METHODS OF USING SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application 6.2/398,669. filed September 23, 2016, which is incoiporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR

DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates generally to compositions useful for the maintenance of calcium homeostasis. In particular, this invention is directed so apoaequorio. ami vitamin D- containing compositions useful in preventing and/or alleviating diseases or symptoms associated with calcium imbalance and vitamin D deficiency.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the human body and occurs mainly in the bone. More than 99% of the calcium in the body is stored in the skeleton, which constantly exchanges its supply with the remaining 1% dissolved in body fluids and soft tissue, such as the blood. The control of this exchange is largely dictated by the endocrine system which senses the concentration of ionized calcium in the plasma and directs calcium exchange to maintain this critical balance. Only a small traction of the 1% of calcium in interstitial fluids and soft tissues is ionized and soluble. The remaining calcium in fluids and tissues is bound to proteins, particularly calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs). CaBPs are known to function in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis.

[0005] As the body requires specific concentrations of calcium ions to carry out requisite physiological processes, the maintenance of calcium homeostasis is of critical importance for bodily health. Proper ionic calcium concentrations in plasma and body fluids are understood by the medical community to be critical in bodily functions, including, but not limited to, neuronal excitability, muscle contraction, membrane permeability; cell division, hormone secretion and bone mineralization. A disruption m calcium homeostasis, i.e., a calcium imbalance, is associated with many diseases, syndromes and conditions, including, but not limited to, cancer, heart disease and neurodegenerative disease.

[0006] In the past, calcium channel antagonists, which block the flow of calcium between cell interiors and interstitial fluid, have been widely-prescribed as pharmaceutical agents useful in the prevention of calcium-related disorders including hypertension, angina, asthma, migraines and neural deterioration. For example, nimkiopine has been found to improve clinical symptomatology and cognitive functions in dementia by alleviating a calcium imbalance which causes neural deterioration. However, many of these calcium channel antagonists have unwanted side effects including, but not limited to. malaise, -fluid retention, heartburn, erratic heart rate, dizziness, upset stomach and, in rare eases, fainting, fever and excessive bleeding.

[0007] Despite these advances, there is still a need for new and alternative therapeutics which alleviate or prevent calcium imbalance. In particular, pharmaceutical or nutraceutical compositions which have reduced side effects as compared to prior agents are desired and, if discovered, would meet a long felt need in the medical and nutritional health communities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hie present invention provides compositions which are advantageous in the alleviation and/or prevention of symptoms or disorders associated with calcium imbalance and vitamin D deficiency. Such compositions include apoacquorin and vitamin D in combination with acceptable carriers for administration to a subject by a variety ofrout.es.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to compositions comprising effective amounts of apoacquorin and vitamin D in combination with an acceptable carrier. In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to nutraceutical compositions including effective amounts of apoacquorin and vitamin D in combination with an acceptable carrier. In certain embodiments, nutraceutical compositions include, in addition to apoacquorin and vitamin D. at least one other component recognized as providing nutraceutical benefit such as, for example, an immune boosting agent., anti-inflammatory agent, anti-oxidant agent, anti-viral agent, or a mixture thereof. Apoacquorin and vitamin D compositions in certain embodiments are provided in a unit dosage form selected from a tablet a capsule, a solution, a suspension, a syrup, a beverage, an oral or ophthalmic formulation or an injection.

[0010] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for treating a symptom or disorder associated with calcium imbalance and vitamin D deficiency, comprising administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of apoaequorin and vitamin D.

[0011] Methods according to the invention are useful in treating a wide variety of symptoms or disorders associated with calcium imbalance and vitamin D deficiency, including but not limited to sleep quality, energy quality, mood quality, pain, memory quality. In certain embodiments, the calcium imbalance and vitamin D deficiency is physiologically-related to neuronal excitability, muscle contraction, membrane permeability, cell division, hormone secretion, bone mineralization, or cell death following ischemia, in such methods, apoaequorin and vitamin D are preferably administered to the subject, in the form of a mitraceuticai composition.

[0012] in yet another embodiment, the invention encompasses the use of apoaequorin and vitamin D for the manufacture of a nutraeeutical composition for treating a symptom or disorder associated with calcium imbalance and vitamin D deficiency in a subject administered the nntraceutical composition. Exemplary symptoms or disorders treated by such compositions include those associated with sleep, energy, mood, pain, or memory.

