental
floss.
[0019] In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition further
comprises at least one additional therapeutic agent selected from
the group consisting of analgesics, anesthetics, antimicrobial
agents, antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, antifungal agents,
antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, antiseptic
agents, immunostimulating agents, and combinations thereof.
[0020] Administration of pharmaceutical compositions of the present
invention results in one or more of prevention of bone
deterioration, prevention of bone degradation, prevention of bone
degeneration, prevention of loss of bone mass, prevention of loss
of bone density, stabilization of bone deterioration, stabilization
of bone degradation, stabilization of bone degeneration,
stabilization of loss of bone mass, stabilization of loss of bone
density, decrease of bone deterioration, decrease of bone
degradation, decrease of bone degeneration, decrease of loss of
bone mass, decrease of loss of bone density, increase of bone mass,
increase of bone density, and combinations thereof.
[0021] In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit for
treating a bone condition associated with bone loss in a vertebrate
subject, the kit comprising at least one resolvin and at least one
therapeutic agent that promotes bone growth or inhibits bone
resorption. Resolving and therapeutic agents of these kits may be
as described above for the pharmaceutical compositions. Similarly,
bone conditions that can be treating using the kit are as described
above.
[0022] In certain embodiments, the kit further comprises
instructions for administering the resolvin and therapeutic agent
that promotes bone growth or inhibits bone resorption to the
subject (human or animal), preferably according to a method of the
present invention. Administration (e.g., topical or enteral
administration) of the resolvin and therapeutic agent may be
performed sequentially or simultaneously.
[0023] Using an inventive kit for treating a bone condition
associated with bone loss preferably results in one or more of:
prevention of bone deterioration, prevention of bone degradation,
prevention of bone degeneration, prevention of loss of bone mass,
prevention of loss of bone density, stabilization of bone
deterioration, stabilization of bone degradation, stabilization of
bone degeneration, stabilization of loss of bone mass,
stabilization of loss of bone density, decrease of bone
deterioration, decrease of bone degradation, decrease of bone
degeneration, decrease of loss of bone mass, decrease of loss of
bone density, increase of bone mass, increase of bone density, and
combinations thereof.
[0024] These and other objects, advantages and features of the
present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art having read the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0025] FIG. 1 is a scheme depicting the design of experiments
reported in the Examples section.
[0026] FIG. 2 presents pictures of the buccal and lingual mandibles
of rabbits treated, as described in the Examples section, by
ligature+P. gingivalis (first column), ligature+P.
gingivalis+vehicle alone (middle column), ligature+P.
gingivalis+Resolvin E1 (RvE1) in vehicle (last column).
[0027] FIG. 3 presents, on a graph, the results of a quantitative
analysis of soft tissue-pocket depth measurements as a function of
localization in the oral cavity (i.e., buccal and lingual) and as a
function of treatment received by the different animal groups
(i.e., ligature+P. gingivalis or "Periodontal disease (No
Treatment)"; ligature+P. gingivalis+vehicle alone or "Vehicle"; and
ligature+P. gingivalis+Resolvin E1 in vehicle or "RvE1").
[0028] FIG. 4 presents pictures of the buccal and lingual mandibles
of rabbits after defleshing of jaws to directly examine the bone.
The rabbits were treated by ligature+P. gingivalis (first column),
ligature+P. gingivalis+vehicle alone (middle column), ligature+P.
gingivalis+Resolvin E1 (RvE1) in vehicle (last column).
[0029] FIG. 5 presents, on a graph, the results of a quantitative
analysis of hard tissue-crestal distance measurements as a function
of localization in the oral cavity (i.e., buccal and lingual) and
as a function of treatment received by the different animal groups
(i.e., ligature+P. gingivalis or "Periodontal disease (No
Treatment)"; ligature+P. gingivalis+vehicle alone or "Vehicle"; and
ligature+P. gingivalis+Resolvin E1 in vehicle or "RvE1").
[0030] FIG. 6 presents, on a graph, the results of a quantitative
analysis of hard tissue-infrabony pocket depth measurements as a
function of localization in the oral cavity (i.e., buccal and
lingual) and as a function of treatment received by the different
animal groups (i.e., ligature+P. gingivalis or "Periodontal
disease"; ligature+P. gingivalis+vehicle alone or "Vehicle"; and
ligature+P. gingivalis+Resolvin E1 in vehicle or "RvE1").
[0031] FIG. 7 presents, on a graph, the results of a quantitative
analysis of tooth mobility as a function of treatment received by
the different animal groups (i.e., ligature+P. gingivalis or
"Periodontal disease"; ligature+P. gingivalis+vehicle alone or
"Vehicle"; and ligature+P. gingivalis+Resolvin E1 in vehicle or
"RvE1").
DEFINITIONS
[0032] Throughout the specification, several terms are employed
that are defined in the following paragraphs.
[0033] The terms "individual" and "subject" are used herein
interchangeably. They refer to a higher vertebrate, preferably a
human or another mammal (e.g., a mouse, rat, rabbit, monkey, dog,
cat, pig, cow, horse, and the like) that can suffer from a disease
state or condition for which administration of a resolvin is
beneficial but may or may not have the disease state or condition.
In many embodiments, the subject is suffering from or is
susceptible to (i.e., exhibits a high or higher risk of developing)
a bone condition, for example, a bone condition associated with
bone loss. In certain embodiments, the subject is a human being.
The terms do not denote a particular age, and thus encompass
adults, children and newborns.
[0034] As used herein, the term "bone condition" includes any
condition where it is desirable to increase, improve or promote
bone mass and/or bone density and/or prevent, inhibit or reduce the
loss of bone mass and/or bone density. The term "bone condition"
encompasses any condition that increases osteoclast number,
increases osteoclast activity, increases bone resorption, increases
marrow fibrosis, or alters the calcium content of bone.
[0035] As used herein, the term "bone loss" refers to any situation
in which skeletal mass, substance or matrix or any component of the
skeleton, such as calcium and phosphate, is decreased or the bone
or the tooth is lost, damaged, or weakened such as in terms of its
ability to resist being broken. The term "bone loss" also
encompasses any situation characterized by bone deterioration, bone
degradation, bone degeneration, loss of bone mass, loss of bone
density, and any combinations of these conditions.
[0036] The term "periodontal diseases" include all diseases of the
periodontal tissues that surround and support the teeth (see, for
example, D. M. Williams et el., "Pathology of Periodontal Disease",
1992, Oxford University Press). These include the gingiva,
cementum, periodontal ligament, alveolar process bone, and dental
supporting bone. Specifically, periodontal diseases include
gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a disease in which
inflammation is localized within the gingiva and no lesion occurs
in the bone between the teeth and gingiva. Periodontitis is a
disease in which gingival inflammation reaches the periodontal
ligament and alveolar bone. Left untreated, periodontitis can lead
to tooth loss.
[0037] The terms "local" and "topical", when herein used to
characterize the delivery, administration or application of a
compound or composition, is meant to specify that the compound or
composition is delivered, administered or applied directly to the
site of interest (e.g., in the oral cavity for an oral disorder
such as a periodontal disease) for a localized effect. In certain
embodiments, local or topical administration is effected without
any significant absorption of components of the composition into
the subject's blood stream.
[0038] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to any
amount of a molecule, agent, factor or composition that is
sufficient to fulfill its intended purpose(s) (e.g., the purpose
may be to treat or prevent bone loss, for example, bone loss
associated with periodontal disease).
