Lipoprotein lipase and lipoprotein lipase activators in the treatment of inflammatory conditions

Abstract

The present invention is directed to compositions which include the enzyme lipoprotein lipase. These compositions may be applied topically to the skin of a person to prevent dryness or treat inflammation. In addition, the invention is directed to the use of fibrates to enhance the activity of lipoprotein lipase. The fibrates may be used orally to treat inflammation or enhance metabolic energy production.

1 - 9 . (canceled)  
     
     
         10 . A method of treating human skin to alleviate or prevent dryness, loss of elasticity inflammation or irritation, said method comprising: 
 (a) mixing a topical skin composition with lipoprotein lipase, wherein:    (i) said topical skin preparation comprises monoglycerides, diglycerides or triglycerides; 
 (ii) said lipoprotein lipase is present in the mixture produced at a concentration of 0.5-500 units per ml;  
   (b) topically applying the mixture of step (a) to said human skin, wherein application is performed within two hours of the time said topical composition and said lipoprotein lipase are mixed.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said lipoprotein lipase is present in the mixture of step (a) at a concentration of 1-200 units per ml.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the application of mixture to skin occurs within thirty minutes after mixing.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the application of mixture to skin occurs within five minutes of mixing.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said human skin is treated for psoriasis or sunburn.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said topical composition is a cream, lotion, lipstick, emulsion, or gel comprising one or more polymers, emulsifiers or moisturizers.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said topical composition further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of: fatty acids; lipophylic vitamins; phospholipids; and antioxidants.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the mixture of said lipoprotein lipase and said topical composition further comprises one or more fibrates.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said lipoprotein lipase is in the form of a lyophilized powder prior to mixing.  
     
     
         19 . A method of stimulating the production of metabolic energy in a person, comprising administering to said person an effective amount of a fibrate.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said fibrate is selected from the group consisting of: bezafibrate; ciprofibrate; clofibrate; fenofibrate; and gemfibrozil.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said fibrate is administered as part of a drink, or food.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said person is administered said fibrate as a treatment for a myopathy.  
     
     
         23 . A method of treating a human to alleviate or prevent dryness, loss of elasticity, inflammation or irritation of the skin, said method comprising administering to said human an effective amount of a monoacylglycerol.  
     
     
         24 . A method of treating a patient for a condition responsive to the inhibition of PPAR-α or RXR, comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of 14′ apocarotenal.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein said patient is treated for insulin resistance or myocardial changes during acute ischemia.