[0033] Accordingly, the present invention further contemplates apoaequorin and vitamin D for use in treating a symptom or disorder associated with calcium imbalance and vitamin D deficiency in a subject, including those symptoms or disorders associated with, e.g., sleep, energy, mood, pain, or memory in a subject.

[0014] The present invention provides various advantages over prior compositions and methods in that it provides for the general improvement of a subject's mental and physical health.

[0015] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after review of the specification and claims. BRI EF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016 ] Fig. i. provides a graph showing the percent, change from baseline of scores from areas: overall quality of sleep, energy, mood, pain and general heath vs. days 0 through 90.

[0017] Fig. 2 depicts a graph showing data in which apoaequorm ( iOrng) was taken daily by 56 participants. The participants were evaluated from eight days to 30 days. The .memory study showed a statistically significant improvement in memory after 30 days (hp< OS). 57% of participants had improvei.ne.nt in general memory, 51% in retaining information, 84% in remembering driving directions and 66% in word recall. N ^:::; 56; 66% female, 34% male, mean age : 56 years; range 20-78 years.

[0018] Pig. 3 provides a graph showing the percent change, from baseline, of scores from standardized cognitive battery questionnaire vs. day 0 through 90,

[0019] Fig. 4 depicts neuroprotection by AQ (apoaequorin) and Vitamin D in rat hippocampa! brain slices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

I IN GENERAL

[0020] Before the present materials and methods are described, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, and materials described, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims.

[002] ] It must he noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As well, the terms V (or "an"), "one or more" and ^' 'at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to he noted that the terras "comprising", "including", and "having" can be used interchangeably,

[0022] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications and patents specifically mentioned herein are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

II THE INVENTION

[0023] Aequorin is a photo-protein originally isolated from luminescent jellyfish and other marine organisms. The aequorin complex comprises a 22,2S5-dalton apoaequorin protein, molecular oxygen and the luminophore coelenterazirte. When three CV ions bind to this complex, coeiemerazine is oxidized to coelemermide, with a concomitant release of carbon dioxide and blue light. Aequorin is not exported or secreted by cells, nor is it compartmentalized or sequestered within ceils. Accordingly, aequorin measurements have been used to detect. iV changes thai occur over relatively long periods. In several experimental systems, aequorin's luminescence was detectable many hours to days after cell loading. It is further known that aequorin also does not disrupt ceil functions or embryo development.

[0024] Because of its Ca '-dependent luminescence, the aequorin. complex has been extensively used as an intracellular Ca ² indicator. Acquorea victoria aequorin has been specifically used to: ( 1 ) analyze the secretion response of single adrenal chromaffin cells to nicotinic cholinergic agonists; (2) clarify the role of Ca~ release in heart muscle damage; (3) demonstrate the massive release of Ca- during fertilization; (4) study the regulation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum C2 pump expression in developing chick myoblasts; and (5) calibrate micropipets with injection volumes of as little as three pieoliters,

[0025] Apoaequorin has an approximate molecular weight of 22 kDa. Apoaequorin can be used to regenerate aequorin by reducing the disulfide bond in apoaequorin. The calcium-loaded apoaequorin retains the same compact scaffold and overall folding pattern as unreached photoproteins containing a bound substrate.

[0026] Conventional purification of aequorin from the jellyfish Aeqttorca Victoria requires laborious extraction procedures and sometimes yields preparations that are substantially heterogeneous or that are toxic to the organisms under study. Two tons of jellyfish typically yield approximately !25mg of the purified photoprotein. In contrast, recombinant aequorin is preferably produced by purifying apoaequorin from genetically engineered Escherichia co/i, followed by reconstitufion of the aequorin complex in vitro with pure eoelenterazine. Apoaequorio useful in. the present invention has bee?) described and is comnierciaily-obiaiiiable through purification schemes and/or syntheses known to those of skill in the art. S. mouye, S. Zen.no, Y. Sakaki, and F. Tsuji. .Mg/i /<?vi>/ expression and Purification of apoaequortn. (199 1} Protein Expression and Purification 2, i 22-126.

[0027] Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate, and zinc. Vitamin D is produced by the body in response to the skin being exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight. It is also found in naturally occurring foods such as fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks, and in fortified dairy and grain products. In dietary supplements, the two most common compound forms of vitamin D are vitamin D3 (eholecakiferoi) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferoi).