[0039] The term "treatment" is used herein to characterize a
process/method that is aimed at (1) delaying or preventing the
onset of a disease state or condition; (2) slowing down or stopping
the progression, aggravation or deterioration of the symptoms of a
clinical condition, (3) bringing about ameliorations of the
symptoms of the condition; and/or (4) curing the condition. The
treatment may be administered before the onset of the condition for
a prophylactic action or it may be administered after initiation of
the condition for a therapeutic action.
[0040] As used herein, the term "physiologically acceptable salts
or prodrugs" refers to salts or prodrugs that are, within the scope
of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the
tissues of patients without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic
response, and the like, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk
ratio, and effective for their intended use.
[0041] The term "salts" refers to any acid addition or base
addition salt that retains the biological activity and properties
of the corresponding free base or free acid, respectively, and that
is not biologically or otherwise undesirable. Acid addition salts
are formed with inorganic acids (e.g., hydrochloric, hydrobromic,
sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric acids, and the like); and organic
acids (e.g., acetic, propionic, pyruvic, maleic, malonic, succinic,
fumaric, tartaric, citric, benzoic, mandelic, methanesulfonic,
ethanesulfonic, p-toluenesulfonic, salicylic acids, and the life).
Base addition salts can be formed with inorganic bases (e.g.,
sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, zinc,
aluminum salts, and the like) and organic bases (e.g., salts of
primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, substituted amines
including naturally-occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines and
basic ion exchange resins, such as isopropylamine, trimethylamine,
diethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, ethanolamine,
2-dimethyl-aminoethanol, 2-diethylaminoethanol, trimethamine,
dicyclohexylamine, lysine, arginine, histidine, caffeine, procaine,
hydrabamine, choline, betaine, ethylenediamine, glucosamine,
methylglucamine, theobromine, purines, piperazine, piperidine,
N-ethylpiperidine, polyamine resins, and the like).
[0042] The term "prodrug" refers to a compound that, upon in vivo
administration, is metabolized or otherwise converted to the
biologically, pharmaceutically or therapeutically active form of
the compound. The prodrug may be designed to alter the metabolic
stability or the transport characteristics of a compound, to mask
side effects or toxicity, to improve the flavor of a compound
and/or to alter other characteristics or properties of a compound.
By virtue of knowledge of pharmacodynamic processes and drug
metabolisms in vivo, once a pharmaceutically active compound is
identified, those of skill in the pharmaceutical art generally can
design prodrugs of the compound (Nogrady, "Medicinal Chemistry A
Biochemical Approach", 1985, Oxford University Press: N.Y., pages
388-392). Procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable
prodrugs are also known in the art. In the context of the present
invention, a prodrug is preferably a compound that, upon in vivo
administration, is metabolized or otherwise converted to a
resolvin.
[0043] As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier or excipient" refers to a carrier medium or an excipient
which does not interfere with the effectiveness of the biological
activity of the active ingredients and which is not excessively
toxic to the host at the concentrations at which it is
administered. The term includes solvents, dispersion media,
coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic agents,
absorption delaying agents, and the like. The use of such media and
agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the
art (see, for example, "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences", E. W.
Martin, 18.sup.th Ed., 1990, Mack Publishing Co.: Easton, Pa.,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).
[0044] As used herein, the term "osteoinductive" refers to the
ability of a compound, composition, process or material to induce
the production of osteoblasts from precursor cells, in particular
mesenchymal stem cells. The osteoinductive compound, composition,
process or material may act directly (e.g., such as a growth factor
which interacts with precursor cells to induce the osteoblast
differentiation) or it may act indirectly by inducing the
production of osteoinductive growth factors.
[0045] As used herein, the term "osteoconductive" refers to the
ability of a compound, composition, process or material to provide
an environment for ingrowth and orientation of osteogenic cells
from surrounding tissues.
[0046] As used herein, the term "osteogenic" refers to the ability
of a compound, composition, process or material to cause (e.g.,
initiate, promote, facilitate, accelerate, enhance, stimulate, and
the like) bone formation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] As mentioned above, the present invention provides methods
and compositions for preventing bone loss and/or enhancing bone
growth in a vertebrate subject (human or animal). The inventive
methods generally comprise administration of at least one resolvin.
The methods of the present invention, which are non-surgical,
non-invasive and safe, can be used for the treatment and/or
prevention of disease states or conditions associated with bone
degradation, bone deterioration or bone degeneration including, but
not limited to, periodontal disease, osteoarthritis, metastatic
bone disease, and osteolytic bone disease.
I--Resolvins
[0048] The methods of the present invention include administration
of at least one resolvin. As used herein the term "resolvin"
encompasses resolvins, resolvin derivatives and analogs, as well as
physiologically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof. In certain
embodiments, a single resolvin is administered to the subject. In
other embodiments, two or more resolvins are administered to the
subject. In such embodiments, administration of the resolvins may
be simultaneous (i.e., administration at essentially the same time,
e.g., in the form of a mixture of resolvins) or sequential (i.e.,
administration of the different resolvins at different times).
[0049] Resolvins are compounds generated from the interactions
between a dietary omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) such as
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA),
cyclooxygenase-II (COX-2) and an analgesic, such as aspirin ASA. It
was recently demonstrated that ASA treatment of murine in vivo and
human tissues in vitro carrying COX-2 initiates the production of
novel 17R-hydroxy series docosanoids via previously undescribed
pro-inflammatory responses (i.e., cytokine production,
peritonitis). During stress, these cellular pathways utilize
omega-3 fatty acids to biosynthesize endogenous compounds that
serve in anti-inflammation signaling. These new di- and
tri-hydroxy-containing compounds derived from omega-3 fatty acids
were termed "resolvins", because they (a) are formed within the
resolution phase of acute inflammatory response, at least in part,
as cell-cell interactions products, (b) "stop" neutrophil entry to
sites of inflammation, and (c) reduce exudates (C. N. Serhan et al.
J. Exp. Med., 2002, 196; 1025-1037).
[0050] Compounds derived from eicosapentaenoic acid are designated
as belonging to the E series, given their EPA precursor, and
denoted as Resolvins of the E series (e.g., Resolvin E1 or RvE1).
Compounds derived from docosahexaenoic acid are denoted as
Resolvins of the D series (e.g., Resolvin D1 or RvD1).
[0051] Resolvins suitable for use in the methods of the present
invention can be any member of the family of compounds known as
resolving, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,949,664;
U.S. Pat. Appln. Nos. 2005-0238589, 2005-0228047, 2005-0075398,
2004-0116408; and 2003-0191184; PCT application Nos. WO
2005/089744, WO 2005/013908, WO 2004/014835, WO 2003/084305, and WO
2003/053423; and European Pat. Appln. No. EP 1 537 067 (each of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Other
suitable resolvins include those described, for example, in C. N.
Serhan et al., J. Exp. Med., 2002, 196; 1025-1037; S. Hong et al.,
J. Biol. Chem., 2003, 278; 14677-14687; V. L. Marcheselli et al.,
J. Biol. Chem., 2003, 278: 43807-43817; C. N. Serhan and N. Chiang,
Rheum. Dis. Clin. North Am., 2004, 30: 69-95; C. N. Serhan et al.,
Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat., 2004, 73: 155-172; C. N. Serhan
et al., Histochem. Cell Biol., 2004, 122: 305-321; C. N. Serhan et
al., Lipid, 2004, 39: 1125-1132; C. N. Serhan, Pharmacol. Ther.,
2005, 105: 7-21; C. N. Serhan, Curr. Opin. Clin. Nutr. Metab. Care,
2005, 8: 115-121; G. L. Bannenberg et al., J. Immunol., 2005, 174:
4345-4355; U. N. Das, Med. Sci. Monit., 2005, 11: RA233-237; and U.
