Prevention of adhesions

Abstract

Methods for the prevention of adhesion formation involve the administration of therapeutic formulations to a patient which include antibodies to TIMP-1 or TIMP-1 antisense oligonucleotides. The formulations can also include suitable carriers, such as a hyaluronic acid matrix, for optimal administration. The treatment procedure can be initiated and monitored by a diagnostic procedure which involves the detection of elevated levels of TIMP-1 in a patient.

1 - 10 . (canceled)  
     
     
         11 . A method for reducing adhesion formation in a patient at risk of adhesion formation, comprising administering a therapeutic formulation comprising TIMP-1 antibodies or Fab fragments thereof, or TIMP-1 antisense oligonucleotides, to the patient, wherein the therapeutic formulation is administered in an amount effective to reduce adhesion formation.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the therapeutic formulation comprises TIMP-1 antibodies.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the therapeutic formulation comprises TIMP-1 antisense oligonucleotides.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the TIMP-1 antibodies are monoclonal antibodies.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the TIMP-1 antibodies are polyclonal antibodies.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the therapeutic formulation further comprises a suitable carrier.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the carrier is hyaluronic acid.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the adhesion is caused by trauma.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the adhesion is a surgical adhesion.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the adhesion is a peritoneal adhesion.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the adhesion is a surgical adhesion of intra-peritoneal.  
     
     
         22 . A pharmaceutical formulation comprising TIMP-1 antibodies or Fab fragments thereof, or TIMP-1 antisense oligonucleotides; and a suitable carrier.  
     
     
         23 . The pharmaceutical formulation of  claim 22 , wherein the carrier is hyaluronic acid.  
     
     
         24 . A method of determining whether a human subject is predisposed to develop adhesions during or following a surgery comprising measuring the amount of TIMP-1 in the subject, and determining whether the amount of TIMP-1 is elevated or within normal ranges.