[0028] Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is biologically inert and must undergo two hydroxylations in the body for activation. The first, occurs in the liver and converts vitamin D to 25-hydros.yvitamin D [25{OH)D], also known as ealcsfediol. The second occurs primarily in the kidney and forms the physiologically active 1 ,25-dihydroxyvit.amin D [ l ,2S(QM}2Dj, also known as ea!cmloL The active form of vitamin 0, calchriol, circulates as a hormone in the blood, regulating the concentration of calcium and phosphate in the bloodstream and promoting the healthy growth and remodeling of bone.

[0029] Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable norma! mineralization of bone and to prevent hypocalcem.ie tetany, it is also used for bone growth and bone remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. It has also been shown to play a role in modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation.

[0030] The present invention is directed to the administration of apoaequorin and vitamin. D-contanung compositions to a subject in order to correct or maintain the calcium balance and vitamin D levels in that subject. Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to calcium imbalances. The maintenance of ionic calcium concentrations in plasma and body fluids is understood to be critical to a wide variety of bodily functions, including, but not limited to neuronal excitability, muscle contraction, membrane permeability, cell di vision, hormone secretion, bone mineralization, or the prevention of cell death following ischemia.

Disruption in calcium homeostasis, i.e., a calcium imbalance, is understood to cause and/or correlate with many diseases, syndromes and conditions. Such diseases, syndromes and conditions include those associated with sleep quality, energy quality _* mood quality . and memory quality and pain perception. The study of CaBPs has led to their recognition as protective factors acting in the maintenance of proper ion ic calcium levels.

[003 I] The maintenance of vitamin D levels is understood to be critical to calcium

absorption, modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency is most associated with rickets, a disease in which the bone tissues does not properly mineralize, leading to soft bones and skeletal deformities. Guidelines from the I nstitute of Medicine pro vides that the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin D is 600 international units {III} for adults ages I -70, and 800 IU for adults older than age 70 to optimize bone health.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention comprise administering apoaequorin in combination with vitamin D for treating calcium imbalance, for delaying the progression of calcium imbalance, for preventing the onset of calcium imbalance, for preventing and/or treating the recurrence of calcium imbalance, and for treating vitamin O deficiency. In other embodiments, the invention provides methods which comprise administering apoaequorin and vitamin D in combination with one or more additional agents having known therapeutic or nutraceutieai value. Particularly preferred applications of apoaequorin and vitamin D are in treating one or more symptoms and disorders related to quality of sleep, energy, mood, and memory and pain perception.

[0033] As used herein, the term "treating" includes preventative as well as disorder .remittent treatment. As used herein, the terms "reducing", "alleviating", "suppressing" and "inhibiting" have their commonly understood meaning of lessening or decreasing. As used herein, the term "progression" means increasing in. scope or severity, advancing, growing or becoming worse. As used herein, the term "recurrence" means the return of a disease after a .remission.

[0034] As used herein, the term "administering" refers to bringing a patient, tissue, organ or cell in contact with apoaequorin and vitamin D. As used herein, administration can be

accomplished in vitro, i.e., in a test tube, or in vivo, i .e., in cells or tissues of living organisms, for example, humans. In preferred embodiments, the present invention encompasses administering the compositions useful in the present invention to a patient or subject. A "patient" or "subject", used equivalent!}-' herein, refers to a mamma.!, preferably a human, that either: ( I) has a calcium imbalance-related disorder and/or vitamin D deficiency remediable or treatable by administration of apoaequorin and vitamin D; or (2) is stiseeptlble to a calcium, imbalance-related disorder and/or vitamin D deficiency thai is preventable by administering apoaequorin and vitamin D.

[0035] As used herein, the terms "effective amount" and "therapeutically effective amount" refer to the quantity of acti ve agents sufficient to yield a desired therapeutic response without, undue adverse side effects such as toxicity, irritation, or allergic response. The specific "effective amount" will, obviously, vary with such factors as the particular condition being treated, the physical condition of the patient, the type of animal being treated, the duration of the treatment, the nature of concurrent therapy (if any), and the spec ific formulations employed and the structure of the compounds or its derivatives. I« this case, aa amount would be deemed therapeutically effective if it resulted in one or more of the following; (!) the prevention of a calcium imbalance-relaied disorder and/or vitamin D deficiency; and (2) the reversal or stabilization of a calciam imbalance-related disorder and/or vitamin D deficiency. The optimum effective amounts can be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using routine experimentation.

