Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising potassium binding polymers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of hyperkalemia, such as hyperkalemia caused by renal failure and/or the use of hyperkalemia causing drugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising sodium-binding polymers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of hypertension, chronic heart failure, end stage renal disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal insufficiency, fluid overload, or sodium overload.

Abstract: This invention is based on the experimental finding that HIP/PAP has mitogenic and antiapoptotic effects in vitro on hepatocytes in primary culture. Moreover, HIP/PAP is a mitogenic and anti-apoptotic molecule for hepatocytcs, in vivo, during liver failure and liver regeneration. The present invention is also based on the experimental finding that HIP/PAP administration has no adverse effects in mammals. This invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition for stimulating liver regeneration in vivo including after chronic/acute liver failure, comprising an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having 90% amino acid identity with the polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence starting at the amino acid residue (36) and ending at the amino acid residue (175) of sequence SEQ ID No 1, in combination with at least one physiologically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for preparing extract products from the root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. and the extract products thus obtained, which are biologically active in promoting the proliferation, growth and/or differentiation of hematocytes and bone marrow cells in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising sodium-binding polymers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of hypertension, chronic heart failure, end stage renal disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal insufficiency, fluid overload, or sodium overload.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition containing a water-soluble fraction of Graptopetalum and its use in treating a liver disease or condition, such as inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising Graptopetalum and uses thereof Graptopetalum can protect animals from liver diseases and medical conditions, such as inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis. In particular, Graptopetalum inhibits proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells, which play a pivotal role in liver fibrosis. Graptopetalum also has anti-fibrosis activities as well as inhibits proliferation of lung fibroblasts. Therefore, in addition to being a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for the liver, Graptopetalum is useful against fibrosis or inflammation of tissues or organs other than the liver, in particular lung, kidney, and bladder. Other plants in the family of Crassulaceae, particularly Echeveria, have similar effects as Graptopetalum.

Abstract: The invention concerns compounds of general formula (I), wherein: A represents one of the radicals in which R5 represents independently a hydrogen atom, or alkyl; R6, R7 and R8 independently represent a hydrogen atom, alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxy or alkoxy; R11 represents a hydrogen atom of alkyl; and R9, R10 and R12 independently represent a hydrogen atom, alkyl, hydroxy or alkoxy; B represents a hydrogen atom or alkyl; n represents an integer from 0 to 5; R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, alkyl or cycloalkyl; R3 and R4 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical, or R3 and R4 together form with the nitrogen atom which bears them a heterocycle optionally substituted comprising in all 1 to 2 heteroatoms and 5 to 7 members. Said compounds can be used for preparing a medicine for protecting mitochondria, and in particular a medicine for preventing or treating cirrhosis.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for treatment and prevention of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which comprises 5-(2-pyrazinyl)-4-methyl-1,2-dithiol-3-thione (oltipraz) and dimethyl-4,4?-dimethoxy-5,6,5?,6?-dimethylene dioxybiphenyl-2,2?-dicarboxylate (DDB) as major components, is provided. The ratio of oltipraz and DDB of said composition is preferably 25:0–25, more preferably 5:0.1–5, particularly preferably 5:1. Oltipraz/DDB formulations according to the present invention exhibit surprisingly good effect on the treatment and prevention of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and are safe drugs that have low toxicity in the human body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions without added iron and methods for prophylactic nutritional supplementation and therapeutic nutritional supplementation. Specifically, the method involves administering to an individual a composition comprising carotenoids, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, pantothenic acid, cobalamin, magnesium, manganese, zinc, selenium, chromium, copper, alpha lipoic acid, and lutein, wherein the composition is free of added iron.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating adverse physiological effects associated with depressed reticuloendothelial system function comprising administering to a subject suffering from depressed reticuloendothelial system function an effective amount of a BPI protein product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nervonic acid derivatives of formula (I) CH3—(CH2)7—CH═CH—(CH2)13—C(O)—O—(CH2)3—OR  (I) wherein R is hydrogen (H) or a residue of a carboxylic acid; or a salt of the compound where R is H; or a bioprecursor, prodrug thereof. Those compounds wherein R is other than H have pharmacological activity, in particular anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Those compounds wherein R is H can be used to prepare the pharmacologically active derivatives.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating or ameliorating hypertension in an animal comprising administering an effective amount of a compound of formula I:

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a series of etherlysophospholipids (ELPs) for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an inflammatory disease without causing adverse gastrointestinal side effects and/or without inhibition of phospholipase A2 and prostaglandin E2, as well as preventing or treating ulcerative conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel dithiocarbamamte disulfide dimer useful in various therapeutic treatments, either alone or in combination with other active agents. In one method, the disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate is coadministered with an agent that inactivates (or inhibits the production of) species that induce the expression of nitric oxide synthase to reduce the production of such species, while, at the same time reducing nitric oxide levels in the subject. In another embodiment, free iron ion levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate(s) to scavenge free iron ions, for example, in subjects undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy. In another embodiment, cyanide levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate so as to bind cyanide in the subject. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to compositions and formulations useful in such therapeutic methods.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of (-)-pimara-9(11),15-diene-19-oic acid(acanthoic acid) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising acanthoic acid useful for the treatment of diseases caused by an excessive production of interleukin-1 or tumor necrosis factor-.alpha..

