Abstract: A method for treating mammals suffering from conditions associated with excess phospholipase A.sub.2 activity and/or production comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a non-antimicrobial tetracycline sufficient to inhibit excess phospholipase A.sub.2 activity and/or production is disclosed. A pharmaceutical composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting root caries formation on mammalian tooth surfaces are disclosed. The methods include topically contacting the tooth root surfaces with an effective amount of a non-antibacterial tetracycline which is not systemically absorbed into the blood stream. In preferred embodiments, the tetracyclines are included in various oral hygiene products such as dentifrices, lozenges, chewing gums and the like to contact the tooth root surfaces.

Abstract: A method for treating mammals suffering from conditions associated with excess phospholipase A.sub.2 activity and/or production comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a non-antimicrobial tetracycline sufficient to inhibit excess phospholipase A.sub.2 activity and/or production is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating mammals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and other tissue-destructive (chronic inflammatory or other) conditions associated with excess metalloproteinase activity comprising administering to the mammal an amount of a tetracycline that is effectively anti-metalloproteinase, but that is not effectively antimicrobial, and an amount of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent which, when combined with the effectively anti-metalloproteinase amount of tetracycline, results in a significant reduction of tissue destruction and/or bone loss.

Abstract: A method for treating mammals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and other tissue-destructive (chronic inflammatory or other) conditions associated with excess metalloproteinase activity comprising administering to the mammal an amount of a tetracycline that is effectively anti-metalloproteinase, but that is not effectively antimicrobial, and an amount of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent which, when combined with the effectively anti-metalloproteinase amount of tetracycline, results in a significant reduction of tissue destruction and/or bone loss.

Abstract: A method for treating mammals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, other tissue-destructive conditions, and chronic inflammatory or other conditions associated with excess metalloproteinase activity comprising administering to the mammal an amount of a tetracycline that is effectively anti-metalloproteinase, but that is not effectively antimicrobial, and an amount of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent which, when combined with the effectively anti-metalloproteinase amount of tetracycline, results in a significant reduction of tissue destruction and/or bone loss.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating humans or animals suffering from a condition or disease characterized by excessive collagen destruction, which comprises administering to said human or animal an effective amount of a 12a-deoxytetracycline represented by the following general formula ##STR1## The method is effective in the treatment of various articular diseases characterized by excessive collagen destruction.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting plaque formation on mammalian tooth surfaces is disclosed. The method includes contacting the tooth surfaces with an effective amount of a non-antibacterial tetracycline. In a preferred embodiment, such tetracyclines are included in various oral hygiene products such as dentifrices, lozenges, chewing gums and the like to contact the tooth surfaces and prevent plaque accumulation thereon.

Abstract: A method for treating mammals suffering from skeletal muscle wasting and/or intracellular protein degradation of skeletal muscle systems by administering to the mammal an amount of tetracycline which results in a significant reduction of the muscle wasting and protein degradation is disclosed. In addition, there is also disclosed a method of increasing the protein content of skeletal muscle systems of mammals by administration of tetracyclines. The tetracyclines useful in the above methods are both antimicrobial and non-antimicrobial. In a preferred embodiment, the method of treatment utilizes a non-antimicrobial tetracycline such as dedimethylaminotetracycline (CMT).