[0036] in certain compositions for oral administration to subjects, apoaequorin is formulated with at least one acceptable carri er at a dosage of approximately 10 to SO mg/dose, a dose preferably in capsule form, with recommended dosage for a subject being approximately 20 mg/day. In certain, preferred compositions tor oral a<iministration to subjects, vitamin D (in the form of 03 cholecalciferol) is formulated in combination with apoaequorin. at a dosage of approximately 25-75 meg/dose, with recommended dosage for a subject being approximately SO meg/day.

[0037] Compositions according to Hie present invention include liquids or lyophiiized or otherwise dried formulations and include diluents of various buffer content (e.g., Tris-BCI, acetate, phosphate), pH and ionic strength, additives such as albumin or gelatin to prevent absorption to surfaces, detergents (e.g., Tween 20, Tween B0, PI uronic F68, bile acid salts), solubiiiznig agents (e.g., glycerol, polyethylene glycerol), anti-oxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid, sodium metab.isul.fite), preservatives (e.g., Thimerosal, benzyl alcohol, parabens), bulking substances or tonicity modifiers (e.g., lactose, manmiol}, covalent attachment of polymers such as polyethylene glycol to the protein, completion with metal ions, or incorporation of the material into or onto particulate preparations of polymeric compounds such as polylactic acid, polyglycoHc acid, or hydrogels, or onto liposomes, mjeroemulsions, micelles, lamellar or multilamellar vesicles, erythrocyte ghosts or spheroplasts. Such compositions will influence the physical state, solubility, stability, rate of in vivo release, and rate of in vivo clearance. Controlled or sustained release compositions include formulation in lipophilic depots (e.g., fatty acids, waxes, oils).

[0038] Also encompassed by the invention are methods of administering particulate compositions coated with polymers (e.g., poloxamers or po!oxamincs). Other embodiments of the compositions incorporate particulate forms protective coatings, protease inhibitors or permeation enhancers for various routes of administration, including parenteral, pulmonary, nasal and oral. In certain embodiments, the composition is administered parenterally , paracaneerally, iransmucosally, intramuscularly, intravenously, intradermally, snhcutaneously, imraperitonea!y, mtraventricimnly, mtracranially or intratumorally,

[0039] Further, as used herein, "pharmaceutical ty acceptable carriers" are well known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, 0.0141 M and preferably 0.05 M phosphate buffer or 0.9% saline. Additionally, such pharmaceutically acceptable earners may be aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, suspensions and emulsions. Examples of non-aqueous solvents are propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils such as olive oil and injectable organic esters such as ethyl o!eate. Aqueous carriers include water, alcoholic/aqueous solutions, emulsions or suspensions, including saline and buffered media.

[0040] Parenteral vehicles include sodium chloride solution. Ringer's dextrose, dextrose and sodium chloride, lactated Ringers and fixed oils. Intravenous vehicles include fluid and nutrient replenishers, electrolyte rep!enishers such as those based on Ringer's dextrose, and the like. Preservatives and other additives may also be present, such as, for example, antimicrobials, antioxidants, collating agents, inert gases and the like.

[004 ] } Controlled or sustained release compositions administrable according to the invention include formulation in lipophilic depots (e.g.. fatty acids, waxes, oils). Also comprehended by the invention are particulate compositions coated with polymers (e.g., poloxamers or poloxamines) and the compound coupled to antibodies directed against tissue- specific receptors, ligands or antigens or coupled to ligands of tissue-spec i fie receptors. [0042] Other embodiments of the compositions administered according to the invention incorporate particulate forms, protective coatings, protease inhibitors or permeation enhancers for various routes of administration, including parenteral, pulmonary, nasal, ophthalmic and oral.

[0043] Chemical entities modified by the covalent attachment of water-soluble polymers such as polyethylene glycol, copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, carboxymethyl cellulose, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone or polyprolme are known to exhibit substantially longer half-lives in blood following intravenous injection than do the corresponding unmodified compounds. Such modifications may also increase the chemical entities solubility in aqueous solution, eliminate aggregation, enhance the physical and chemical stability of the compound, and greatly reduce the immunogenicity and reactivity of the compound. As a result, the desired in vivo biological activity may be achieved by the administration of such polymer-entity abducts less frequently or in lower doses than with the unmodified entity.

