Abstract: An agent containing a vinca alkaloid or its pharmacologically acceptable salt as an active ingredient can induce insulin production and/or secretion of non-neoplastic cells derived from the pancreas.

Abstract: Conophylline, contained in leaves of Ervatamia microphylla or Tabernaemontana divaricata, can induce non-tumor cells to differentiate into insulin-producing cells and thereby to produce insulin and also to lower blood glucose levels. Thus, in the present invention, dried products and extracts of leaves of Ervatamia microphylla or Tabernaemontana divaricata, which contain conophylline, are used as health foods for preventing and improving diabetes and obesity or health foods for lowering blood glucose levels.

Abstract: An agent containing a vinca alkaloid or its pharmacologically acceptable salt as an active ingredient can induce insulin production and/or secretion of non-neoplastic cells derived from the pancreas.

Abstract: An agent containing a vinca alkaloid or its pharmacologically acceptable salt as an active ingredient can induce insulin production and/or secretion of non-neoplastic cells derived from the pancreas.

Abstract: A medicament for treating a renal disease, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an activin inhibitor as an active ingredient. Also, a method for treating a renal disease, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an activin inhibitor to a patient suffering from renal disease is disclosed. The activin inhibitor may be follistatin, an anti-activin antibody, an inhibitor to activin receptor or an anti-activin receptor antibody, an inhibitor to signal transduction relating to activin receptor, an activin production inhibitor in kidney, and the like.

Abstract: A medicament for treating a renal disease, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an activin inhibitor as an active ingredient. Also, a method for treating a renal disease, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an activin inhibitor to a patient suffering from renal disease is disclosed. The activin inhibitor may be follistatin, an anti-activin antibody, an inhibitor to activin receptor or an anti-activin receptor antibody, an inhibitor to signal transduction relating to activin receptor, an activin production inhibitor in kidney, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel composition comprising a betacellulin protein, or a fragment thereof, which is capable of promoting the differentiation of undifferentiated pancreatic cells into insulin-producing beta cells or pancreatic polypeptide producing F cells. This composition can also improve glucose tolerance in patients and inhibit the growth of undifferentiated pancreatic cells. The composition may further comprise activin and/or other molecules. Methods for treating mammals, including humans, are also provided.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing the polypeptides BUF-3, BUF-4 and BUF-5 have hypoglycemic activity. BUF-3 is a homodimer of monomer A shown in FIG. 1. The monomer has a molecular weight of 16.+-.1 kd. BUF-4 is a heterodimer of monomer A and monomer B (FIG. 2). These products can be produced by cell culture of malignant leukemia cells or by recombinant DNA engineering.