Abstract: The invention relates to methods for identifying prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, methods for determining metastatic potential of tumors, and to methods and compositions for inhibiting or preventing metastasis of cancers. In one aspect, the invention provides a method to determine metastatic potential of tumors, particularly prostatic tumors. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of identifying prostate cancer associated conditions, particularly prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. In these regards, the invention relates to determining protein or mRNA of effectors of arachidonic acid release, particularly uteroglobin protein or mRNA, to identify intermediate conditions such as PIN or to gauge metastatic potential of prostatic tumors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for inhibiting the growth of tumor cells of epithelial origin, comprising administration of a functional uteroglobin gene in a gene therapy regime, so as to inhibit growth of the tumor cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for identifying prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, methods for determining metastatic potential of tumors, and to methods and compositions for inhibiting or preventing metastasis of cancers. In one aspect, the invention provides a method to determine metastatic potential of tumors, particularly prostatic tumors. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of identifying prostate cancer associated conditions, particularly prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. In these regards, the invention relates to determining protein or mRNA of effectors of arachidonic acid release, particularly uteroglobin protein or mRNA, to identify intermediate conditions such as PIN or to gauge metastatic potential of prostatic tumors. The invention also relates to methods and compositions that prevent or inhibit metastasis of cancers. In this regard, the invention particularly relates to methods and compositions that inhibit arachidonic acid, those that inhibit phospholipase A2.

Abstract: A method of treating septic shock in a mammal by preventing in vivo polymerization of actin in the mammal. An actin antipolymerizer such as thymosin .beta..sub.4 (T.beta..sub.4) is administered to the mammal so as to treat septic shock in the mammal. The amount of T.beta..sub.4 administered is sufficient to reduce levels of IL-1.alpha., TNF.alpha., PAF, Tx.beta..sub.2 and/or 6-keto-PGF.sub.1 .alpha. in the blood of the mammal. Also disclosed is a method of preventing septic shock in a mammal following endotoxin introduction in the mammal by administrating an actin antipolymerizer such as T.beta..sub.4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing penetration of mammalian ova by mammalian male sperm by contacting sperm in vitro with a penetration-enhancing amount of a penetration-enhancing thymosin polypeptide or a penetration enhancing anti-thymosin antibody. In preferred embodiments, treatment comprises contacting mammalian sperm with thymosin .alpha..sub.1 or antibodies to thymosin .alpha..sub.1 or thymosin .beta..sub.4.

Abstract: A method of reducing toxicity of endotoxin in a mammal including the administration of an endotoxin-reducing effective amount of T.alpha..sub.1 to the mammal.

Abstract: A method of treating septic shock in a mammal including the administration of a septic shock-treating effective amount of thymosin .beta..sub.4 (T.beta..sub.4) to the mammal. Included is a process directed to obstructing the progression of sepsis cascade by administration of a sepsis cascade progression-obstructing amount of T.beta..sub.4. Further included is a process directed to preventing septic shock by administration of a septic shock-preventing effective amount of T.beta..sub.4.