[0044] In yet another method according to the invention, the composition can be delivered in a controlled release system. For example, the agent may be administered using intravenous infusion, an implantable osmotic pump, a transdermal patch, liposomes, or other modes of administration. In one embodiment, a pump may be used, in another embodiment, polymeric materials can be used. In yet another embodiment, a controlled release system can be placed in proximity to the therapeutic target, i.e.- the brain, thus requiring only a fraction of the systemic dose.

[0045] The composition can comprise apoaequorin and vitamin D, or can further include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and can be in solid or liquid form such as tablets, powders, capsules, pellets, solutions, suspensions, elixirs, syrups, beverages, emulsions, gels, creams, ophthalmic formulations, or suppositories, including rectal and urethral suppositories.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers also include gums, starches, sugars, cellulosic materials, and .mixtures thereof. The composition containing apoaequorin and vitamin D can be administered to a patient by, for example, subcutaneous implantation of a pellet. In a further embodiment, a pellet provides for controlled release of apoaequorin and/or vitamin D over a period of time. The composition can also be administered by intravenous, intra -arterial, intramuscular injection of a liquid, oral administrat ion of a liquid or solid, or by topical application. Administration can also be accomplished by use of a rectal suppository or a urethral suppository.

[0046] The compositions administrable by the invention can be prepared by known dissolving, mixing, granulating, or tablet-forming processes. For oral administration, apoaeqnorin or its physiologically-tolerated derivatives such as salts, esters, N-oxides, and the like and/or vitamin D or its physiologically-tolerated derivatives such as salts, esters, N-oxides, and the like are mixed with additives customary for this purpose, such as vehicles, stabilizers, or inert diluents, and converted by customary methods into suitable forms for administration, such as tablets, coated tablets, hard or soft gelatin capsules, aqueous, alcoholic or oily solutions.

[0047] Examples of suitable inert vehicles are conventional tablet bases such as lactose, sucrose, or cornstarch in combination with binders such as acacia, cornstarch, gelatin, with disintegrating agents such, as cornstarch, potato starch, alginic acid, or with a lubricant such as stearic acid or magnesium stearate.

[0048] Examples of suitable oily vehicles or solvents are vegetable or animal oils such as sunflower oil or fish-liver oil. Compositions can be effected both as dry and as wet granules. For parenteral administration (subcutaneous, intravenous, intraarterial, or intramuscular injection), the chemical entity or its physiologically tolerated derivatives such as salts, esters, N-oxides, and the like are converted into a solution, suspension, or expulsion, if desired with the substances customary and suitable for this purpose, for example, so!ubi!izers or other auxiliaries.

[0049] Examples are sterile liquids such as water and oils, with or without the addition of a surfactant and other pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvants. Illustrative oils are those of petroleum, animal vegetable, or synthetic origin, for example, peanut oil, soybean oil or mineral oil. In general, water, saline, aqueous dextrose and related sugar solutions, and glycols such as propylene glycols or polyethylene glycol are preferred liquid carriers, particularly tor injectable solutions,

[0050] The preparation of compositions which contain an active component is well understood in the art, Sueh compositions may he prepared as aerosols delivered to the nasopharynx or as injectabies, either as a liquid solutions or suspensions; however, solid forms suitable tor solution in, or suspension in, liquid prior to injection can also be prepared. The composition can also be emulsified. The active therapeutic ingredient is often mixed with excipients which are pharmaceutically acceptable and compatible with the active ingredient. Suitable excipients include, for example, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol, edumol, or the like or any combination thereof, in addition, the composition can contain minor amounts of auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pl l buffering agents which enhance the effectiveness of the active ingredient.

[0051] An active component can be formulated into the composition as neutralized pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the acid addition salts, which are formed with inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric, or phosphoric acids, or such organic acids as acetic, tartaric, mandeiic, and the like. Salts formed from the free carboxyi groups can also be derived front inorganic bases such as. tor example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium, or ferric hydroxides, and such organic bases as isopropylamine, trimethylatniae, 2-ethySamino ethanol hisiidine, procaine, and the like.

[0052] For topical administration to body surfaces using, for example, creams, gels, drops, and the like apoaequorin or its physiologically-tolerated derivates and/or vitamin D or its physiologically-tolerated derivates are prepared and applied as solutions, suspensions, or emulsions in a physiologically acceptable diluent with or without & pharmaceutical carrier.

[0053] In another method according to the invention, the active component can be delivered in a vesicle, in particular, a liposome (see Langer. Science 249:1527-1533 (15 ⁾ 90); Treat et ah. Liposomes in the Therapy of Infectious Disease and Cancer, Lopez-Berestein and FidSer (eds. h Liss, N.Y., pp.353-365 ( 1989).