N. Das, J. Assoc. Physicians India, 2005, 53: 623-527; each of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).
[0052] In certain embodiments, Resolvin E1 is used for enhancing or
promoting bone growth and/or preventing or reducing bone loss.
Resolvin E1 belongs to an array of natural bioactive lipids that
are generated in vivo from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by
aspirin modified COX-2 (C. N. Serhan et al., J. Exp. Med., 2000,
192: 1197; C. N. Serhan et al., J. Exp. Med., 2002, 196: 1025). The
Examples section below describes experiments in which Resolvin E1
is used.
[0053] Resolvins used in the methods and compositions of the
present invention may be prepared in vivo or in vitro and then
substantially purified and isolated by techniques known in the art
(see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,396, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety). Without limitation, the
purity of the compounds is generally at least about 90%, preferably
at least about 95%, and most preferably at least about 99%. Certain
Resolvins used in the inventive methods may be prepared by
chemically modifying one or more purified compounds. For example, a
purified compound may be chemically modified into a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug. Additionally or
alternatively, one or more hydroxy, thiol or amino groups of the
molecule may be protected using methods well known in the art.
Resolvins can also be manufactured independently using conventional
synthetic methods.
II--Methods of Enhancing Bone Growth and/or Preventing Bone
Loss
[0054] Methods of the present invention may be used to prevent,
inhibit, or reduce bone loss/resorption. Alternatively or
additionally, methods of the present invention may be used to
increase, enhance, improve or promote bone growth. For example,
certain inventive methods may be used to treat, prevent or delay
bone degradation, bone degeneration, and/or bone deterioration; to
increase or maintain/stabilize bone mass and/or bone density;
and/or to reverse bone loss, bone degradation, bone degeneration
and/or bone deterioration.
[0055] In the methods of the present invention, resolvins may be
administered prior to the onset of a pathophysiological condition
associated with bone loss for a prophylactic action, or they may be
administered after initiation of the condition for a therapeutic
action.
[0056] Generally, the vertebrate subject (human or other mammal)
that can be treated using methods of the present invention suffer
from a disease or condition associated with bone loss or are
susceptible to a disease or condition associated with bone loss
(e.g., exhibit a high or higher risk of developing such a disease
or condition, or have been diagnosed with a disease state or
condition that is known to cause, to result in or to be associated
with bone loss).
[0057] Disease states and conditions associated with bone loss that
may be treated and/or prevented using the inventive methods include
any condition that is characterized by, is accompanied with, is
associated with, results in, or induces bone degradation, bone
deterioration or bone degeneration, for example leading to loss in
bone mass and/or loss in bone density. Examples of such conditions
include, but are not limited to, periodontal disease such as
periodontitis; bone fracture or deficiency; osteoarthritis;
metastatic bone disease; and osteolytic bone disease. Other
examples of such conditions include, without limitation, cancers
and tumors (such as osteosarcoma and multiple myeloma), renal
disease (including acute renal failure, chronic renal failure,
renal bone dystrophy and renal reperfusion injury), kidney disease,
and premature ovarian failure. Thus, the methods of the present
invention may be used for preventing bone loss, for filling in bone
defects, stimulating rapid fusion of bone fractures, grafts, and
bone-prostheses, and promoting strengthening of osteoporotic
bones.
[0058] In certain methods of the present invention, resolvins are
administered in combination with at least one therapeutic agent
that inhibits bone resorption or that promotes bone growth. For
example, such an agent can be a bone morphogenetic factor, an
anti-resorptive agent, an osteogenic factor, a cartilage-derived
morphogenetic protein, a growth hormone, an estrogen, a
biphosphonate, a statin, a differentiation factor, or combinations
thereof.
[0059] In some methods of the present invention, resolvins are
administered in combination with one or more additional therapeutic
agents. Examples of additional therapeutic agents include, but are
limited to, analgesics, anesthetics, antimicrobial agents,
antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, antifungal agents,
antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, antiseptic
agents, immunostimulating agents, and combinations thereof. For
example, such agents can be antimicrobial compounds and/or
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). In certain
embodiments, the additional therapeutic agent or agents are COX-2
inhibitors, such as selective COX-2 inhibitors, e.g., celecoxib,
rofecoxib, and/or valdecoxib. In such embodiments, the resolvin and
other agents can be administered sequentially or
concomitantly/simultaneously.
[0060] Alternatively or additionally, resolvins may be administered
in combination with (i.e., prior to, concomitant with, and/or
following) a medical procedure. For example, the medical procedure
may be a surgical intervention to eliminate a periodontal pocket
and/or to recontour the bone, or a selective reshaping of tooth
surfaces in a subject suffering from a periodontal disease.
Alternatively, the medical procedure may be bone grafting, surgical
tumor removal, and the like.
III--Resolvin Compositions
[0061] In another aspect, the present invention provides
pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one resolvin, at
least one therapeutic agent, and at least one pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier or excipient. In certain embodiments, the
therapeutic agent is selected for its ability to limit bone loss
and/or its ability to promote or enhance bone growth. Alternatively
or additionally, the therapeutic agent is selected for its ability
to increase, stimulate, exacerbate, facilitate or accelerate the
action of the resolvin. Alternatively or additionally, the presence
of the therapeutic agent imparts to the composition at least one
additional therapeutic property/activity (e.g., anti-inflammatory,
antibiotic and/or analgesic activity). In certain embodiments, such
additional therapeutic activity is beneficial to bone health and/or
to health of tissues surrounding bone.
[0062] Examples of therapeutic agents that can be used in the
compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited
to, bone morphogenetic factors, anti-resorptive agents, osteogenic
factors, cartilage derived morphogenetic proteins, growth hormones,
estrogens, biphosphonates, statins, differentiation factors, and
combinations thereof. Other examples of therapeutic agents suitable
for use in the inventive compositions, but are not limited to,
analgesics, anesthetics, antimicrobial agents, antibacterial
agents, antiviral agents, antifungal agents, antibiotics,
anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, antiseptic agents,
immunostimulating agents, and combinations thereof.
[0063] As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art,
a therapeutic agent may be a synthetic or naturally-occurring
compound; a single molecule, a complex of different molecules or a
mixture/composition of different molecules.
Therapeutic Agents for Bone Growth Stimulation or Bone Loss
Prevention
[0064] In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions of the
present invention comprise a therapeutic agent that promotes bone
growth or inhibits bone resorption. As used herein, the term
"therapeutic agent that promotes bone growth or inhibits bone
resorption" refers to any compound, agent, factor or composition
that directly or indirectly has a beneficial/therapeutic effect on
a bone or bone tissue undergoing degradation, degeneration,
deterioration, loss of bone mass and/or loss of bone density. In
certain embodiments, the therapeutic agent promotes (i.e.,
initiate, facilitate, accelerate, enhance, increase, stimulate, and
the like) bone formation/growth. In other embodiments, the
therapeutic agent inhibits (i.e., prevents, reduces, minimizes,
limits, delays, maintains, stabilizes, and the like) bone
loss/resorption. In still other embodiments, the therapeutic agent
promotes bone formation and inhibits bone resorption.
