Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of increasing lipid oxidation in a mammal and to agents useful for same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of increasing lipid oxidation in a mammal by administering a ligand which interacts with the IL-6 receptor and signals via interaction with a gp130/LIF receptor heterodimer. In a related aspect, the present invention provides a method of increasing insulin sensitivity in a mammal. The method of present invention is useful, inter alia, in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of conditions characterized by unwanted lipid accumulation (such as obesity, obesity induced-metabolic disorders, type II diabetes, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) or inadequate insulin sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of increasing lipid oxidation in a mammal and to agents useful for same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of increasing lipid oxidation in a mammal by administering a ligand which interacts with the IL-6 receptor and signals via interaction with a gp130/LIF receptor heterodimer. In a related aspect, the present invention provides a method of increasing insulin sensitivity in a mammal. The method of present invention is useful, inter alia, in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of conditions characterised by unwanted lipid accumulation (such as obesity, obesity induced-metabolic disorders, type II diabetes, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) or inadequate insulin sensitivity.

Abstract: A device (1) for treating valve failure in a patient is provided. The device has one or more engaging zones (3) for engaging the device with the annulus of the valve being treated. The device also has pre-disposition means for changing the geometry of the device to a predetermined configuration which is suitable for constricting the valve annulus. The device is compressible for percutaneous delivery to the valve. When in the predetermined configuration, the engaged device constricts the valve annulus facilitating substantial closure of leaflets of the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to branched macromolecules and their use as imaging or contrast agents. In particular, the invention relates to dendrimers, derived from lysine or lysine analogues, bearing a plurality of functional moieties and their application to imaging techniques in which a disease state may be imaged with a targeted contrast agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, methods, and kits for diagnosing or predicting a disease in a subject, for detecting activated platelets in a subject, and for treating a disease in a subject, wherein the diseases are mediated by platelet activation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anticoagulant agent including a first element capable of inhibiting coagulation and a second element capable of targeting an activated platelet wherein upon administration of element directs the first element to the activated platelet. Also provided is a probe for detecting a blood vessel abnormality including (a) a binding element capable of targeting an activated platelet and (b) a label. Applicant has shown that agents and probes directed to activated platelets are useful in the diagnosis and therapy of coagulation disorders.

Abstract: In a method of treating valvular insufficiency in a patient, a plurality of filaments (2) are used to engage tissue at spaced apart locations of an annulus (1) of the valve being treated. The engaged filaments (2) are drawn inward so as to draw the engaged tissue around the valve annulus (1) inward. The filaments (2) are then secured with the engaged tissue in the drawn-in configuration. Inward drawing of the engaged tissue improves valve function by reducing the valve annulus (1). Alternatively or additionally, anchor means may be used to secure the filaments to a region of robust tissue, thus drawing the engaged tissue toward the anchor means to further improve valve function.

Abstract: A device (1) for treating valve failure in a patient is provided. The device has one or more engaging zones (3) for engaging the device with the annulus of the valve being treated. The device also has pre-disposition means for changing the geometry of the device to a predetermined configuration which is suitable for constricting the valve annulus. The device is compressible for percutaneous delivery to the valve. When in the predetermined configuration, the engaged device constricts the valve annulus facilitating substantial closure of leaflets of the valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a binding domain of ABCA1, wherein binding of a ligand to the domain is capable of modulating the biological activity of ABCA1. Also provided are methods for screening compounds capable of modulating ABCA1 activity, and antibodies useful in modulating ABCA1 activity.

Abstract: A method for treating cardiac fibrosis resulting from injury of a mammalian heart is described comprising the step of contacting a therapeutically effective amount of relaxin and/or an LGR7 activating agent with cardiac cells following the injury in an amount sufficient to reduce the fibrosis. Also described are methods for protecting the heart following an ischemic event, inhibiting the proliferation of activated fibroblasts and antagonising collagen secretion or deposition in a mammalian heart.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a nucleic acid molecule encoding, or complementary to a nucleic acid molecule encoding, a recombinant NAD+ dependent glucocorticoid dehydrogenase and more particularly to 11 .beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 (11 .beta.HSD2). When expressed in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is used to assay for potential agonists or antagonists of glucocorticoid dehydrogenase activity. Further, the present invention relates to immunoreactive molecules to NAD+ dependent glucocorticoid dehydrogenase which provide the basis for a new range of diagnostic agents for use, such as in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and in predicting the potential outcome of in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for, and pharmaceutical compositions useful in, the prophylaxis and/or treatment of cardiac dysfunction in a mammal by the administration of an effective amount of an agent capable of blocking or inhibiting the effect or release of inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate in cardiac tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a nucleic acid molecule encoding, or complementary to a nucleic acid molecule encoding, a recombinant NAD+ dependent glucocorticoid dehydrogenase and more particularly to 11 .beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 (11 .beta.HSD2). When expressed in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is used to assay for potential agonists or antagonist of glucocorticoid dehydrogenase activity. Further, the present invention relates to inmmunoreactive molecules to NAD+ dependent glucocorticold dehydrogenase which provide the basis for a new range of diagnostic agents for use, such as in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and in predicting the potential outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer procedures.