METHODS OF TREATING DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH PPARy

Abstract

The invention relates to methods for modulating PPAR-γ activity using relaxin or agonists thereof. The result is wide range of new therapeutic regimens for treating, inhibiting the development of, or otherwise dealing with, a multitude of illnesses and conditions, including small vessel disorders of the brain and those associated with increased blood-brain barrier permeability, cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, epilepsy, stroke, CADASIL and migraine.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . A method for treating a cognitive disorder, comprising
 systemically administering to a subject having a cognitive disorder a relaxin or agonist thereof.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the cognitive disorder is Alzheimer's disease. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the relaxin or agonist thereof is recombinant human relaxin. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising administering to the subject a PPAR-γ agonist. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the PPAR-γ agonist is a thiazolidinedione. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the relaxin or agonist thereof is administered to the subject orally 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the relaxin or agonist thereof is administered to the subject transdermally. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the relaxin or agonist thereof is administered to the subject subcutaneously. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the relaxin or agonist thereof is administered to the subject in a sustained release formulation. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the relaxin is administered to the subject at a predetermined rate so as to maintain a serum concentration of at least about 1 ng/ml.