[0065] For example, the therapeutic agent may be a biomolecule that
is naturally present within the body and/or that is naturally
secreted at a site undergoing bone growth/formation and plays a
role in one or more steps of the bone formation process. As will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, variants, synthetic
analogs, derivatives, and active portions of these biomolecules
can, alternatively, be used in the inventive compositions as long
as they exhibit substantially the same type of property/activity as
the native biomolecule. Such variants, synthetic analogs,
derivatives or active portions are intended to be within the scope
of the term "therapeutic biomolecule".
[0066] Therapeutic biomolecules may be extracted from mammalian
tissues and used in the present invention either crude or after
purification. Alternatively, they may be prepared chemically or by
conventional genetic engineering techniques, such as via expression
of synthetic genes or of genes altered by site-specific
mutagenesis.
[0067] Therapeutic agents that increase bone mass or bone density
include, but are not limited to, growth factors (such as IGF-1,
IGF-2, macrophage growth factor, platelet derived growth factors
(PFGDs), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), epidermal growth factors
(EGFs), transforming growth factors (TGFs), cartilage-derived
morphogenic protein (CDMP-1, CDMP-2, CDMP-3) and connective tissue
activating peptides (CTAPs), minerals (such as calcium, aluminum,
strontium and fluoride), vitamins (such as Vitamin D3), hormones
(such as parathyroid hormone (PTH), and parathyroid hormone related
protein (PTHrP)); prostaglandins (such as PDG1, PDG2, PGE2, PGE1
and PGF2); inhibitors of 15-lipoxygenase; dexamethasone; statins;
and bone morphogenic proteins (such as BMP-2, BMP-4 and BMP-7).
[0068] In certain embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a
transforming growth factor beta (TGF-.beta.). TGF-.beta.s are
extracellular polypeptides that are implicated in a broad range of
biological processes (J. Massague, Annu. Rev. Cell. Biol., 1990, 6:
597-641) and play a central role in key events during
embryogenesis, adult tissue repair, and immunosuppression (M. B.
Sporn and A. B. Roberts, J. Cell. Mol., 1992, 119: 1017-1021; S. W.
Wahl, J. Clin. Immunol., 1992, 12: 61-74; D. M. Kingsley, Genes
Dev., 1994, 8: 133-146). TGF-.beta. is known to evoke proliferation
and differentiation of osteoblasts (M. Centrella et al., J. Bone
Join. Surg., 1991, 73: 1418-1428; T. A. Mustoe et al., Science,
1987, 237: 1333-1336; L. S. Beck et al., J. Bone Miner. Res., 1991,
6: 961-968). TGF-.beta. is also known to play an important role in
the early phase of osteogenesis (S. Dieudonne et al., J. Cell.
Biochem., 1999, 76: 231-243). TGF-.beta. to be used in the
inventive compositions may be produced from recombinant cell
cultures. Alternatively, TGF-0 .beta. ay be derived from blood
platelets or any other mammalian tissue using any suitable method.
Preferably, TGF-.beta. is derived from human tissue. However, since
TGF-.beta. is not species specific, it may, alternatively, be
derived from animal sources such as bone or porcine sources. In
certain cases, TGF-.beta. is preferably purified to essential
homogeneity using, for example, sequential gel filtration,
cation-exchange chromatography, or high performance liquid
chromatography.
[0069] In other embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a bone
morphogenic protein (BMP). BMP is a bone-forming protein that has
been reported to stimulate pluripotential cells to be
differentiated into chondrocytes and osteogenesis cells, and to
play an important role in bone regeneration (M. R. Urist, Science,
1965, 150: 893-899; M. R. Urist and B. S. Strates, J. Dent. Res.,
1971, 50: 1392-1406; J. M. Wozney, Mol. Reprod. Dev., 1992, 32:
160-167; J. M. Wozney et al., Science, 1988, 242: 1528-1534; I. Ono
et al., Craniofac. Surg., 1996, 7: 418-425). BMPs that may be used
in the present invention include, but are not limited to, BMP-1,
BMP-2.alpha., BMP-2.beta., BMP-3 .beta., MP-4, BMP-5, BMP-6, BMP-7,
BMP-8 .beta., BMP-9, BMP-10, BMP-11, BMP-12, BMP-13, BMP-14, and
BMP-15.
[0070] In still other embodiments, the composition comprises
sources of calcium and phosphate to locally enhance the soluble
concentration of dissolved calcium (Ca.sup.2+) and phosphate
(PO.sub.4.sup.-) within and around the site of application of the
composition. The calcium source and the phosphate source may be the
same material or may be different materials. Suitable sources of
calcium for use in the present invention include any acidic calcium
salt, such as calcium phosphate salts (e.g., monocalcium phosphate,
calcium phosphate dihydrate (also known as dical), and calcium
pyrophosphate ) or calcium citrate salts. Suitable sources of
phosphate for use in the present invention include any phosphate
salt, such as calcium phosphate salts (e.g., acidic calcium
phosphate salts) and sodium phosphate salts. Examples of acidic
calcium phosphate salts include hydrogen phosphate dihydrate,
monocalcium phosphate, and calcium pyrophosphate.
[0071] In yet other embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a statin.
The terms "statins" and "HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors" are used
herein interchangeably and refer to compounds that inhibit the
enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase.
HMG-CoA reductase is the principal rate-limiting enzyme involved in
cellular cholesterol biosynthesis. Statins enhance the production
of osteoblasts, the cells that produce new bone, and enhance
osteoblast differentiation (E. Harris et al., Mol. Cell. Diff.,
1995, 3: 137-147; G. Mundy et al., Science, 1999, 286: 1946-1949).
In particular, statins have been shown to promote BMP production
systematically or in fracture sites (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,022,887;
6,080,779; and 6,376,476). Examples of statins suitable for use in
the present invention include, but are not limited to, lovastatin,
pravastatin, velostatin, simvastatin, fluvastatin, cerivastatin,
mevastatin, dalvastatin, fluindostatin, atorvastatin, a prodrug
thereof, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof.
[0072] Agents that prevent bone loss/resorption that can be used in
the present invention include, but are not limited to, progestins,
estrogen, estrogen/progestin combinations, estrone, estriol,
17.alpha.- or 17.beta.-ethynyl estradiol, SB242784,
polyphosphonates, and bisphosphonates. Commercially available
bisphosphonates include, etidronate, clodronate, tiludronate,
alendronate, pamidronate, and ibandronate.
Pain Relieving Agents
[0073] The present invention provides compositions that can be used
to prevent or alleviate pain, soreness or discomfort while
preventing bone loss and/or promoting bone formation. Pain
relieving agents for use in the present invention include, but are
not limited to, compounds, molecules or drugs which have a
temporary analgesic, anesthetic, numbing, relaxing, and/or calming
effect. In certain embodiments, these compounds, molecules or drugs
have a pain-relieving effect when applied topically.
[0074] Analgesics suitable for use in the present invention include
non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs have
analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity. They act
peripherally to provide their analgesic effect by interfering with
the synthesis of prostaglandin, through cyclooxygenase (COX)
inhibition. Thera are many different types of NSAIDs, including
aspirin and other salicylates. Examples include, but are not
limited to, ibuprofen, naproxen, sulindac, diclofenac, piroxicam,
ketoprofen, diflunisal, nabumetone, etodolac, oxaprozin, and
indomethacin. Several of the more potent NSAIDs have been developed
into topical products for local applications to painful areas of
the body.
