Methods for improving joint function

1. A method for improving joint function in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a C16:1n7-palmitoleate derivative in an amount of at least about 20 wt % and a C16:0-palmitate derivative, thereby improving joint function, wherein joint function is improved in the subject when a delay in time of onset of maximum joint discomfort or pain at a level of 5 or greater on an eleven-point LIKERT scale is detected in the subject compared to the time of onset of maximum joint discomfort or pain at a level of 5 or greater on the eleven-point LIKERT scale observed in the subject prior to administration of the composition, wherein the C16:1n7-palmitoleate derivative is palmitoleic acid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of palmitoleate, a (C 1 -C 8 )alkyl ester of palmitoleate, a monoglyceride of palmitoleic acid, a diglyceride of palmitoleic acid, or a triglyceride of palmitoleic acid; and wherein the C16:0-palmitate derivative is palmitic acid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of palmitate, a (C 1 -C 8 )alkyl ester of palmitate, a monoglyceride of palmitic acid, a diglyceride of palmitic acid, or a triglyceride of palmitic acid.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises a C18:1n9-oleate derivative wherein the C18:1n9-oleate derivative is oleic acid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of oleate, a (C 1 -C 8 )alkyl ester of oleate, a monoglyceride of oleic acid, a diglyceride of oleic acid, or a triglyceride of oleic acid.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises at least about 30 wt % of the C16:1n7-palmitoleate derivative.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject experiences joint pain while engaging in moderate, hard, or very hard physical activity.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject is human.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising simultaneously, sequentially, or separately administering at least one additional therapeutic agent.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered orally, topically, systemically, intravenously, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, or intramuscularly.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered daily for 4 weeks or more.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein administration of the composition causes the delay in the time of onset of maximum joint discomfort or pain in the subject.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the time of onset of maximum discomfort or pain level in the subject is delayed by at least 20%.

11. The method of claim 6 , wherein the at least one additional therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, Cox-2 inhibitors, muscle relaxants, opioids, antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, topical agents, methyl salicylate, capsaicin, steroid injections, and hyaluronan injections.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein administration of the composition causes an increase in the range of joint motion in the subject.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the range of joint motion is increased by at least 10%.

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is obtained from fish.

15. The method of claim 1 , wherein administration of the composition after 30 days results in an improvement in joint function in the subject relative to the joint function observed in the subject prior to administration.

16. The method of claim 2 , further comprising simultaneously, sequentially, or separately administering at least one additional therapeutic agent.

17. The method of claim 3 , further comprising simultaneously, sequentially, or separately administering at least one additional therapeutic agent.