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: The present invention is directed to a method of treating a patient with diabetes by implanting an improved macrocapsule containing living islet cells in the patient. The improved macrocapsules encapsulate microcapsules containing islet cells, to make the system more biocompatible by decreasing the surface area and surface roughness of microencapsulated biological materials; increasing stability of microencapsulated islet cells; enhancing cytoprotectivity by increasing diffusion distance of encapsulated islet cells from cytotoxins secreted in vivo; providing retrievability of microencapsulated material; and providing a system of sustained release of the cellular products.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the regulation and modification of lipid and glucose metabolism by administering to a subject a dopamine D1 agonist, optionally in combination with a dopamine D2 agonist, an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, or a serotonergic inhibitor, or optionally in combination with a dopamine D2 agonist coadministered with at least one of alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, or a serotonergic inhibitor, and further administering the subject a serotonin 5HT.sub.1b agonist.

Abstract: A method for treating diabetes in a patient comprising subcutaneously implanting in the patient at least one immunoisolatory vehicle comprising a core comprising a volume of at least 1 .mu.l and at least about 10.sup.4 living cells which secrete insulin, said cells being dispersed in a biocompatible matrix comprising a hydrogel or extracellular matrix components, and a surrounding external jacket of a biocompatible thermoplastic or hydrogel free of said cells projecting externally thereof, said jacket being permselective and immunoisolatory, said jacket having a molecular weight cutoff permitting passage of molecules between the patient and core through said jacket wherein the insulin is released from the immunoisolatory vehicle into the patient's body to treat diabetes.

Abstract: A process for the long term modification and regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism--generally to reduce obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia or hyperglycemia, or both (these are the hallmarks of noninsulin dependent, or Type II diabetes)--by administration (i.e., by oral, sublingual or parenternal administration) to a vertebrate, animal or human, of a dopamine agonist, e.g., bromocriptine. Administration of the bromocriptine is made over a limited period at a time of day dependent on the normal circadian rhythm of insulin resistant and insulin sensitive members of a similar species. Insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia, or both, can be controlled in humans on a long term basis by such treatment inasmuch as the short term, daily administration resets hormonal timing in the neural centers of the brain to produce long term effects.

Abstract: A composition for the treatment of diabetes and a method of use thereof. composition includes an immunoregulator, preferably Linomide, and a .beta. cell proliferative agent, preferably reg protein. The composition has been shown to be effective in both inhibiting the progression of diabetes, and reversing the course of the disease, in the NOD mouse model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydroxy alkyl piperidine compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof which can be used to treat diabetes.

Abstract: A method and a device for the treatment of wounds and promotion of wound healing and muscle regeneration. The method includes applying a composition including a non-biodegradable microsphere with a substantial surface charge to the subject. The device further includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a container for containing the composition and the carrier. The microspheres used in the present invention have been shown to promote wound healing and muscle regeneration both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel modalities of treatment of diabetes, and other diseases caused by dysfunctional signal transduction by insulin receptor type tyrosine kinases (IR-PTK). Applicants discovered that IR-PTK activity may be modified by modulating the activity of a tyrosine phosphatase, and IR-PTK signal transduction may be triggered even in the absence of ligand. Methods for identifying compounds that, by modulating RPTP.alpha. or RPTP.epsilon. activity, elicit or modulate insulin receptor signal transduction are also described.

Abstract: Combinations of a sulfonylurea antidiabetic agent and a glitazone antidiabetic agent are useful for treating diabetes mellitus and improving glycemic control.

Abstract: An oxyntomodulin peptide has cardiotonic activity and insulin release-promoting activity. The peptide or pharmaceutical salts thereof can be used for prevention or treatment of cardiopathy or diabetes.

Abstract: A method and pharmaceutical compositions are described for the use of keratinocyte growth factor to treat diabetes mellitus in mammals.

Abstract: A therapeutic package for dispensing to, or for use in dispensing to, a vertebrate being treated for a metabolic condition selected from the group consisting of obesity, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglycemia comprising one or more unit doses of bromocriptine and labeling directing the use of the package in the treatment of the metabolic condition in a dosage regimen under which the delivery of the bromocriptine is confined to the period during the day near the time of day at which the serum prolactin concentration of a lean, insulin sensitive vertebrate of the same sex is low, and further directing the use of said package in conjunction with the concomitant administration to the vertebrate of one or more unit doses providing a therapeutically effective amount of a prolactin stimulator in a dosage regimen under which the delivery of the prolactin stimulator is confined to the period during the day after the time at which the serum prolactin concentration of a lean, insulin-sensitive vertebrat

Abstract: The present invention relates to (2R,3R,4R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2-hydroxymethylpyrrolidine and other substituted 2-methylpyrrolidines and their use for the treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: Modulation of the activity of the insulin receptor, enhancement of glucose uptake by cells, and other effects significant in the control and management of diabetes are accomplished using compounds of the formula ##STR1## whereineach A is independently a proton-accepting substituent;each R is independently a noninterfering substituent;n is 0, 1, or 2; andeach linker is independently an isostere of --NHCONH-- or of --N.dbd.N-- or of --NHCO--.Compounds in the genus of Formula (1) can also be used for structure activity studies to identify features responsible for the relevant activities.

