Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, a genetic construct, siRNA molecules and a composition which comprises the nucleic acid molecule and/or the genetic construct and/or the siRNA molecules and can be used for inhibition of the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules. The invention also relates to a device, which is coated with the aforementioned molecules, the composition or the construct, or contains them. The present invention further relates to a corresponding use of the nucleic acid molecule, of the genetic construct or of the siRNA molecules and a method of inhibition of the expression of adhesion molecules and a method of vessel grafting, lung transplantation, treatment of lung transplants, and a method of treatment of the open heart within the scope of cardioplegia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for lining a biological vascular conduit with cells. The method utilizes a suitable biologic tube conduit with luminal characteristics that simulate exposed basement membrane to allow for cell attachment. The biologic conduit is secured within a seeding chamber. Cells are introduced into the conduit. Pressure is applied to the seeding chamber such that each end receives substantially equal pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for preventing surgical adhesions during surgery. Tissue surfaces and/or surgical articles involved in the surgery are separated by a biomaterial provided in the form of a non-crosslinked, decellularized and purified mammalian tissue (e.g. bovine pericardium). The biomaterial effectively inhibits fibrosis, scar formation, and surgical adhesions, while also serving as a scaffold for recellularization of the tissue site.

Abstract: A method for treating arteriosclerotic lesions is provided wherein the method is characterized by administering a chemical compound to the patient, the compound being a porphyrin complexed with a radioactive metal. Cells which exhibit an affinity for the porphyrin element indicate sites of plaque buildup. The radioactive metal within the compound is cytotoxic to cells in and surrounding the plaque and may allow tomographic scanning of the plaque as well. The complexed compound can be introduced to the patient a desired number of times to provide the necessary radiation treatment and ongoing monitoring of plaque removal.

Abstract: A method of creating an implantation material from biological and tissue engineered biosynthetic and biological tissue of autogenic, allogenic and xenogenic origin suitable for implantation into humans or animals as surgical and vascular prostheses. The resultant material inhibits in vivo calcification and provides a non-porous biomatrix which is impervious to angiogenesis and tissue ingrowth and suitable for the adhesion and retention of transplanted living cells such as endothelial cells, without the need for additional extracellular matrix protein coating. The method, which incorporates a gradual increase in glutaraldehyde concentration from 0% to no more than 5% weight/volume in a pH which is gradually changed from acid to alkaline at room temperature, maintains the micro-architecture and the cellular lining of the material. Additionally flexibility, compliance and haemo-compatibility along with strength and durability can be varied according to the end use.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of conserving biological prostheses, wherein the method includes the following steps: (a) treating biological prostheses with a solution which contains a mixture of epoxide compounds which are at least in part of different lengths; (b) treating the biological prosthesis treated in accordance with step (a) with an antithrombotic-bearing solution; and (c) possibly storing the prosthesis treated in accordance with step (b) in a sterilising solution. The invention further concerns a biological prosthesis produced in accordance with the method of the invention and a conserving agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include methods for decreasing hypertension in mammals subjected to adverse cardiovascular fetal programming or a long-term adverse postnatal environment. Fetal programming can result from adverse intrauterine conditions, including growth retardation or undernutrition. Adverse postnatal environments include either hypocaloric or hypercaloric nutrition. Decreasing hypertension is such mammals can be accomplished by administering an agent that increases the effective amount of a growth hormone. Such agents can include a growth hormone, an agent that increases the effective concentration of a growth hormone in the mammal, or an agent that decreases inhibition of a growth hormone's effects. Such agents can be used either alone, or in combination with other anti-hypertensive agents.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular and cardiac diseases and disorders, or damage resulting from surgical or medical procedures that may cause ischemic or ischemic/reperfusion damage in humans; and cardiovascular trauma. The beneficial effects of the compositions and methods are achieved through the use of pharmaceutical compositions that include agents that interfere with the production and/or biological activities of sphingolipids and their metabolites, particularly sphingosine (SPH) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S-1-P). Also disclosed are methods for identifying and isolating therapeutic agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of coating the lumenal surface of a blood vessel, or other tissue cavity, and to compositions suitable for use in same.

Abstract: Two novel phosphorylation sites of myosin light chain 1 (MLC1) are described. Methods of monitoring phosphorylation of MLC1 to identify new cardiac and skeletal muscle protective agents, monitor the extent of preconditioning of cardiac and skeletal muscles, and monitoring the status of a subject with cardiac or skeletal muscle damage are provided. Also provided are methods and compositions for altering MLC1 to change contractility of cardiac and skeletal muscles and to protecting cardiac and skeletal muscles from damage caused by conditions and/or agents including, but not limited to, cardiomyopathies, hypertension, free radicals ischemia, hypoxia, and ischemia/hypoxia with reperfusion.

