Abstract: This invention is a method for selectively preventing an unwanted fibrotic response in humans after surgery or injury using therapeutic amounts of human insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) that has been modified to resist the enzymatic action of the natural IGFBP-4 protease in tissues. Surgical procedures in the abdomen, pelvis, thorax, and spinal column frequently initiate the formation of fibrous adhesions between organs. Collagen is the principal constituent of fibrous adhesions. These abnormal connections may interfere with the normal function of the organs involved, cause pain, and require additional surgical procedures, which frequently induces more adhesion formation. Surgical incisions and burns may directly initiate a process in tissues that stimulates excess fibrous tissue and results in hypertrophic scars or keloids that are disfiguring and/or interfere with function.

Abstract: This invention is a method for treating human erectile dysfunction using therapeutic amounts of human growth hormone (GH) administered systemically. Severing the parasympathetic nerves that regulate the erectile function during the course of surgery produces erectile dysfunction. Damage to these nerves by diseases such as diabetes mellitus and alcoholism and during aging may also produce erectile dysfunction. GH stimulates the regeneration of severed parasympathetic nerves that regulate the erectile function restoring potency. GH may act directly or by stimulating the production of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). The combination of GH plus an IGF (with or without one of the IGF binding proteins) may provide a better response than GH alone.