Abstract: Ortho-substituted benzoic acid derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 have the given meanings, and Q is guanidyl, and also their physiologically harmless salts, exhibit antiarrhythmic properties and act as inhibitors of the cellular Na.sup.+ /H.sup.+ antiporter. In addition, the compounds of the formula I, in which R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 and also Q have the given meanings, are suitable for use as valuable intermediates for the preparation of medicaments, in particular of inhibitors of the cellular Na.sup.+ /H.sup.+ antiporter.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of using ketoconazole or molecules resembling ketoconazole with comparable biological activity for the manufacture of drugs and for medical treatment of diabetes mellitus type II as well as for counteracting the other risk factors associated with the Metabolic Syndrome.

Abstract: The instant invention is concerned with acetylphenols which are useful as antiobesity and antidiabetic compounds. Compositions and methods for the use of the compounds in the treatment of diabetes and obesity and for lowering or modulating triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels or raising high density lipoprotein levels or for increasing gut motility or for treating atherosclerosis are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and composition for reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic human subjects. Practice of the invention requires ingestion of bilberry fruit and valerian root in timed relation to meals. Neither bilberry fruit nor valerian root alone achieve the lowering and regulation of blood sugar levels achieved by the combination. Practice of the invention requires ingestion of bilberry fruit with valerian root.

Abstract: A therapeutic food composition for treatment of diabetic patients to diminish fluctuations in blood sugar levels and prevent hypoglycemic episodes, comprising per unit about 20-50 grams of nutrients including slowly absorbed or digested complex carbohydrate, preferably uncooked cornstarch; more rapidly absorbed complex carbohydrate; protein; fat; and at least one sweetening agent, but less than about 3 grams of any simple sugar other than fructose. Fructose may be present in the composition in quantities greater than 3 grams per unit. Diabetic patients may be treated to diminish blood sugar fluctuations and prevent hypoglycemia via the administration of the novel food composition as an evening or pre-bedtime snack or during the daytime hours to patients receiving insulin therapy or engaging in activities that might provoke hypoglycemia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of stimulating expression of a functional full-length cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the step of administering to said individual a pharmacologically effective dose of an aminoglycoside. Also provided is a method of treating cystic fibrosis in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the step of administering to said individual a therapeutically effective dose of an aminoglycoside. Further provided is a method of screening for a drug useful in the treatment of an individual having cystic fibrosis, comprising the step of determining said drug's ability to suppress premature stop mutations in a model of cystic fibrosis and a method of pharmacologically suppressing premature stop mutations in an individual having such mutations, comprising the step of administering to said individual a pharmacologically effective dose of an aminoglycoside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new form of biocompatible materials (e.g., lipids, polycations, polysaccharides) which are capable of undergoing free radical polymerization, e.g., by using certain sources of light; methods of modifying certain synthetic and naturally occurring biocompatible materials to make polymerizable microcapsules containing biological material coated with said polymerizable materials, composites of said polymerizable materials, methods of making microcapsules and encapsulating biological materials therein, and apparatus for making microcapsules containing biological cells (particularly islets of Langerhans) coated with polymerizable alginate or with a composite thereof (e.g., alginate and PEG). The present invention also relates to drug delivery systems relating to the foregoing, as well as bioadhesives and wound dressings made utilizing the foregoing technology.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are useful for alleviating symptoms of diabetes in mammals. Some of the compositions include a zinc salt and cyclo-Hispro, and optionally contain arachidonic acid. Alternative compositions include a zinc salt, arachidonic acid and L-histidine. The compositions can be administered by oral route according to a daily regimen to result in decreased blood glucose concentrations.

