Methods of treating osteoarthritis with inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors

Abstract

Methods of treating osteoarthritis by administering an therapeutically effective amount of NOS inhibitor are provided.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of modulating IL-1β levels by administering a therapeutic effective amount of an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor to a patient in need thereof.  
     
     
         2 . A method of decreasing the amount of synovial fluid in a patient in need thereof by administering an effective amount of an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor.  
     
     
         3 . A method of modulating in a patient having osteoarthritis the amount of cartilage degeneration by administering an effective amount of an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the severity of said disease is reduced.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the lesion size is reduced.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the matrix disorganization of the disease is modified.  
     
     
         7 . A method of modulating osteophyte formation and development in a patient in need thereof by administering a therapeutic effective amount of an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor.  
     
     
         8 . A method of modulating cartilage lesions in a patient in need thereof by administering a therapeutic effective amount of an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said lesions are on condyles.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said lesions are on plateaus.  
     
     
         11 . A method of treating osteoarthritis in a patient in need thereof by administering an effective amount of an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor.  
     
     
         12 . A method of preventing osteoarthritis in a patient in need thereof by administering an effective amount of an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor.  
     
     
         13 . A method of modulating metalloproteases by administering a therapeutic effective amount of an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor to a patient in need thereof.  
     
     
         14 . A method of treating acute joint injury by administering a therapeutic effective amount of an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor to a patient in need thereof.