Methods for reducing cd36 expression

Abstract

The invention provides a method for treating one or more complications of diabetes in a mammal. The method comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide having at least one net positive charge; a minimum of four amino acids; a maximum of about twenty amino acids; a relationship between the minimum number of net positive charges (pm) and the total number of amino acid residues (r) wherein 3 pm is the largest number that is less than or equal to r+1; and a relationship between the minimum number of aromatic groups (a) and the total number of net positive charges (pt) wherein 2a is the largest number that is less than or equal to pt+1, except that when a is 1, pt may also be 1.

1 .- 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A method for treating atherosclerosis in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject the aromatic-cationic peptide D-Arg-2′6′-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH 2 , or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the subject is human. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the atherosclerosis is characterized by increased CD36 expression. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the aromatic-cationic peptide is administered orally, topically, systemically, intravenously, subcutaneously, or intramuscularly.