Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting a fibrotic disorder in a subject by: (a) providing a biological sample obtained from the subject (such as endometrium, peritoneal fluid, and/or smooth muscle cells); (b) analyzing the expression of at least one gene that is differentially expressed in the fibrotic disorder of interest; and (c) correlating the expression of the gene(s) with the presence or absence of the fibrotic disorder in the subject. The present invention also provides a method and compositions for modulating the expression of genes that are differentially expressed in fibrotic tissues, compared to normal tissues. Restoration of gene expression to levels associated with normal tissue is expected to ameliorate at least some of the symptoms of the fibrotic disorder. This method includes the step of contacting the tissue with an agent that modulates expression of one or more differentially expressed genes in the tissue.

Abstract: Methods for detecting and treating a female reproductive tract disorder relate to the discovery that IL-13 and IL-15 are differentially expressed in biological samples from subjects suffering from a reproductive tract disorder compared to samples from healthy subjects. A female reproductive tract disorder is detected by providing a biological sample derived from the subject; analyzing the expression of IL-13 and/or IL-15 in the sample; and correlating the expression of the cytokine with the presence or absence of the female reproductive tract disorder in the subject. Cytokine expression is modulated in female reproductive tract tissue by contacting the tissue with an agent that modulates expression of IL-13 and/or IL-15 in the tissue.

Abstract: Methods for the prevention of adhesion formation involve the administration of therapeutic formulations to a patient which include antibodies to TIMP-1 or TIMP-1 antisense oligonucleotides. The formulations can also include suitable carriers, such as a hyaluronic acid matrix, for optimal administration. The treatment procedure can be initiated and monitored by a diagnostic procedure which involves the detection of elevated levels of TIMP-1 in a patient.

Abstract: Methods for the prevention of adhesion formation involve the administration of therapeutic formulations to a patient which include antibodies to TIMP-1 or TIMP-1 antisense oligonucleotides. The formulations can also include suitable carriers, such as a hyaluronic acid matrix, for optimal administration. The treatment procedure can be initiated and monitored by a diagnostic procedure which involves the detection of elevated levels of TIMP-1 in a patient.

Abstract: Methods for detecting and treating a female reproductive tract disorder relate to the discovery that IL-13 and IL-15 are differentially expressed in biological samples from subjects suffering from a reproductive tract disorder compared to samples from healthy subjects. A female reproductive tract disorder is detected by providing a biological sample derived from the subject; analyzing the expression of IL-13 and/or IL-15 in the sample; and correlating the expression of the cytokine with the presence or absence of the female reproductive tract disorder in the subject. Cytokine expression is modulated in female reproductive tract tissue by contacting the tissue with an agent that modulates expression of IL-13 and/or IL-15 in the tissue.