[0075] Anesthetics, such as xylocaine, lidocaine or benzocaine (or
other drugs such as those described below) may be added to an
analgesic compositions of the present invention to provide an
immediate but short-term pain relief until the analgesic agent
becomes fully effective. Anesthetics that are suitable for use in
the practice of the present invention include sodium-channel
blockers. Sodium-channel blockers prevent the generation and
conduction of nerve impulses by decreasing or preventing the large
transient increase in the permeability of excitable membranes to
sodium ions, Na.sup.+.
[0076] Examples of sodium-channel blockers include, but are not
limited to, ambucaine, amolanone, amylcaine, benoxinate,
benzocaine, betoxycaine, biphenamine, bupivacaine, butacaine,
butamben, butanilicaine, butethamine, butoxycaine, carticaine,
chloroprocaine, cocaethylene, cocaine, cyclomethycaine, dibucaine,
dimethisoquin, dimethocaine, diperodon, dyclonine, ecogonidine,
ecogonine, etidocaine, euprocin, fenalcomine, formocaine,
hexylcaine, hydroxyteteracaine, isobutyl p-aminobenzoate,
leucinocaine, levoxadrol, lidocaine, mepivacaine, meprylcaine,
metabutoxycaine, methyl chloride, myrtecaine, naepaine, octacaine,
orthocaine, oxethazaine, parenthoxycaine, phenacaine, phenol,
piperocaine, piridocaine, polidocanol, pramoxine, prilocaine,
procaine, propanocaine, proparacaine, propipocaine, propoxycaine,
pseudococaine, pyrrocaine, ropivacaine, salicyl alcohol,
tetracaine, tolycaine, trimecaine, zolamine, and active
derivatives, prodrugs, analogs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts,
or mixtures thereof.
Anti-Infective Agents
[0077] Anti-infective agents for use in the compositions of the
present invention are compounds, molecules or drugs, which have an
anti-infective activity (i.e., they can decrease the risk of
infection, prevent infection, or inhibit, suppress, combat or
otherwise treat infection). In certain embodiments, these
compounds, molecules or drugs have an anti-infective activity when
applied topically. Anti-infective agents suitable for use in the
present invention include, but are not limited to, antiseptics,
antimicrobial agents, antibiotics, antibacterial agents, antiviral
agents, antifungal agents, anti protozoan agents,
immuno-stimulating agents, and any combinations thereof.
[0078] Antiviral agents may be present in compositions to prevent
viral infection and/or to reduce viral titers at a site. Suitable
antiviral agents include RNA synthesis inhibitors, protein
synthesis inhibitors, immunostimulating agents, and protease
inhibitors. Antiviral agents may, for example, be selected from the
group consisting of acyclovir, amantadine hydrochloride, foscarnet
sodium, ganeiclovir sodium, phenol, ribavirin, vidarabine, and
zidovudine.
[0079] Antifungal agents may be selected from a wide variety of
therapeutic agents. For example, lactic acid (i.e.,
2-hydroxypropanoic acid) is an antifungal agent that is known to
inhibit the growth of pathogens. Sorbic acid (i.e., 2,4-hexadienoic
acid) is a natural antifungal agent that kills Candida albicans.
Other antifungal agents include, but are not limited to,
Amphotericin B, Ciclopirox, Clotrimazole, Enilconazole, Econazole,
Fluconazole, Griseofulvin, Halogropin, Introconazole, Ketoconazole,
Miconazole, Naftifine, Nystatin, Oxiconazole, Sulconazole,
Thiabendazole, Terbinafine, Tolnaftate, Undecylenic acid, Mafenide,
Silver Sulfadiazine, and Carbol-Fushsin.
[0080] Antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents may be selected
from the group consisting of bacitracin; the cephalosporins (such
as cefadroxil, cefazolin, cephalexin, cephalothin, cephapirin,
cephradine, cefaclor, cefamandole, cefonicid, ceforanide,
cefoxitin, cefuroxime, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, cefotetan,
ceftazidime, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone, and meropenem); cycloserine;
fosfomycin, the penicillins (such as amdinocilline, ampicillin,
amoxicillin, azlocillin, bacamipicillin, benzathine penicillin G,
carbenicillin, cloxacillin, cyclacillin, dicloxacillin,
methicillin, mezlocillin, nafcillin, oxacillin, penicillin G,
penicillin V, piperacillin, and ticarcillin); ristocetin;
vancomycin; colistin; novobiocin; the polymyxins (such as colistin,
colistimathate, and polymyxin B); the aminoglycosides (such as
amikacin, gentamicin, kanatriycin, neomycin, netilmiein,
paromomycin, spectinomycin, streptomycin, and tobramycin), the
tetracyclines (such as demeclocycline, doxycycline, methacycline,
minocycline, and oxytetracycline); carbapenems (such as imipenem);
monobactams (such as aztreonam); chloramphenicol; clindamycin;
cycloheximide; fucidin; lincomyein; puromycin; rifampicin; other
streptomycins; the macrolides (such as erythromycin and
oleandomycin); the fluoroquinolones; actinomycin; ethambutol;
5-fluorocytosine; griseofulvin; rifamycins; the sulfonamides (such
as sulfacytine, sulfadiazine, sulfisoxazole, sulfamethoxazole,
sulfamethizole, and sulfapyridine); and trimethoprim.
[0081] Other suitable antibacterial agents include, but are not
limited to, bismuth containing compounds (such as bismuth
aluminate, bismuth subcitrate, bismuth subgalate, and bismuth
subsalicylate); nitrofurans (such as nitrofurazone, nitrofurantoin,
and furozolidone); metronidazole; tinidazole; nimorazole; and
benzoic acid.
[0082] Antiseptic agents may be selected from the group consisting
of benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen
peroxide, hexachlorophene, phenol, resorcinol, and cetylpyridinium
chloride.
[0083] Immunostimulating agents suitable for use in the inventive
compositions may be selected from a wide range of therapeutic
agents, such as interleukin 1 agonists, interleukin 2 agonists,
interferon agonists, RNA synthesis inhibitors, and T cell
stimulating agents.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
[0084] The present invention provides anti-inflammatory
compositions that can be used to reduce the duration and/or
severity of inflammation, while preventing bone loss and/or
promoting bone formation. Anti-inflammatory agents for use in the
present invention are compounds, molecules or drugs which have an
anti-inflammatory activity (i.e., they can prevent or reduce the
duration and/or severity of inflammation; prevent or reduce injury
to tissue; and/or provide relief from at least one of the
manifestations of inflammation such as erythema, swelling, tissue
ischemia, fever, and the like). In certain embodiments, these
compounds, molecules or drugs have an anti-inflammatory activity
when applied topically.
[0085] Anti-inflammatory agents suitable for use in the present
invention may be selected from a wide variety of steroidal and
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Examples of NSAIDs can be
found above. Examples of steroidal anti-inflammatory agents
include, but are not limited to, aclomethasone dipropionate,
flunisolide, fluticasone, budesonide, triamcinolone, triamcinoline
acetonide, beclomethasone diproprionate, betamethasone valerate,
betamethasone diproprionate, hydrocortisone, cortisone,
dexamethason, mometasone furoate, prednisone, methylprednisolone
aceponate, and prednisolone.
[0086] Anti-inflammatory agents may, alternatively or additionally,
be selected from the wide variety of compounds, molecules, and
drugs exhibiting antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are agents that
can prevent or reduce oxidative damage to tissue. Antioxidants may
be selected from the group consisting of vitamin A (retinal),
vitamin B (3,4-didehydroretinol), vitamin C (D-ascorbic acid,
L-ascorbic acid), .alpha.-carotene, .beta.-carotene,
.gamma.-carotene, .delta.-carotene, vitamin E (.alpha.-tocopherol),
.beta.-tocopherol, .gamma.-tocopherol, .delta.-tocopherol,
tocoquinone, tocotrienol, butylated hydroxy anisole, cysteine, and
active derivatives, analogs, precursors, prodrugs, pharmaceutically
acceptable salts or mixtures thereof.