Abstract: A biological pacemaker and implantation catheter for restoring normal or near normal heartbeat function without a mechanical pacemaker. The biological pacemaker is provided by a bridge of implantation cells, such as nerve cells, stem cells or ganglion cells, that are introduced into an area of electrical malfunction, such as an impaired SA node or a blocked AV node. The implantation cells grow to form a conductive cell bridge around the malfunction area so that a new pathway is provided for the electrical signals responsible for triggering heart beat contractions. The implantation catheter has a central nerve cell injection needle connected to a syringe or the like via a cell injection tube, and two elongated lateral stabilizing needles. The catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in a patient's leg, arm, shoulder or the like, and advanced until the catheter's distal end is located above the malfunction area.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining whether a compound alleviates vasoconstriction-independent nerve pain mediated by endothelin-1 (ET-1). The method involves (i) determining whether the compound has the ability to inhibit a vasoconstriction-independent ET-1 action, and, if the compound has the inhibitory ability, then ii) determining whether the compound reduces vasoconstriction-independent nerve pain by testing the compound in human patients suffering from pain mediated by the vasoconstriction-independent ET-1 action. The invention also includes a method of determining whether a compound alleviates pain caused by nerve injury in human patients. The method involves (i) determining whether the compound has the ability to inhibit an inflammatory leukocyte response, and, if the compound has the inhibitory ability, then (ii) testing the compound in human patients suffering from pain caused by nerve injury to determine whether the compound alleviates the pain.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput screening systems for identifying compounds that modulate the biological activity of a biochemically functional sarcomere. The method can be performed in plurality simultaneously with fluorescence or absorbance readouts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for use as inhibitors in hemostasis and immune function. Such inhibitors are members of the family of proteins bearing a collagen-like domain and a globular domain. The inhibitors are useful for promoting blood flow in the vasculature by reducing thrombogenic and complement activity. The inhibitors are also useful for pacifying collagenous surfaces and modulating wound healing.

Abstract: Improved methods for the production of tissue-engineered constructs, including muscular tissue constructs such as vascular constructs, are disclosed. The methods include the use of improved substrates for cell growth, improved cell culture media for cell growth, and the use of distensible bodies to impart pulsatile stretching force to lumens of constructs during growth. Also disclosed are improved products and methods for making those products, including substrates and cell culture media, for tissue engineering and tissue culture generally. Improved muscular tissue constructs, including vascular constructs, are also disclosed, which may be used in medicine for the repair or replacement of damaged natural structures. In an embodiment, a muscular, tubular tissue-engineered construct is prepared having a wall of mammalian smooth muscle cells oriented circumferentially about a lumen of the construct at a cell density of at least 107 cells/cc.

Abstract: A method for processing and preserving an acellular collagen-based tissue matrix for transplantation is disclosed. The method includes the steps of processing biological tissues with a stabilizing solution to reduce procurement damage, treatment with a processing solution to remove cells, treatment with a cryoprotectant solution followed by freezing, drying, storage and rehydration under conditions that preclude functionally significant damage and reconstitution with viable cells.

Abstract: A body filling agent is formed of a collagen in the form of powder, fiber or gel, and at least one kind of implantable particles selected from a group consisting of implantable polymer and pericardium. A mixture of the collagen and the implantable particles forming the body filling agent is deposited in a body. The collagen is absorbed into the body, but the implantable particles remain in the body as a part of the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cloning and characterization of bves (blood vessel/epicardial substance), a cDNA expressed in developing and adult heart and skeletal muscle cells in chick, mouse and human. Also provided are applications of Bves as a marker for cardiovascular or skeletal muscle diseases.

Abstract: A method for treating biomaterial is provided in which a biological tissue, typically after being cross-linked, is contacted with an anticalcification treatment solution under condition effective to render the biomaterial resistant to in vivo calcification upon implantation in a host animal. The anticalcification treatment solutions comprise higher alcohol solutions, a polyol solutions and/or a polar aprotic organic solvent solutions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing cardiomyocytes in vivo by administering to the heart of an individual a cardiomyocyte producing amount of mesenchymal stem cells. These cells can be administered as a liquid injectible or as a preparation of cells in a matrix which is or becomes solid or semi-solid. The cells can be genetically modified to enhance myocardial differentiation and integration. Also disclosed is a method for replacing cells ex vivo in a heart valve for implantation.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of coating the lumenal surface of a blood vessel, or other tissue cavity, and to compositions suitable for use in same.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring myocardial function in a mammal in need of such measurement by: a) administering 2-substituted adenosine carboxamide derivatives at a dosage rate of less than 1 &mgr;g/kg/min, preferably between about 0.01 and 1 &mgr;g/kg/min; and then: b) performing a technique on the mammal to detect myocardial function. The method can be used to diagnose myocardial dysfunction by electrophysiologic analysis or by imaging the vasculature of the heart, especially under conditions that simulate stress.

