Compositions and methods for the repair of myelin

Abstract

Described are oxysterols, pharmaceutical compositions including the oxysterols, and methods of using the oxysterols and compositions for treating diseases and/or disorders related to myelin injury, such as neonatal brain injury, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, seizures, cognitive delay, multiple sclerosis, stroke, autism, leukodystrophy, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A method of repairing injured myelin in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effect amount of an oxysterol, wherein the injured myelin is associated with spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, seizures, autism spectrum disorders, cognitive delay, multiple sclerosis, stroke, leukodystrophy, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. 
     
     
         10 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the oxysterol promotes differentiation of neural stem cells into oligodendrocytes. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the oxysterol comprises a cholesterol derivative oxidized at any of carbons 20-27. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the oxysterol is selected from the group consisting of:
 20α-hydroxycholesterol;   22(R)-hydroxycholesterol;   22(S)-hydroxycholesterol;   24(R)-hydroxycholesterol;   24(S)-hydroxycholesterol;   25-hydroxycholesterol; and   27-hydroxycholesterol; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.   
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the injured myelin is associated with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, cognitive delay, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the injured myelin is associated with cerebral palsy. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the injured myelin is associated with spinal cord injury, seizures, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or leukodystrophy. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the injured myelin is associated with multiple sclerosis. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the injured myelin is a result of spinal cord injury, seizures, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or leukodystrophy. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the injured myelin is a result of multiple sclerosis.