[0087] The amount of therapeutic agent(s) (e.g., osteogenic
factors, growth hormones, analgesic, anti-inflammatory agent)
present in a composition of the invention may vary depending upon
the dosage recommended or permitted for the particular therapeutic
agent, as well as the type of bone loss being treated and the
presence and nature of other ingredients/components in the
composition. In certain embodiments, the amount of therapeutic
agent present is the ordinary dosage required to obtain the desired
result through topical administration. Such dosages are either
known to or readily determined by the skilled practitioner in the
pharmaceutical or medical arts.
IV--Formulation, Dosage and Administration of Resolvins
[0088] Resolvins may be administered per se or as a pharmaceutical
composition, admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or
excipient. Resolvins, or pharmaceutical compositions thereof, can
be administered to a subject using any suitable means. In general,
suitable means of administration include, but are not limited to,
topical, oral, parenteral (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous or
intramuscular), rectal, intracisternal, intravaginal,
introperitoneal, ocular or nasal routes. In certain preferred
embodiments, resolving or compositions thereof are administered
topically.
[0089] Depending on the mode of administration, resolvins or
compositions thereof may be in the form of liquid, solid, or
semi-solid dosage preparations. For example, the compositions may
be formulated as solutions, dispersions, suspensions, emulsions,
mixtures, lotions, liniments, jellies, ointments, creams, pastes,
gels, hydrogels, aerosols, sprays, microcapsules, microspheres,
nanoparticles, pellets, agarose or chitosan beads, capsules,
granules, granulates, powders, plasters, bandages, sheets, foams,
films, sponges, dressings, drenches, bioadsorbable patches, sticks,
delivery devices and implants.
[0090] For topical administration to the oral cavity, resolvins or
compositions thereof may be formulated as solutions, suspensions,
dispersions, ointments, creams, pastes including toothpastes, gels,
powders including tooth powders, toothpastes, lozenges, salve,
chewing gum, aerosols, sprays including mouth sprays, pastilles,
sachets, mouthwashes, toothpicks, tablets, capsules, and dental
floss. Such formulations may include topical, oral carriers such as
anti-caries agents, anti-plaque agents, anti-calculus agents,
anti-inflammatory agents, dental abrasives, surfactants, flavoring
agents, sweetening agents, binders, humectants, thickening agents,
buffering agents, preservatives, coloring agents, and pigments,
flavorants, filers, stabilizers, ethanol and water.
Formulation
[0091] Resolvins and pharmaceutical compositions thereof may be
formulated according to general pharmaceutical practice (see, for
example, "Remington's Pharmaceutial Sciences" and "Encyclopedia of
Pharmaceutical Technology", J. Swarbrick, and J. C. Boylan (Eds.),
Marcel Dekker, Inc: New York, 1988).
[0092] Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, vehicles, and/or
excipients for use in the practice of the present invention can be
routinely selected for a particular use by those skilled in the
art. These include, but are not limited to, solvents, buffering
agents, inert diluents or fillers, suspending agents, dispersing or
wetting agents, preservatives, stabilizers, chelating agents,
emulsifying agents, anti-foaming agents, gel-forming agents,
ointment bases, penetration enhancers, humectants, and
emollients.
[0093] Examples of solvents are water, alcohols, vegetable, marine
and mineral oils, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycols,
glycerol, and liquid polyalkylsiloxanes. Inert diluents or fillers
may be sucrose, sorbitol, sugar, mannitol, microcrystalline
cellulose, starches, calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, lactose,
calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, or sodium phosphate. Examples
of buffering agents include citric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid,
hydrogenophosphoric acid, and diethylamine. Suitable suspending
agents are, for example, naturally occurring gums (e.g., acacia,
arabic, xanthan, and tragacanth gum), celluloses (e.g.,
carboxymethyl-, hydroxyethyl-, hydroxypropyl-, and
hydroxyproplmethyl-cellulose), alginates and chitosans. Examples of
dispersing or wetting agents are naturally occurring phosphatides
(e.g., lecithin or soybean lecithin), condensation products of
ethylene oxide with fatty acids or with long chain aliphatic
alcohols (e.g., polyoxyethylene stearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitol
monooleate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate).
[0094] Preservatives may be added to a resolvin or pharmaceutical
composition thereof to prevent microbial contamination that can
affect the stability of the formulation and cause infection in the
patient. Suitable examples of preservatives include parabens (such
as methyl, ethyl, propyl, p-hydroxybenzoate, butyl, isobutyl, and
isopropylparaben), potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, benzoic acid,
methyl benzoate, phenoxyethanol, bronopol, bronidox, MDM hydantoin,
iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, benzalconium chloride, cetrimide, and
benzylalcohol. Examples of chelating agents include sodium EDTA and
citric acid.
[0095] Examples of emulsifying agents are naturally occurring gums,
naturally occurring phosphatides (e.g., soybean lecithin; sorbitan
mono-oleate derivatives), sorbitan esters, monoglycerides, fatty
alcohols, and fatty acid esters (e.g., triglycerides of fatty
acids). Anti-foaming agents usually facilitate manufacture, they
dissipate foam by destabilizing the air-liquid interface and allow
liquid to drain away from air pockets. Examples of anti-foaming
agents include simethicone, dimethicone, ethanol, and ether.
[0096] Examples of gel bases or viscosity-increasing agents are
liquid paraffin, polyethylene, fatty oils, colloidal silica or
aluminum, glycerol, propylene glycol, carboxyvinyl polymers,
magnesium-aluminum silicates, hydrophilic polymers (such as, for
example, starch or cellulose derivatives), water-swellable
hydrocolloids, carragenans, hyaluronates, and alginates. Ointment
bases suitable for use in the practice of the present invention may
be hydrophobic or hydrophilic, and include paraffin, lanolin,
liquid polyalkylsiloxanes, cetanol, cetyl palmitate, vegetable
oils, sorbitan esters of fatty acids, polyethylene glycols, and
condensation products between sorbitan esters of fatty acids,
ethylene oxide (e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate), and
polysorbates.
[0097] Examples of humectants are ethanol, isopropanol glycerin,
propylene glycol, sorbitol, lactic acid, and urea. Suitable
emollients include cholesterol and glycerol. Examples of skin
protectants include vitamin E, allatoin, glycerin, zinc oxide,
vitamins, and sunscreen agents.
[0098] Resolvin pharmaceutical compositions may, alternatively or
additionally, comprise other types of excipients including,
thickening agents, bioadhesive polymers, and permeation enhancing
agents.
[0099] Thickening agents are generally used to increase viscosity
and improve bioadhesive properties of pharmaceutical compositions.
Examples of thickening agents include, but are not limited to,
celluloses, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, naturally
occurring gums, gelatin, karaya, pectin, alginic acid, and
povidone. Particularly interesting are thickening agents with
thixotropic properties (i.e., agents whose viscosity is decreased
by shaking or stirring). The presence of such an agent in a
composition allows the viscosity of the composition to be reduced
at the time of administration to facilitate its local application
and, to increase after application so that the composition remains
at the site of administration.
