METHODS FOR INCREASING OSTEOBLASTIC FUNCTION
The present disclosure provides methods of increasing osteoblastic function in a subject, the method comprising systemically administering to the subject a population of stem cells and/or progeny thereof and/or soluble factors derived therefrom.
1 . A method of increasing osteoblastic function in a subject, the method comprising systemically administering to the subject a population of STRO-1 + multipotential cells and/or progeny thereof and/or soluble factors derived therefrom.
2 - 3 . (canceled)
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the multipotential cells are STRO-1 bright cells.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the stem cells stimulate production of osteocalcin by osteoblasts in the subject.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject is suffering from a disorder associated with low osteoblast levels or activity.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the disorder is a metabolic bone disorder or male infertility.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the metabolic bone disorder is selected from the group consisting of osteomalacia, osteoporosis, osteopetrosis, Paget's disease and X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, renal failure-associated osteodystrophy, marble bone disease, osteitis fibrosa cystica and glucocorticoid-induced bone loss.
9 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the subject suffers from osteoporosis and the method prevents or reduces the risk of a fracture.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject suffers from a bone fracture.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the method accelerates healing of the bone fracture and/or prevents delayed union of the bone fracture and/or prevents non-union of the bone fracture.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein administration of the population of stem cells and/or progeny thereof and/or soluble factors derived therefrom results in an increase in plasma osteocalcin levels in the subject.
13 . The method of claim 12 wherein administration of the population of stem cells and/or progeny thereof and/or soluble factors derived therefrom results in at least a five-fold increase in plasma osteocalcin levels within 2 weeks of administration.
14 . The method of claim 12 wherein administration of the population of stem cells and/or progeny thereof and/or soluble factors derived therefrom results in at least a ten-fold increase in plasma osteocalcin levels within 2 weeks of administration.
15 . (canceled)
16 . The method of claim 1 , wherein administration of the population of stem cells and/or progeny thereof and/or soluble factors derived therefrom results in an increase in plasma alkaline phosphatase levels in the subject.
17 - 19 . (canceled)
20 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the population and/or the progeny and/or the soluble factors are administered once every twelve or more weeks.
21 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising administering between 0.1×10 6 to 5×10 6 STRO-1+ multipotential cells and/or progeny thereof per kg.
22 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising administering between 0.3×10 6 to 2×10 6 multipotential STRO-1+ cells and/or progeny thereof per kg.
23 - 25 . (canceled)
26 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the population of stem cells and/or progeny cells are autogeneic or allogeneic and/or the soluble factors can be derived from autogeneic or allogeneic cells.
27 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the population of multipotential cells and/or progeny cells have been culture expanded prior to administration and/or prior to obtaining the soluble factors.
28 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the population of multipotential cells are STRO-1 bright and/or express tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) and/or the progeny cells and/or soluble factors are derived from STRO-1+ cells that are STRO-1 bright and/or express TNAP.
29 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the stem cells and/or progeny cells thereof and/or soluble factors derived therefrom are administered intravenously.
30 . (canceled)