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one polyene macrolide for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of diseases that are associated with an impaired energy turnover. Particularly, the present inventions allows to specifically stimulate the energy conversion in human cell, i.e. to stimulate the cell metabolism, and thus to treat or prevent a series of diseases.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, drugs having pharmacological properties which are useful in the medicinal therapy of fibrotic disease for the reparation and prevention of fibrotic lesional tissues, such drugs including as active ingredient(s) one or more N-substituted 2-(1H) pyridone(s) and/or N-substituted 3-(1H) pyridones. The composition of this invention is novel as an anti-fibrotic drug, namely, as an agent for treating fibrosis. Any existing compounds have not been shown to be effective for the reparation and prevention of fibrotic lesions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of colostral milk or colostral milk preparations from the cow, or fractions containing immunoglobulin prepared therefrom, as a liver protective preparation for the prevention and treatment of liver function disturbances in liver diseases, especially for the prevention of the sequelae of these diseases, such as portal encephalopathy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing occurrence or progression of liver damage using hepatocyte growth factor. In the methods, a preventatively effective amount of the hepatocyte growth factor is administered to the patient. The hepatocyte growth factor can be administered, for instance, prior to administering a hepatotoxic therapy to the patient. The hepatocyte growth factor can further be administered with activin or transforming growth factor-beta to prevent liver damage. Compositions comprising hepatocyte growth factor and activin antagonist or transforming growth factor-beta antagonist are also provided by the invention.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for treating fibrotic conditions by administration of an effective amount of an antifibrotic agent. The antifibrotic agent is preferably a proline analog, such as cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline (cHyp). The antifibrotic agent is operatively linked to a monomer or a polymer, with or without a linking compound, e.g., lysine. Intravenous administration is preferred. The present method facilitates the delivery and release of the antifibrotic agent to inhibit collagen accumulation and thereby to treat fibrosis where collegen metabolism is implicated. A reduced quantity of the antifibrotic agent and a corresponding reduction in the potential for toxicity resulting from prolonged administration thereof may be realized.

Abstract: An ayurvedic composition for prophylaxis and treatment of AIDS, flu, TB, and other immuno-deficiency conditions, and for liver diseases such as hepatitis and sclerosis, includes prescribed doses of extracts or isolates of two multi-component drugs in selected proportions. The first multi-component drug, LIVZON, consists of Phyllanthus niruri (292-310 mg.), Tinospora cordifolia (190-210 mg.), Phyllanthus emblica (90-110 mg.), Terminalia belerica (90-110 mg.), and Terminalia chebula (290-310 mg.); and the second multi-component drug, IMMINEX, consists of Holarrhena antidysenterica (40-60 mg.), Picrorhiza kurrooa (40-60 mg.), and Swertia chirata (15-35 mg.). The beneficial composition may be administered in the form of aqueous extracts, hard gelatin capsules, or mixed with syrup. The process of making the composition requires the basic ingredients to be cleaned, washed, dried and separated from all extraneous matter, after which they are powdered and extracts obtained therefrom with distilled water.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, drugs having pharmacological properties which are useful in the medicinal therapy of fibrotic disease for the reparation and prevention of fibrotic lesional tissues, such drugs including as the active ingredient one or more N-substituted 2-(1H) pyridone(s). The composition of this invention is novel as an anti-fibrotic drug, namely, as an agent for treating fibrosis. Any existing compounds have not been shown to be effective for the reparation and prevention of fibrotic lesions.

Abstract: A composition for the treatment of skin fibrotic and other cirrhotic diseases comprising an endothelial cell growth factor, either alone or in combination with heparin or a heparin-like compound is provided. Methods for the treatment of skin fibrotic and other cirrhotic diseases and for inhibition of collagen synthesis by skin fibroblasts using an endothelial cell growth factor either alone or in combination with heparin or a heparin-like compound are also provided.

Abstract: Patients with chronic liver disease and consequently very low concentrations of IGF-1 in the blood, in spite of increased GH concentrations, are treated with periodically injections of hGH for a period both parameters being individually adjusted for the patients.

Abstract: Patients with elevated blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol are treated by administering .beta.-hydroxy-.beta.-methylbutyric acid (HMB) to reduce the patient's blood level of LDL and total cholesterol. HMB can be safely administered orally to humans in amounts that will significantly reduce blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL.