[0100] Bioadhesive polymers are useful to hydrate skin or mucosa
and enhance its permeability. Bioadhesive polymers can also
function as thickening agents. Examples of bioadhesive polymers
include, but are not limited to, pectin, alginic acid, chitosan,
polysorbates, poly(ethyleneglycol), oligosaccharides and
polysaccharides, cellulose esters and cellulose ethers, and
modified cellulose polymers.
[0101] Permeation enhancing agents are vehicles containing specific
agents that affect the delivery of active components through the
skin/mucosa. Permeation enhancing agents are generally divided into
two classes: solvents and surface active compounds (amphiphilic
molecules). Examples of solvent permeation enhancing agents include
alcohols (e.g., ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol), dimethyl
formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1-dodecylazocyloheptan-2-one,
N-decyl-methylsulfoxide, lactic acid, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide,
N-methyl pyrrolidone, nonane, oleic acid, petrolatum, polyethylene
glycol, propylene glycol, salicylic acid, urea, terpenes, and
trichloroethanol. The surfactant permeation enhancing agent in the
present inventive pharmaceutical compositions may be nonionic,
amphoteric, cationic, or zwitterionic. Suitable nonioinic
surfactants include poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropylene) block
copolymers, commercially known as poloxamers; ethoxylated
hydrogenated castor oils; polysorbates, such as Tween 20 or Tween
80. Amphoteric surfactants include quaternized imidazole
derivatives, cationic surfactants include cetypyridinium chloride,
and zwitterionic surfactants include the betaines and
sulfobetaines.
Controlled Release of Resolvins
[0102] In certain embodiments, resolvins pharmaceutical
compositions are formulated to provide a local controlled release
of one or more of the active components. Any pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier vehicle or formulation suitable for local
administration may be employed. Slow release formulations known in
the art include coated pellets, polymer formulations (such as
vesicles or liposomes), microparticles (e.g., microspheres or
microcapsules).
[0103] A wide variety of biodegradable materials may be used to
provide controlled release. The controlled release material should
be biocompatible and be degraded, dissolved or absorbed in situ in
a safe and pharmaceutically acceptable manner so that the material
is removed from the site of administration by natural tissue
processes and in a suitable amount of time (e.g., less than one
year, less than 6 months, and less than one month, less than one
week, less than one day or less than a few hours). The controlled
release carrier should not cause any unwanted local tissue
reaction, nor should it induce systemic or local toxicity.
[0104] Suitable controlled release biodegradable polymers for use
in the formulation of the compositions of the invention may
comprise polylactides, polyglycolides, poly(lacitde-co-glycolides),
polyanhydrides, polyorthoesters, polycaprolactones,
poly-saccharides, poly-phosphazenes, proteinaceous polymers and
their soluble derivatives (such as gelation biodegradable synthetic
polypeptides, alkylated collagen, and alkylated elastin), soluble
derivatives of polysaccharides, polypeptides, polyesters, and
polyorthoesters.
[0105] The pharmacokinetic release profile of these formulations
may be first order, zero order, bi- or multi-phasic, to provide the
desired therapeutic effect over the desired period of time. A
desired release profile can be achieved by using a mixture of
polymers having different release rates and/or different percents
loading of the component(s) of the composition. Methods for the
manufacture of coated-pellets, liposomes, microspheres and
microcapsules are well known in the art.
Dosage
[0106] Administration of resolvins or compositions of the present
invention will be in a dosage such that the amount delivered is
effective for the intended purpose. The route of administration,
formulation and dosage administered will be dependent upon the
nature, size, and location of the particular site to be treated,
the severity of the bone loss if already present, the presence of
any infection, the age, weight and health condition of the patient
as well as upon the potency, bioavailability, and in vivo half-life
of the composition used. These factors are readily determinable by
the attending physician in the course of the therapy. Alternatively
or additionally, the dosage to be administered can be determined
from studies using animal models for the particular type of
site/disease to be treated. The total dose required for each
treatment may be administered by multiple doses or in a single
dose. Adjusting the dose to achieve maximal efficacy based on these
or other methods are well known in the art and are within the
capabilities of trained physicians. As studies are conducted,
further information will emerge regarding the appropriate dosage
levels and duration of treatment for various types of bone loss or
degradation.
Administration
[0107] The mode of administration of resolvins or resolvin
compositions of the invention will mainly depend on the form of the
preparation chosen. For example, gels, lotions, creams and
ointments may be manually applied or sprayed (either with a
manually-activated pump or with the aid of a suitable
pharmaceutically acceptable propellant) onto the surface area in
need of treatment. Alternatively, a brush, syringe, spatula or a
specifically designed container (such as a tube with a narrow tip)
can be used to apply the preparation.
[0108] In certain embodiments, resolvins or pharmaceutical
compositions thereof are used during or after surgery (e.g.,
intervention to eliminate a periodontal pocket and/or recontour the
bone, selective reshaping of tooth surfaces, bone grafting, tumor
ablation and the like). Under such circumstances, resolvins or
pharmaceutical compositions thereof can be applied to the bone
being surgically treated, for example, before closure using
sutures, stapes, adhesive strips or tissue adhesives. The
composition may, for example, comprise an analgesic and/or
anesthetic agent to provide local anesthesia or numbness during
closure and/or to prevent or reduce pain during and after the
operative procedure. Alternatively or additionally, the composition
may comprise an anti-infective agent to prevent infection. When the
surgical procedure is related to cancer tumor ablation, the
composition may further comprise a chemotherapeutic anti-cancer
agent to prevent regrowth of the tumor from any residual cancer
cells. When the surgical procedure involves bone grafting, the
composition may further comprise an immunosuppressant to prevent
graft rejection.
V--Kits
[0109] In another aspect, the present invention provides kits
comprising at least one resolvin and at least one therapeutic agent
that promotes bone growth or inhibits bone resorption. The at least
one resolvin and at least one therapeutic agent in the kit may be
provided separately or as a mixture.
[0110] For example, a kit may comprise two separate containers,
with the first container comprising the resolvin or a composition
thereof, and the second container comprising the therapeutic agent
or a composition thereof. A kit may alternatively comprise two
separate containers, with the first container comprising a mixture
or composition comprising the resolvin and therapeutic agent, and
the second container comprising a suitable medium intended to be
added to the first container before use in order to obtain a
ready-to-use composition. Alternatively or additionally, a kit may
be composed of a container comprising a mixture or composition
comprising the resolvin and therapeutic agent and a tool (e.g.,
brush, syringe, spatula) to be used to apply the mixture or
composition of the first composition.
[0111] In certain embodiments, the individual containers (e.g.,
vials, ampoules, flasks, bottles, tubes with a narrow tips) are
maintained in close confinement for commercial use.
[0112] An inventive kit may further comprise instructions for using
the resolvin and therapeutic agent (and any other additional agents
and reagents) according to the present invention. Instructions for
using the kit according to one or more methods of the invention may
comprise information about the indications, preferred mode(s) of
administration, preferred regimen(s), preferred dosages, potential
side effects, and the like. The kits may also comprise a notice in
the form prescribed by a government agency (e.g., FDA) regulating
the manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals. An identifier,
e.g., a bar code, radio frequency, ID tags, etc., may be present in
or on the kit. The identifier can be used, for example, to uniquely
identify the kit for purposes of quality control, inventory
control, tracking movement between workstations, etc. In certain
embodiments of the invention, the kits are manufactured in
accordance with good manufacturing practices as required by
government agency--(e.g., FDA) approved pharmaceuticals.
EXAMPLES
[0113] The following examples describe some of the preferred modes
of making and practicing the present invention. However, it should
be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes
only and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.
