University of Pittsburgh

Other

Raphael Hirsch

Daniel A Huber

David C Wilson

Louis J Denes

James R Osborn

Chian Kent Kwoh

Anthony D Marinov

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for diagnosis of inflammatory disorders, and in non-limiting embodiments, of inflammatory disorders associated with elevated interleukin-1&#x3b2; ('IL-1&#x3b2;'), based on increased levels of follistatin-like protein 1 ('FSTL-1'). In particular non-limiting embodiments, the invention further provides for methods of identifying subjects with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (&#x201c;SOJIA&#x201d;) who are at increased risk for developing macrophage activation syndrome (&#x201c;MAS&#x201d;) comprising detecting, in said subjects, hyper-increased levels of FSTL-1. In additional non-limiting embodiments, the invention provides for methods of identifying subjects with Kawasaki disease who are at increased risk of developing aortic aneurysms comprising detecting, in said subjects, hyper-increased levels of FSTL-1.

Follistatin-like protein-1 as a biomarker for inflammatory disorders

The present invention relates to methods and kits for diagnosing systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis using levels of FSTL-1.

Follistatin-like protein-1 as a biomarker for sepsis

Follistatin-like protein (FSTL-1) is a secreted glycoprotein of unknown function, first isolated from mouse osteoblastic cells as a transforming growth factor-&#x3b2;1-inducible gene. The inventors have discovered that FSTL-1 is a proinflammatory mediator. As such, the invention provides for composition and methods of using agents that bind to FSTL-1 to modulate various types of inflammation (e.g., autoimmune diseases). Inhibitors and antagonists of FSTL-1, particularly antibodies or antibody fragments, may be used to treat conditions related to inflammation, such as arthritis. In addition, the inventors have discovered that FSTL-1 has a role in the Th17 pathway. Accordingly, the invention provides for compositions and methods of using agents which bind to FSTL-1 to modulate the generation of Th17 cells. Such agents are useful for delaying development of and treating diseases associated with undesired production of Th17 cells, such as autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, since FSTL-1 is a proinflammatory mediator with a role in cancer, the invention provides for compositions and methods of using a pharmaceutical composition of FSTL-1 to delay development of or treat cancer.

Immunomodulation of inflammatory conditions utilizing Follistatin-like Protein-1 and agents that bind thereto

The invention provides methods and kits for diagnosing severity of particular types of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatic diseases, by assessing protein levels of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL-1). The level of FSTL-1 protein present in the serum or synovial fluid of individuals suspected of having certain inflammatory disease (e.g, rheumatoid arthritis) is positively correlated with the severity of the disease.

FSTL-1 as a biomaker of inflammation

Immunomodulation of inflammatory conditions utilizing Follistatin-like protein-1 and agents that bind thereto

A method of objectively quantifying assessments of joints having arthritis for purposes of assessment, diagnosis and treatment. The objective measurements utilize known imaging modalities including 3D scanning, thermal imaging, visible and near-infrared imaging and two-dimensional imaging to quantify swelling, heat distribution, erythema, and range or motion. The objective measurements can be combined in various ways to assess the extent of the disease and can be used to adjust treatment protocols.

Method of assessing localized shape and temperature of the human body

A method of assessing a body part includes obtaining two or more types of data through a combination of two or more of the following four imaging modalities: (1) obtaining surface topography data of the body part, (2) obtaining thermographic data of the body part, (3) obtaining range of motion data for the body part, and (4) obtaining spectral data of light reflected from the body part. The two or more types of data are integrated to allow them to be interacted with simultaneously, and the body part is assessed based on the integrated data.

Growing community of inventors

Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Raphael Hirsch