Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In some embodiments, the GPCR is mammalian, preferably human. In some embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by cardiomyocytes. In some embodiments, the GPCR is coupled to Gq. In some embodiments, the GPCR increases the intracellular level of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3). In some embodiments, a modulator of the GPCR is a modulator of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The present invention further relates to methods of using a modulator of the GPCR. Preferred modulators are inverse agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In preferred embodiments, the GPCR is human. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is coupled to Gi and lowers the level of intracellular cAMP. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by adipocytes. In further preferred embodiments, the GPCR inhibits intracellular lipolysis. In other further preferred embodiments, the GPCR is a nicotinic acid receptor. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of said GPCR. Preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of metabolic-related disorders, including dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of an orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Preferably the GPCR is human. In some embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by cardiomyocytes. In some embodiments, the GPCR is coupled to Gi and lowers the level of intracellular cAMP. In some embodiments, overexpression of the GPCR promotes survival of cardiomyocytes. In some embodiments, overexpression of the GPCR rescues cardiomyoctes from hypoxia/reoxygenation induced apoptosis. In some embodiments, the GPCR is down-regulated in individuals with congestive heart failure. Agonists of the invention are envisioned to be useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction, post-myocardial infarction remodeling, and congestive heart failure.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a GPR109A niacin receptor. The present invention relates more particularly to assessing a GPR109A polymorphism in an individual, wherein the GPR109A polymorphism is indicative of the subject's risk for an adverse reaction to the administration of a GPR109A receptor agonist, wherein the adverse reaction is associated with stimulation of MAP kinase activity by the GPR109A receptor agonist. More specifically, the present invention relates to assessing a GPR109A polymorphism in an individual and determining the level of risk for the subject for experiencing an adverse reaction, wherein the subject's GPR109A zygosity is predictive of the risk for a cutaneous flushing response that can be experienced following administration of a GPR109A receptor agonist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether one or more candidate compounds is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) or a modulator of blood glucose concentration. In certain embodiments, the GPCR is human. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of the GPCR. A preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for lowering blood glucose concentration, for preventing or treating certain metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes, and for preventing or treating a complication of an elevated blood glucose concentration, such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and peripheral vascular disease.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of identifying a niacin receptor modulator with reduced flushing effect compared to niacin or a niacin analog, comprising determining the MAP kinase activity of said modulator, wherein a decrease in MAP kinase activity induced by said modulator compared to MAP kinase activity induced by niacin or a niacin analog indicates that said modulator has reduced flushing effect when compared to niacin or a niacin analog.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing flushing induced by niacin or a niacin analog in a subject, comprising administering to said subject an effective flush reducing amount of a niacin receptor partial agonist. In addition, the invention provides a method of reducing flushing induced by niacin or a niacin analog in a subject, comprising administering to said subject an effective flush reducing amount of a niacin receptor partial agonist and an effective lipid altering amount of niacin or a niacin analog. The invention further provides a method of reducing flushing induced by niacin or a niacin analog in a subject, comprising administering to said subject an effective flush reducing amount of a niacin receptor partial agonist and subsequently administering to said subject an effective lipid altering amount of niacin or a niacin analog.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In preferred embodiments, the GPCR is human. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is coupled to Gi and lowers the level of intracellular cAMP. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by adipocytes. In further preferred embodiments, the GPCR inhibits intracellular lipolysis. In other further preferred embodiments, the GPCR is a nicotinic acid receptor. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of said GPCR. Preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of metabolic-related disorders, including dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: A class of substituted pyridines that are useful for inhibiting the activity of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, and have the structural formula (IA), wherein R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are defined in the claims.

Abstract: A class of substituted pyridines that are useful for inhibiting the activity of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, and have the structural formula (IA), wherein R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are defined in the claims.

Abstract: 1 A class of substituted pyridines that are useful for inhibiting the activity of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, and have the structural formula (IA), wherein R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are defined in the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinations of cardiovascular therapeutic compounds for the prophylaxis or treatment of cardiovascular disease including hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, or hyperlipidemia. Combinations disclosed include an ileal bile acid transport inhibitor combined with a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinations of cardiovascular therapeutic compounds for the prophylaxis or treatment of cardiovascular disease including hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, or hyperlipidemia. Combinations disclosed include an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor combined with a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor.

Abstract: A class of substituted pyridines that are useful for inhibiting the activity of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, and have the structural formula (IA), wherein R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are defined in the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinations of cardiovascular therapeutic compounds for the prophylaxis or treatment of cardiovascular disease including hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, or hyperlipidemia. Combinations disclosed include an ileal bile acid transport inhibitor combined with a nicotinic acid derivative.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinations of cardiovascular therapeutic compounds for the prophylaxis or treatment of cardiovascular disease including hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, or hyperlipidemia. Combinations disclosed include an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor combined with a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinations of cardiovascular therapeutic compounds for the prophylaxis or treatment of cardiovascular disease including hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, or hyperlipidemia. Combinations disclosed include an ileal bile acid transport inhibitor combined with a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors or derivatives thereof in preventing cardiovascular disorders.

Abstract: A cDNA having a base sequence for human vascular permeability factor has been cloned and characterized and the amino acid sequence of the human vascular permeability factor protein has been determined.

Abstract: Plasminogen activators (PA) are obtained from cultured normal human colon cells which are adaptable to large scale production. A purified tissue PA (t-PA) is obtained from CCD-18Co normal human colon fibroblast cells which shows chemical differences from Bowes melanoma t-PA.