Abstract: A biological material is prepared for use in ophthalmology by steps of providing animal pericardium, subjecting the animal pericardium to multiple steps of freezing and thawing in a salt solution and incubating the animal pericardium in a solution of ammonia and ethyl alcohol. The multiple steps of freezing and thawing are conducted in a mixture of about 0.9% sodium chloride solution and distilled water in about 1:1 proportions of sodium chloride solution to distilled water. The incubating step is conducted in a mixture of 1% ammonia solution and 1% ethyl alcohol solution in about 1:1 proportions of ammonia solution to ethyl alcohol solution over a period of 48 to 72 hours.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treatment of hepatic diseases which comprises erythropoietin as an active ingredient to reduce excess iron ions in the liver of a mammal with hepatic diseases, thus improving hepatic functions of said mammal. According to the present pharmaceutical composition with erythropoietin as an active ingredient, excess iron ions in the liver of a mammal with hepatic diseases can be decreased, so it is effective for treatment of chronic hepatitis, hepatic carcinoma, hepatocirrhosis etc. due to excess iron ions. Further, patient's anemia accompanying venesection can be prevented while excretion of excess iron ions can be promoted by using the venesection therapy in combination with the administration of said pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A mouse model for vein graft stenosis useful for identifying compounds which reduce or prevent such stenosis, consisting of a mouse engrafted with an autogenous vein which exhibits detectable stenosis within 30 days of transplantation. Also disclosed are therapeutic methods for inhibiting the development of vein graft stenosis.

Abstract: A length of living conductive cells may be injected directly or may be grown to be attached to a fibrous matrix of material that provides for flexible structure so as to deliver a stimulation signal from one end of the biologic cable to the other to induce a physiologic reaction in body tissue.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of manufacturing implantable biocompatible cell encapsulation devices, wherein the cell encapsulation devices have a jacket made of a permeable, biocompatible material that is loaded with a core made of a reticulate foam scaffold having interconnected pores, with cells that are dispersed in the interconnected pores.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement for improving cardiovascular health via aiding in preventing, delaying the onset of and/or slowing the progression of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, the supplement comprising one or more flavonoids and folic acid or folate; and a method for aiding in preventing, delaying the onset of and/or slowing the progression of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable compositions useful as primary standards and calibrators and controls comprising a cardiac troponin I (cTnI) such as native, recombinant, addition and deletion forms thereof, whether or not complexed with other troponin subunits such as TnC and/or TnT, in an inactivated human serum. The compositions are obtained by incubating troponin complexes with human serum. The compositions are characterized by an immunodetectability ratio of epitopes on the N-terminal segment to epitopes on the C-terminal segment substantially equivalent to that of pooled, fresh serum from acute myocardial infarction patients.

Abstract: A biological material is prepared for use in ophthalmology by steps of providing animal pericardium, subjecting the animal pericardium to multiple steps of freezing and thawing in a salt solution and incubating the animal pericardium in a solution of ammonia and ethyl alcohol. The multiple steps of freezing and thawing are conducted in a mixture of about 0.9% sodium chloride solution and distilled water in about 1:1 proportions of sodium chloride solution to distilled water. The incubating step is conducted in a mixture of 1% ammonia solution and 1% ethyl alcohol solution in about 1:1 proportions of ammonia solution to ethyl alcohol solution over a period of 48 to 72 hours.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic calibrators for immunological tests, analyte-specific epitopes being coupled to other proteins or to synthetic carriers.

Abstract: A biocompatible cell device having an internal foam scaffold to provide a growth surface for encapsulated cells which produce a biologically active molecule.

Abstract: Vascular endothelial cell growth factor C subunit DNA is prepared by polymerase chain reaction techniques. The DNA encodes a protein that may exist as either a heterodimer or homodimer. The protein is a mammalian vascular endothelial cell mitogen and as such is useful for the promotion of vascular development and repair. This unique growth factor is also useful in the promotion of tissue repair.

Abstract: Porcine cardiomyocytes and methods for using the cardiomyocytes to treat disorders characterized by insufficient cardiac function are described. The porcine cardiomyocytes are preferably embryonic porcine cardiomyocytes. The porcine cardiomyocytes can be modified to be suitable for transplantation into a xenogeneic subject, such as a human. For example, the porcine cardiomyocytes can be modified such that an antigen (e.g., an MHC class I antigen) on the cardiomyocyte surface which is capable of stimulating an immune response against the cardiomyocytes in a xenogeneic subject is altered (e.g., by contact with an anti-MHC class I antibody, or a fragment or derivative thereof) to inhibit rejection of the cardiomyocyte when introduced into the subject. In one embodiment, the porcine cardiomyocytes are obtained from a pig which is essentially free from organisms or substances which are capable of transmitting infection or disease to the recipient subject.