Abstract: A method of treating patients with clinical disorder involving splanchnic disorders such as liver or gut dysfunction, the dysfunction being characterized by depletion of metabolic energy sources. The treatment involves the step of administering an effective amount of adenosine, or related nucleosides, to achieve and/or maintain normal metabolic levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and/or its precursors in the patient's liver or other splanchnic organs. Administration may be as a total enteral nutritional diet, or as a dietary supplement. The invention includes a total enteral nutrition diet having nutritionally acceptable amounts of a lipid source, a protein source, a carbohydrate source, a vitamin source, and a mineral source, and an effective amount of adenosine to achieve normal metabolic levels of ATP and/or its precursors in ATP deficient organs of a recipient host.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, drugs having heretofore unknown pharmacological properties which are useful in the medicinal therapy of fibrotic disease for the reparation and prevention of fibrotic lesional tissues, such drugs including as the active ingredient 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1H)-pyridone. The pharmaceutical composition of this invention is novel as an anti-fibrotic drug, namely, as an agent for treating fibrosis. Any existing compounds have not been shown to be effective for the reparation and prevention of fibrotic lesions.

Abstract: This invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions and a dietary supplement for treating or preventing alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver which comprises administering about 1 to 3 grams per day of dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a zinc carbocysteinate composition useful in the treatment of hepatopathies, comprising the steps of combining a therapeutically effective amount of zinc carbocysteinate with appropriate vehicles or excipients, and wetting, stirring, sieving and drying the combined zinc carbocysteinate to form unit dosages of the zinc carbocysteinate composition for oral administration.

Abstract: Macrolide compounds having the structure shown below ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydroxy or protected hydroxy, R.sup.2 is hydrogen, hydroxy or protected hydroxy, R.sup.3 is methyl, ethyl, propyl or allyl, R.sup.4 is hydroxy, methoxy or oxo, n is 1 or 2 and the symbol of a line and a dotted is a single bond or a double bond, provided that R.sup.2 is not protected hydroxy where R.sup.4 is hydroxy or oxo are used to treat hepatic disease and regenerate liver tissue by facilitating hypertrophy and hyperplasia of hepatocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating diseases associated with elevated levels of interleukin 1 (IL-1) including inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, skin hypersensitivity and endotoxemia. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for the treatment of such diseases in warm-blooded animals, such as humans, which comprises the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an aromatic diamidine, sufficient to inhibit IL-1 release from IL-1 producing cells. The aromatic diamidine can also be used to block interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor from cells producing these cytokines.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an amazingly effective method for the treatment, prevention and reversal of diet-induced high fat or alcohol-induced tissue-degernative conditions. More specifically, the present invention involves the discovery that pentoxidfylline, when administered in vivo will: (1) successfully treat diet-induced fatty liver conditions; (2) successfully treat atheromatous lesions, particularly those caused by ingestion of high levels of dietary fat and/or hypercholesterolemia; and (3) successfully treat conditions of fatty liver degeneration caused by chronic ingestion of ethanol or of toxic doses of various chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a liver disorder, comprising as an effective agent against liver dysfunction, a mixture in effective amounts of the components:(a) L-Asparaginic acid;(b) L-Cysteine;(c) L-Glutaminic acid;(d) sodium selenate; and(e) zinc acetate or zinc sulfate in the following proportions: 0.020 to 2.00:0.025 to 1.00: 0.025 to 5.00:28.10.sup.-6 to 500.10.sup.-6 :0.010 to 0.300 by weight.

Abstract: The use of 5-phenyl-3H-1,2-dithiol-3-thion-S-oxides which are optionally substituted in the phenyl ring as active substances in hepato-protective medicaments and new 5-phenyl-3H-1,2-dithiol-3-thion-S-oxides which are substituted in the phenyl ring are described.

Abstract: New and useful chromophores have been isolated from the reaction mixture of proteins exposed to reducing sugars in the presence of sulfite over time. The chromophores are believed to be intermediates in nonenzymatic polypeptide glycosylation. The measurement of this chromophore makes possible both qualitative and quantitative assessment of the presence of nonenzymatic browning. Diagnostic and test kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ingestible aggregate comprising a pre-swelled substantially anhydrous hydrocolloid and a substrate. More particularly this invention relates to an aggregate having as a substrate a dietary fiber and/or drug wherein the composition can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount. Hydrocolloids useful include natural and modified gums, celluloses, modified celluloses, pectins, mucillages, modified starches, noncellulose polysaccharides, algal polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. The aggregate should be in the size range of about 4 to about 70 U.S. mesh. The unpleasant taste and mouthfeel of the fiber and/or drug is effectively masked and substantial hydration is delayed until the compositions reaches the stomach. The compositions are substantially more palatable, devoid of graininess, bitterness or fibrous texture. The pleasant taste of the composition encourages patient compliance with their fiber or drug therapy.

Abstract: Method for providing caloric nutrition via liquid emulsions, to a patient with dysfunctional visceral organ comprising parenterally administering to the patient a lipid emulsion containing from about 10% to 50% by weight of long chain triglycerides and the remaining lipid being medium chain triglycerides.