[0054] Salts of apoaequorin and/or vitamin D are preferably pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Other salts may, however, be useful In the preparat ion of the compositions according to the invention or of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts include acid addition salts which may, for example, be formed by mixing a solution of apoaequorin and/or vitamin 1 ⁾ with a solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid such as hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, ntethanesuiphontc acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, carbonic acid or phosphoric acid.

[{1(555) In addition, apoaequorin and vitamin D-containing compositions described herein may be provided in the form of nutraeeutieai compositions where apoaequorin and vitamin Ό prevent the onset of or reduce or s tabi lize various deleterious calcium imbalance-related disorders and vitamin D deficiency. The term "nutraeeutieai" or "nutraeeutieai composition", for the purpose of this specification,, refers to a food item, or a pari of a food item, that offers medical health benefits, including prevention and/or treatment of disease. A ninraceutieai composition, according to the present invention may contain only apoaequorin and vitamin D as active ingredients, or alternatively, may further comprise, m admixture with dietary supplements including vitamins, co-en*.ymes, minerals, herbs, amino acids and the like which supplement the diet by increasing the total intake of that substance.

[0056] Therefore, the present invention provides methods of providing nutraceutica! benefits to a patient comprising the step of administering to the patient a nutraceutica! composition containing apoaequorin and vitamin D. Such compositions: generally include a "nutraceutically- acceptable carrier" which, as referred to herein, is any carrier suitable for oral delivery including aforementioned pimrmaeetnica!ly-acceptabie carriers suitable for the oral route. In certain embodiments, nutraceutica. compositions according to the invention comprise dietary supplements which, defined on a functional basis, include immune boosting agents, antiinflammatory agents, antioxidant agents, anti-viral agents, or mixtures thereof,

[0057] Immune boosters and/or anti-viral agents are useful for accelerating wound-healing and improved immune function; and they include extracts from the cone flowers, or herbs of the genus Echinacea, extracts from herbs of the genus Sambuea, and Goldenseal extracts. Herbs of the genus Astragalus are also effective immune boosters in either their natural or processed forms, Astragalus stimulates development of stem cells in the marrow and lymph tissue active immune cells. Zinc and its bioaetive salts, such as zinc gluconate and zinc acetate, also act as immune boosters in the treatment of the common cold,

[0058] Antioxidants include the natural, sul&r-containing amino acid al!icin, which acts to increase the level of antioxidant enzymes in the blood. Herbs or herbal extracts, such as garlic, which contain a Mick, are also effective antioxidants, The catccluns, and the extracts of herbs such as green tea containing eatechins, are also effective antioxidants. Extracts of the genus Astragalus also show antioxidant activity. The bioflavonoids, such as quercetin, hesperidin, rutin, and mixtures thereof, are also effective as antioxidants. The primary beneficial role of the bioflavonoids may be in protecting vitamin€ from oxidation in the body. This makes more vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, available for use by the body.

[0059] Bioflavonoids such as quercetin are also effective antiinflammatory agents, and may be used as such in the inventive compositions. Anti-inflammatory herbal supplements and anii- inflammatory compounds derived from plants or herbs may also be used as anti-inflammalory agents in the inventive composition. These include bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme found in pineapple; teas and extracts of stinging nettle; tun.ue.rie, extracts of turmeric, or curcuram, a yellow pigment isolated from turmeric.

[0060] Another supplement which may be used in the present invention is ginger, derived from herbs of the genus Zingiber, T his has been found to possess cardiotonic activity due to compounds such as gingerol and the related compound shogaol as well as providing benefits in the treatment of dizziness, and vestibular disorders. (linger is also effective in the treatment of nausea and other stomach disorders.

[006.1] Supplements which assist in rebuilding soft tissue structures, particularly in rebuilding cartilage, are useful in compositions for treating the pain of arthritis and other joint disorders. Glucosamine, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin may be derived from a variety of sources such as Elk Velvet Antler. Marine lipid complexes, omega 3 fatty acid complexes, and fish oil are also known to be useful in treating pain associated with arthritis.

