Method for increasing the expression of pulmonary surfactant protein-B

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a novel method for increasing the expression of pulmonary surfactant protein-B in an infant. The method comprises administration of a therapeutically effective amount of DHA and ARA, alone or in combination with one another, to the infant.

Description

Claims

1. A method for inducing the expression of pulmonary surfactant protein-B in an infant, the method comprising administering to the infant a therapeutically effective amount of DHA and ARA.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the infant is in need of such induced expression of pulmonary surfactant protein B.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the infant is at risk for developing RDS.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the increased expression of pulmonary surfactant protein-B in an infant treats or prevents a disorder selected from the group consisting of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, acute respiratory distress syndrome, hyaline membrane disease, pulmonary hypoplasia, autosomal recessive lung disorder, primary pulmonary hypertension, meconium aspiration syndrome, and congenital alveolar proteinosis.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of DHA is between about 15 mg per kg of body weight per day and 60 mg per kg of body weight per day.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of ARA is between about 20 mg per kg of body weight per day and 60 mg per kg of body weight per day.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of ARA:DHA by weight is from about 1:3 to about 9:1.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of ARA:DHA by weight is about 2:1.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of ARA:DHA by weight is about 1:1.5.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein DHA comprises between about 0.33% and 1.00% of fatty acids by weight.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the DHA and ARA are administered to the infant during the time period from birth until the infant is about one year of age.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the DHA and ARA are administered to the infant in an infant formula.

13. A method for inducing the expression of pulmonary surfactant protein-B in an infant, the method comprising administering to the infant a therapeutically effective amount of ARA and DHA, wherein the ratio of ARA:DHA by weight is about 1:1.5.

14. A method for inducing the expression of pulmonary surfactant protein-B in an infant, the method comprising administering to the infant a therapeutically effective amount of ARA and DHA, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of ARA is between about 20 mg per kg of body weight per day and 60 mg per kg of body weight per day and wherein the therapeutically effective amount of DHA is between about 15 mg per kg of body weight per day and 60 mg per kg of body weight per day.

15. A method for inducing the expression of pulmonary surfactant protein-B in an infant, the method comprising administering to the infant a therapeutically effective amount of DHA, wherein DHA comprises between about 0.33% and 1.00% of fafty acids by weight.

16. A method for inducing the expression of pulmonary surfactant protein-B in an infant, the method comprising administering to the infant DHA.

17. A method for inducing the expression of pulmonary surfactant protein-B in an infant, the method comprising administering to the infant ARA.

18. A method for inducing the expression of pulmonary surfactant protein-B in a child, the method comprising administering to the child DHA.

19. The method according to claim 26, wherein the child is between the ages of one and six years of age.

20. The method according to claim 26, wherein the child is between the ages of about seven and twelve years of age.

21. The method according to claim 26 additionally comprising administering ARA to the child.

22. A method for inducing the expression of pulmonary surfactant protein-B in a child, the method comprising administering to the child ARA.

23. A method for inducing the expression of pulmonary surfactant protein-B in an infant, the method comprising prenatal administration of DHA and ARA to the infant's biological mother.