Methods and Preparations Based on Inhibition of Cell Invasion and Fibrosis by Dextran Sulfate

摘要

The present invention relates to the discovery that biocompatible anionic polymers can effectively inhibit fibrosis, scar formation, and surgical adhesions. The invention is predicated on the discovery that anionic polymers effectively inhibit invasion of cells associated with detrimental healing processes, and in particular, that the effectiveness of an anionic polymer at inhibiting cell invasion correlates with the anionic charge density of the polymer. The present invention therefore relates to the use of a composition comprising an amount of alginate effective to inhibit fibrosis, in the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting fibrosis of a lesion in a mammal. The present invention also provides a method for preparing a surgical implant for inhibiting fibrosis at the site of administration of the implant. IMAGE