Method for correcting a lipid imbalance in a subject

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods for the treatment of a disease or condition associated with lipid imbalance using fenretinide. The invention also relates to diagnostic and screening methods based on the determination of lipid levels.

1 - 39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . A method of treating a bone disease selected from osteoporosis and osteopenia in a subject having a lipid imbalance, said method comprising:
 (i) selecting a subject having a lipid imbalance and suffering from said bone disease; and   (ii) (a) decreasing arachidonic acid (AA) levels, (b) increasing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels, c) increasing the DHA/AA ratio, or (d) any combination of (a)-(c), by administering to said subject an effective amount of fenretinide or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.   
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein said increase of DHA levels or of the DHA/AA ratio or said decrease of AA levels is systemic. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein said subject suffers from cystic fibrosis. 
     
     
         43 . The method according to  claim 40 , wherein said subject has (a) a DHA/AA ratio of 0.4 or less, (b) DHA levels of 3.5 ng/μg of phosphate or less, (c) AA levels of 40 ng/μg of phosphate or more or (d) any combination of (a) to (c), prior to said administration. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein said DHA and AA are phospholipid-associated fractions of DHA and AA. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein said subject is a mammal. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein said mammal is a human. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein said method comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of fenretinide. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein said bone disease is osteoporosis. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein said bone disease is osteopenia. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein said bone disease is osteoporosis. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein said bone disease is osteopenia.