Treatment of cachexia
The present invention provides a means for prevention and treatment of cachexia and other chronic illnesses including but not limited to the promotion of weight gain, reduction or prevention of weight loss by administration of a substance that both reduces the sensitivity of beta-adrenergic receptors and of 5-HT1a receptors. (S)-pindolol, (S)-propranolol, tertatolol or bopindolol are preferred for this purpose.
1. A method of treating cachexia in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal a composition comprising (S)-pindolol or a salt thereof as the sole active agent or.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound does not have an effect on blood pressure.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the cachexia is due to ageing.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the cachexia is due to cancer.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the cachexia is due to heart failure.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the cachexia is due to COPD.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the cachexia is due to liver failure or cirrhosis.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the cachexia is due to stroke.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the cachexia is due to rheumatoid arthritis.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the cachexia is due to severe burn injury.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the cachexia is due to kidney failure.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the cachexia is due to HIV/AIDS.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the cachexia is found in the absence of a diagnosed chronic illness.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein the method of treating does not reduce the mammal's blood pressure.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the mammal is a human being.
16. A method of treating cachexia in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal a composition comprising (S)-pindolol, wherein the composition is substantially free of (R)-pindolol.