Use of relaxin to increase arterial compliance

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for increasing arterial compliance. The methods generally involve administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of relaxin. The present invention further provides methods of increasing arterial compliance in individuals who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The present invention further provides methods of increasing arterial compliance in perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women. The present invention further provides methods of increasing arterial compliance in individuals who have or who are at risk of developing age-associated arterial stiffness.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method of treating a subject having a disease selected from one or more of atherosclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, scleroderma, stroke, diastolic dysfunction, hypercholesterolemia, familial hypercholesterolemia, isolated systolic hypertension, primary hypertension, secondary hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, arterial stiffness associated with long-term tobacco smoking, arterial stiffness associated with obesity, arterial stiffness associated with age and systemic lupus erythematosis comprising
 measuring arterial compliance in the subject;   determining that the arterial compliance is diminished in the subject relative to arterial compliance in a healthy subject; and   administering a pharmaceutical formulation comprising H2 relaxin to the subject,   
       wherein the administration of H2 relaxin increases arterial compliance and ameliorates the disease. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the arterial compliance is global arterial compliance. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the arterial compliance is regional arterial compliance. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the arterial compliance is local arterial compliance. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the arterial compliance is increased by at least 10% following administration of the pharmaceutical formulation. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the arterial compliance is increased by 15-20% following administration of the pharmaceutical formulation. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical formulation is administered parenterally.