Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating an individual or animal with osteoarthritis. The method comprises administering to the individual or animal a therapeutically effective amount of a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Abstract: Applicants' invention discloses therapeutic compositions and methods for treating articular cartilage breakdown associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The compositions comprise a therapeutically effective amount of IL-4 to reduce or inhibit breakdown of articular cartilage, optionally in the presence of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Methods for treating articular cartilage breakdown comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of IL-4 to reduce or inhibit breakdown of articular cartilage, optionally in the presence of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a subject in need of such treatment. The invention also relates to compositions and methods for treating tumor metastases, periodontal disease, emphysema and osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bile acid derivative, which comprises a bile acid derivatized at the carboxyl group with a hydroxamic acid or hydroxamate ester. The carboxyl group in the bile acid compound can also be derivatized with an amino acid or oligopeptide, whose C-terminus is derivatized with a hydroxamic acid or a hydroxamate ester. The present invention also relates to a method of use of a bile acid or a bile acid derivative to inhibit a metalloproteinase enzyme, comprising contacting a metalloproteinase with an effective amount of a bile acid or bile acid derivative. In another embodiment, the present invention further relates to a method of use of a bile acid or bile acid derivative to therapeutically treat a disease, which is ameliorated by inhibiting a metalloproteinase enzyme. In this method, a therapeutically effective amount of a bile acid, a bile acid derivative or physiologically acceptable salts thereof, is administered to a human or other mammal.