Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for detecting the presence of minimal or early vasculitis or other vasculopathies induced by a cox-2 inhibitor in a subject to whom a cox-2 inhibitor has been administered, selection of cox-2 inhibitory compounds, use of a cox-2 inhibitory compounds in the manufacture of anti-inflammatory medicaments, and vaccination strategies.

Abstract: Biomarker signatures were identified which can be used to diagnose or predict kidney or liver toxicity and more specifically renal tubular toxicity as a consequence of disease or drug treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to a method of measuring ?-2-microglobulin to assess glomerular alteration or damage of the kidney.

Abstract: Cardiovascular tissue mRNA expression profiles in monkeys treated with coxibs was analyzed. Genomic data indicated that the animals showing vasculitis exhibit a specific mRNA expression pattern. The pattern includes gene expression changes involved in blood and endothelial cell (EC) activation, interaction of blood cells with EC, activation of INF? pathway, and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemo-attractants. These results provide direct evidence of minimal vasculitis together with corresponding genomic signature and peripheral biomarkers for minimal vasculatis. These results also suggest that treatment might triggers/aggravate a clinically latent cardiovascular disorder in the context of an endothelium tropic viral infection and/or an autoimmune vascular disorder. The histopathological examination revealed marginal vascular changes consistent with the genomic findings.

Abstract: Biomarker signatures were identified which can be used to diagnose or predict kidney or liver toxicity and more specifically renal tubular toxicity as a consequence of disease or drug treatment.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for fast and accurate readout of kidney toxicity before it occurs and before it is demonstrated by histopathology examination. Ultimately, this approach shall allow earlier compound selection. The twelve genes identified, namely Calbindin-D28k, KIM-1, OPN, EGF, Clusterin, VEGF, OAT-K1, Aldolase A, Aldolase B, Podocin, Alpha-2u and C4, were grouped and ultimately can be assessed in the form of a kit using PCR, a high throughput technology, in order to characterize and rank new compounds according to their anticipated general kidney toxicity. Also disclosed are methods for identifying agents useful in the treatment of kidney disease, methods for monitoring the efficacy of a treatment for kidney disease and kidney-specific vectors including the sequences of the disclosed genes, and a method for identifying a candidate gene associated with a biological process including kidney function.

Abstract: This invention identifies genes and the mRNA and polypeptide expression products of these genes which can be used as biomarkers to provide diagnostic and prognostic information in patients with sarcoidosis. These biomarkers can also be used to monitor the severity and progression of sarcoidosis and to identify drugs useful in treating the disease.