Beta-carotene therapy of individuals having abnormal immunological and serological indices, and individuals having infections and diseases causing changes therein
Methods for raising or maintaining the level of T4 cells in humans having a depressed T4 cell level and particularly in humans infected with HIV are provided. In these embodiments, T4 enhancing amounts of beta-carotene are administered. Methods are also provided for lowering or maintaining the levels of neopterin and/or .beta..sub.2 -microglobulin in humans having elevated levels of these indices and particularly in those infected with HIV. Beta-carotene is administered, respectively, in neopterin and .beta..sub.2 -microglobulin therapeutically effective amounts. Also contemplated by the present invention are methods for the prevention and/or treatment of HIV infection in humans. An HIV infection preventing or an anti-HIV therapeutically effective amount of beta-carotene is administered. In another embodiment, methods are provided for preventing or treating AIDS in humans. An AIDS preventing amount or an anti-AIDS therapeutically effective amount of beta-carotene is administered.
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/969,485, filed Oct. 30, 1992 now abandoned. The most recent of these prior applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.
A clear aqueous formulation for topical application in the oral cavity of humans to treat leukoplakia contains water, .beta.-carotene, a water miscible polyol, an unsaturated fatty acid ester, and a surfactant, preferably polyethoxylated castor oil. The formulation preferably also contains a pharmaceutically acceptable anti-oxidant, preferably d-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), and is in the form of an oral rinse or as a gel well suited for spreading on gums or other parts of the oral cavity. The formulation is applied in a gel form on a substantially regular daily basis to areas in the oral cavity where leukoplakia lesions are present. Persistent application of the gel results in substantial diminution or total elimination of the leukoplakia lesions.
The present invention is directed to a novel methods and compositions for the therapeutic intervention in hyperphenylalaninemia. More specifically, the specification describes methods and compositions for treating various types of phenylketonurias using compositions comprising BH4. Combination therapies of BH4 and other therapeutic regimens are contemplated.