Furthermore, unless the description in an Example is presented in
the past tense, the text, like the rest of the specification, is
not intended to suggest that experiments were actually performed or
data were actually obtained.
Materials and Methods
Animal Model
[0114] Study protocol and experimental design have been reviewed
and approved by the Boston University Medical Center Institutional
Animal Care and Use Committee (BUMC IACUC) prior to study
initiation (IACUC protocol #: AN-13948). In addition, BUMC
Institutional Biohazard Committee (IBC) has approved the use of
Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) in this animal model to
induce periodontal disease (IBC protocol #; A-269).
[0115] New Zealand White rabbits (male, 3.5-4.0 kg each) were used
in the experiments presented herein. The animals were distributed
as follows: Group A: Ligature+P. gingivalis (or "Periodontal
Disease, No Treatment" group); Group B: Ligature+P.
gingivalis+vehicle alone (or "Vehicle" group); Group C: Ligature+P.
gingivalis+Resolvin E1 in vehicle (or "RvE1" group). All animals
were purchased from Pine Acre Farms (Berthoud, Colo.). The weight
of the animals was strictly controlled and all animals weighed
between 3.5-4.0 kg at the time of the initial experimentation. The
animals were kept in individual cages, received water ad libitum,
and were fed with specialized food (chow) for at least 5 days for
acclimatization by experienced and licensed laboratory technicians
at the Laboratory Animal Science Center at BUMC (BUMC LASC).
Experimental Periodontitis
[0116] Ligature placement was performed under general anesthesia
using ketamine (40 mg/kg) and xylazine (5 mg/kg) injections.
Animals had a 3-0 silk suture placed around the second premolar of
both mandibular quadrants. P. gingivalis (strain A74376) was grown
as previously described. Briefly, bacteria were cultured on agar
plates containing trypticase soy agar supplemented with 0.5% (w/v)
yeast extract, 5% defibrinated sheep red blood cells, 5 .mu.g
hemin, and 1 .mu.g/mL vitamin K. Plates were incubated for 3 days
at 37.degree. C. in jars anaerobically maintained through palladium
catalyzed hydrogen/carbon dioxide envelopes (GasPak Plus, BD
Microbiology Systems, Sparks, Md.). Colonies were randomly selected
and anaerobically cultured overnight at 37.degree. C. in
Schaedler's broth supplemented with vitamin K and hemin. Bacteria
numbers were spectrophotometrically determined at 600 nm and
10.sup.9 CFU (0.8 OD) were mixed with carboxymethylcellulose to
form a thick, slurry, which was applied topically to the ligated
teeth. The sutures were checked at every appointment, and lost or
loose sutures were replaced.
Topical Application of Resolvin E1
[0117] As shown on FIG. 1, six weeks after ligature and P.
gingivalis, topical applications were performed every other day for
6 weeks and under the inhalation anesthesia using isoflurane (4.0
MAC/2.0 MAC). In the "Vehicle" group, ethanol (7 .mu.L), which was
used as a carrier vehicle for resolvin E1 and in group C, resolvin
E1 (7 .mu.g/.mu.L) suspended in ethanol was applied. At the end of
the study (i.e., twelve weeks after induction of periodontal
disease by ligature and P. gingivitis), the animals were euthanized
using overdose pentobarbital (euthanasia) injections (120 mg/kg)
according to the protocol approved by the IACUC. No adverse events
were observed during experimental procedures throughout the study
with regard to the animal care and no animals were prematurely lost
during the study.
Morphometric Analysis
[0118] After sacrificing the animals, the mandible was dissected
free of muscles and soft tissue, keeping the attached gingiva
intact with the bone. Then the mandible was split into two halves
from the midline between the central incisors. One half was taken
for morphometric analysis of bone loss and the other half was used
for histological evaluation of periodontitis. Half of the sectioned
mandible was defleshed by immersing in 10% hydrogen peroxide (10
minutes, room temperature). The soft tissue was removed carefully
and then the mandible was stained with methylene blue for good
visual distinction between the tooth and the bone (see FIG. 4).
Next, the bone level around the second premolar was measured
directly by a 0.5 mm calibrated periodontal probe.
[0119] Measurements were made at three points each, at buccal and
lingual sides, for crestal bone level. A mean crestal bone level
around the tooth was calculated. Similarly, for the proximal bone
level, measurements were made at mesial and distal aspects of the
tooth. The measurements were taken from both the buccal and lingual
sides on both proximal aspects of the second premolar and the mean
proximal bone level was calculated. The bone level was also
quantified by Image Analysis (Image-Pro Plus 4.0, Media
Cybernetics, Silver Spring, Md.). The sectioned mandible was
mounted, and photographed using an inverted microscope at
10.times.. The captured image was also analyzed as above and the
mean crestal bone level around the tooth was calculated in
millimeters.
Radiographic Analysis
[0120] The percentage of the tooth within the bone was calculated
radiographically using Bjorn technique (A. Jain et al., Infect.
Immun., 2003, 71: 6012-6018). The radiographs were taken with a
digital X-ray (Schick Technologies Inc., Long Island City, N.Y.).
To quantify bone loss, the length of the tooth from the cusp tip to
the apex of the root was measured, as was the length of the tooth
structure outside the bone, measured from the cusp tip to the
coronal extent of the proximal bone. From these measurements, the
percentage of the tooth within the bone was calculated. Bone values
are expressed as the percentage of the tooth in foe bone (i.e.,
[length of tooth in bone.times.100]/total length of tooth).
Histological Analysis
[0121] For histological analysis, the other half of the mandible
was immersed in a volume of immunocal (Decal Corporation, Tallman,
N.Y.) equal to at least 10 times the size of the section; the
solution was replaced every 24 hours for 72 hours.
[0122] Decalcification was assessed and confirmed by serial
radiographs, which were taken every other day during two weeks.
After decalcification, the tissues were rinsed for 1-3 minutes in
running water, placed in Cal-Arrest (Decal Corporation, Tallman,
N.Y.) in order to neutralize the pH of the tissue, enhance
embedding and staining characteristics, and stop further
decalcification so that the tissue does not become
over-decalcified. The tissue was kept in this solution for 2-3
minutes, rinsed again in flowing deionized water for at least 3
minutes and kept in formalin for at least 24 hours before embedding
in paraffin. Thin sections (5 .mu.m) were cut and sections were
conventionally stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&B) to
identify the cellular composition of the inflammatory infiltrates,
and one hundred seventy 5 .mu.m sections were stained with
tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) to detect osteoelastic
activity.
Results
[0123] FIG, 2 shows the mandibles of rabbits treated either with
ligature and topical P. gingivitis application alone or ligature
and topical P. gingivitis application and which then received
either topical application of vehicle (i.e., ethanol) alone or
topical application of resolvin E1 in ethanol. The soft tissue in
the resolvin-treated group was found to be distinctly healthier
than the control group. As expected, the disease progressed in
those animals treated with vehicle alone. The animals treated with
resolvin showed lower soft tissue pocket depth measurements (see
FIG. 3). More specifically, there was improvement over baseline.
The same results were seen with hard tissue crestal distance
measurements (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). Unexpectedly,
hard-tissue-infrabony pocket depth measurements also showed
improvement over baseline (see FIG. 6), as well as measurements of
tooth mobility (see FIG. 7), leading to the conclusion that
resolvin assisted in deposition of bone (i.e., bone growth).
Other Embodiments
[0124] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from a consideration of the specification or
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and Examples be considered as exemplary only, with
the true scope of the invention being indicated by the following
claims.
* * * * *