[0062] Supplements useful in treating migraine headaches include feverfew and Girigko bihba. The main active ingredient in feverfew is the sesquiterpene lactone partheno!ide, which inhibits the secretions of prostaglandins which in turn cause pain through vasospastic activity in the blood vessels, feverfew also exhibits ami -inflammatory properties. Fish oil owing to its platelet-stabilizing and anti vasospastic actions, may also be useful in treating migraine headaches. The herb Gingko hiioba also assists in treatment of migraines by stabilizing arteries and improving blood circulation.

[0063 ] Although some of the supplements listed above have been described as to their pharmacological effects, other supplements may also be utilized in the present invention and their effects are well documented in the scientific literature.

[0064] The invention will be more fully understood upon consideration of the following non- limiting Examples describing and disclosing the chemicals, instruments, statistical analysis and methodologies which arc reported in the publications which might be used in connection with the invention. All references cited in this specification are to be taken as indicative of the level of skill in the art Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. EXAMPLES:

Example I, Administration of apoaequorin over a ninety (90) day time course resit its in improved quality of life for test subjects.

[0065] The present analysis, an open-label study, of 32 patients over a 90 day period shows an increase in. overall quality of sleep, energy, mood, pain, general health. Changes in performance were measured via a standardized battery of questions. These inc luded assessments of qualitative cognitive test, a sleep index, a headache index and a Quality of Life questionnaire. The study shows improved performance. No participants discontinued the study due to an adverse event.

[0066] The results illustrated in Fig. ! show the percent change from baseline of scores from the areas mentioned; we have excluded the memory scores for another graph. The analysis here is shown as marked on the graph as 1 , 2, 3, 4 and 5 vs. days 0 through 90. The graph shows an increase in overall quality of sleep, energy , mood, pain and general health. The baseline was known from a pre-study phase.

Example 2. Administration of apoaequorin over a thirty (30} day time course results in improved quality of life for test subjects.

[0067] The present study was an open-label study for 56 participants over a 30 day period. Changes in performance were measured via a memory screening tool. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the study showed improved memory performance as early as eight days but with statistically greater improvement at day 30. No participants discontinued the study due to an adverse event

Example 3. Administration of apoaequorin over a ninety (90) day time course results i« improved cognition for test subjects.

[0068] The present analysis, for an open-label study of 32 patients shows an increase in cognitive ability. Changes in performance were measured via a standardized cognitive battery. The study showed improved cognition as early as eight days but with statistically greater improvement at day 30, as well as 60-90. No participants discontinued the study due to an adverse event. The results shown in Fig. 3 demonstrate the significant percent increase from baseline of scores in cognitive ability. Note: Greater than 51% of participants had an increase in cognitive ability.

Example 4. Administration of apoaetjaorin and vitamin D-containing composition.

[0069] An apoaequorin and vitamin D-contatning composition is administered to a patient in capsule form containing an admixture of apoaequorin and vitamin D3. The composition contains 50 meg of vitamin D3 (in the form of .03 eholeeaiciterol) and 20 mg of apoaequorin. The mnraeeurieal composition is carried in a nutraceutiealiy-aeceptable vegetable capsule (vegetable cellulose, water). The composition further contains macrocrystalline cellulose, sugar, and small amounts of: acacia (gum Arabic), casein peptones, con) starch, lactose., magnesium stearate (vegetable source), medium chain triglycerides ( vegetable oilK salt, soy peptones, DL-u- taeopherat, tricalcium phosphate, and water. One capsule taken daily provides a recommended dosage. Such dosage contains approximately 250% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D, Vitamin D suitable for use in the invention is available from BASF and soid as "Dry Vitamin D3 J 00 GFP/HP". The single dose may alternatively be formulated to contain other amounts of apoaequorin, including single dosages containing 10 mg or 40 mg of apoaequorin.

Example 5. Evaluation of neuroprotection by AQ (apoaequorin} and Vitamin 1> in rat hippocampal brain slices.

[0070] Preliminary results from a subset of experimental data indicate sign ificant cell, death following 5-mi.n of oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD Fig. 4; upper left image) and minimal cell death in slices that were not subjected to 5-min OQD (Fig. 4; upper right image). Direct hippocampal injection of AQ results in fewer dead and dying cells (i.e.. blue stained cells). Rats fed a diet supplemented with vitamin D (0.0.125 mg/kgj for -10 days also appear to have fewer dead or dying cells. The combination of AQ and vitamin D may further reduce the amount of cell death (Fig. 4; lower left image). C ontrol slices (those not subjected to OGD) do not appear to vary appreciably as a function of treatment condition. [0071 ] it is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art. and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.