Abstract: A method is provided for isolating substantially intact cardiac troponin I from cardiac tissue comprising extracting the, troponin I and purifying it in the presence of an effective amount of a mixture of protease inhibitors. The human cardiac troponin I prepared by the present method is characterised by a molecular weight of about 28 kDa.

Abstract: Amino acid sequences having specificity as lipoprotein (a) and low homology with LDL and plasminogen are selected from the amino acid sequence of lipoprotein (a), and antibodies to lipoprotein (a) which recognize these amino acid sequences specifically are obtained. At least one of these antibodies is used in immunological techniques for the determination of lipoprotein (a). Moreover, an amino acid sequence having specificity as apolipoprotein (a) and not having antigenicity as lipoprotein (a) or plasminogen is selected from the amino acid sequence of apolipoprotein (a), and antibodies to apolipoprotein (a) which recognize this amino acid sequence specifically are obtained. At least one of these antibodies is used in immunological techniques for the determination of apolipoprotein (a).

Abstract: Antibodies that are indicative of organ transplant rejection, for example, cardiac or kidney transplant rejection, and of associated pathological conditions, for example, accelerated (or transplant-associated) coronary artery disease (CAD) are identified, as are antigens that bind to such antibodies. The antigens are used in immunoassays to diagnose transplant rejection and associated pathological conditions, and in the treatment of transplant rejection. The antigens and antibodies are particularly useful in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic rejection and associated conditions, especially rapid onset vasculopathy.

Abstract: A mouse model for transplant arteriosclerosis useful for identifying compounds which reduce or prevent such arteriosclerosis, consisting of a mouse engrafted with a histoincompatible artery which exhibits detectable arteriosclerosis within 30 days of transplantation. Also disclosed are therapeutic methods for inhibiting the development of transplant arteriosclerosis in mammalian recipients of allografted organs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical treatment for prevention of calcification and degeneration of biological tissue grafts used as a whole or in a part as heart valve substitutes, substitutes of blood vessel, pericardial substitutes, and surgical membranes for implantation in human. The process includes the steps of treatment of the grafts with partially degraded heparin to prevent the calcification of glutaraldehyde-treated xenografts.

Abstract: A method is provided for isolating substantially intact cardiac troponin I from cardiac tissue comprising extracting the troponin I and purifying it in the presence of an effective mount of a mixture of protease inhibitors. The human cardiac troponin I, prepared by the present method is characterised by a molecular weight of about 28 kDa.

Abstract: A process of preparation of a collagenous prosthesis for removing cell membrane proteins from a biological collagenous tissue and preserving elasticity of the collagenous prosthesis comprises the following steps: (a) soaking the tissue in an organic detergent for a sufficient time to disrupt the cell membrane and to solubilize the cellular membrane proteins of the collagenous tissue; (b) extracting and removing the cellular membrane proteins from the collagenous tissue by mechanical washing to obtain the collagenous prosthesis; (c) preserving the collagenous prosthesis in alcohol.

Abstract: Isolated CHF, isolated DNA encoding CHF, and recombinant or synthetic methods of preparing CHF are disclosed. These CHF molecules are shown to influence hypertrophic activity and neurological activity. Accordingly, these compounds or their antagonists may be used for treatment of heart failure, arrhythmic disorders, inotropic disorders, and neurological disorders.

Abstract: A chemotactic factor released from tissue in response to injury represents the initial signal that recruits neutrophils to the tissue. As released, the factor exists as a positively charged protein complex consisting of a low molecular weight active peptide factor that carries a neutral to negative charge and a weakly associated high molecular weight protein. The tissue derived complex exhibits a molecular weight of about 100,000-300,000 daltons and the factor is obtained therefrom and purified. The peptide factor is non-immune cell derived and non-serum derived and exhibits a molecular weight of approximately 3,000 daltons.

Abstract: A composition for enhancing the performance of animals, such as horses or dogs, is composed of adrenal and pituitary raw tissue concentrates, vitamin C, bioflavonoid complex, pantothenic acid, methionine, choline, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, niacinamide, magnesium, vitamin B12, folic acid and organic iodine. The composition is adapted to be orally administered to an animal, is composed of all natural substances, and the relative proportions of the components are approximately:at least 40 parts adrenal raw tissue concentrate toat least 2 parts pituitary raw tissue concentrate to30-60 parts vitamin C to20-30 parts magnesium to10-20 parts of each of pantothenic acid, methionine and choline to8-15 parts of each of niacinamide and bioflavonoid complex to1-5 parts of each of vitamins B1, B2 and B6 to0.1-1 parts organic iodine to0.05-0.5 parts folic acid.