Abstract: Methods for detecting abnormalities in prolactin daily rhythms of a subject are provided. Prolactin levels of a subject are compared to levels of healthy subjects and based on the comparison a determination is made of the adjustments necessary to normalize the subject's daily prolactin rhythm. Also provided are methods for normalizing a subject's daily prolactin rhythm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating NIDDM in a patient diagnosed with NIDDM by administering to the patient a compound in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that reduces hepatic glucose production in the patient by inhibiting hepatic expression of the alpha subunit of a G.sub.s protein in a liver cell plasma membrane, thereby inhibiting stimulation of cAMP by glucagon, whereby the reduction in hepatic glucose production treats the NIDDM. Also provided is a method for screening compounds for the ability to treat NIDDM comprising determining if the compound decreases hepatic expression of the alpha subunit of a G.sub.s protein in a liver cell plasma membrane, thereby inhibiting the stimulation of cAMP by glucagon, a compound which decreases the hepatic expression of the alpha subunit of the G.sub.s protein in the liver cell plasma membrane, thereby inhibiting the stimulation of cAMP by glucagon, being a compound with the ability to treat NIDDM.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel amino alcohol amine derivatives of L-N.sup.6 -(1-iminoethyl)lysine, pharmaceutical compositions containing these novel compounds, and to their use in therapy, in particular their use as nitric oxide synthase inhibitors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating an individual who is predisposed to develop insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. To practice the method, an amount of interleukin-10 protein effective to maintain blood glucose levels at a non-diabetic level is administered to an individual predisposed to develop the disease.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, for reducing blood glucose levels, or hyperglycemia. The methods entail administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a composition whose active ingredient consists essentially of a compound of the following structure or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: ##STR1## In the compound R and R' are independently H or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkenyl group which may be substituted or unsubstituted. Alternatively, R and R' are such that together a cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl ring is formed. In the chain linking the two phenolic derivatives each of (C(R).dbd.C(R')) or (C(R)(R')) are the same or different. A and A' are independently C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 acylamino, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 acyloxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkanoyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkoxycarbonyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkoxyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl amino, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkyl carboxyl, amino, C.sub.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of prediabetes or diabetes in an individual comprise administering to the individual a therapeutically active agent comprising a glycolipid having a galactose-3-O-sulfate moiety capable of binding to islet cell antibodies. Methods of detecting or quantifying islet cell antibodies in a sample, methods for the detection of Langerhans islet cells, methods for monitoring the development of prediabetes, diabetes or symptoms thereof in an individual and methods for prophylactic treatment against the development of prediabetes or diabetes also involve the use of a glycolipid having a galactose-3-O-sulfate moiety.

Abstract: An oral dosage composition for intestinal delivery of a therapeutic agent comprising:(A) a therapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of a drug compound, a biologically active peptide and a vaccine; and(B) an intestinal absorption enhancing effective amount of purified Vibrio cholera zonula occludens toxin.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and a device for producing minimal volume capsules containing viable cells or cellular aggregates. The methods and device use a two-phase aqueous emulsion system to form a dispersion of liquid capsule-forming materials in a continuous liquid phase to which is added a suspension of biological material. Alternatively, the biological material can be added to one or the other of the liquid phases. The composition of this emulsion is adjusted to promote the thermodynamically-driven process of particle engulfment by the dispersed droplets of liquid capsule-forming materials. Subsequently, the droplets engulf the biological material to form a liquid film surrounding the tissue and are converted to solid form, resulting in encapsulation of the biological material in minimum volume capsules.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions including at least one 5.beta. steroid and an amorphous cyclodextrin. Also disclosed are methods for treating a condition such as obesity, diabetes syndrome, diabetes-associated hypercorticoidism, combinations thereof, and anemic disorders by administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a composition including an obesity-, diabetes-, or anemia antagonistic amount of at least one 5.beta. steroid and an amorphous cyclodextrin. Furthermore, disclosed are methods for treating a subject for a condition that responds to treatment with DHEA by administering to the subject at least one 5.beta. steroid and DHEA in an amount that minimizes the contribution of the DHEA to the production of testosterone and estradiol while maximizing an amount of .alpha.ET and .beta.ET circulating in the subject's blood from an initial dose administered to the subject.

Abstract: This present invention provides a method and compounds for priming the incorporation of cellular glucose into an oligosaccharide in a cell comprising administering to the cell a priming amount of a membrane-permeating nontoxic glycoside having a suitable hydrophobic organic group joined by a linkage to a suitable hydrophilic saccharide, wherein the hydrophilic saccharide has a nonreducing terminal sugar residue selected from the group consisting of glucose or xylose, thereby priming the incorporation of cellular glucose onto the glycoside to form an oligosaccharide. Also disclosed are methods wherein the administration of the glycoside is sufficient to treat diabetes mellitus and glycogen storage disease.

Abstract: An indole derivative of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is lower alkoxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl-lower alkoxy, carboxy-lower alkoxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl, phenyl-lower alkoxy, lower alkyl being optionally substituted by hydroxy, di-lower alkylaminosulfonyl, etc., R.sub.2 is hydrogen, halogen, lower alkoxy, lower alkoxycarbonyl-lower alkoxy, carboxy-lower alkoxy, etc., R.sub.3 is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R.sub.4 is halogen or trifluoromethyl, R.sub.5 is lower alkyl, or a salt thereof, these compounds being potent .beta..sub.3 -adrenergic receptor-stimulating agent with excellent adrenoceptor selectivity, and being useful in the prophylaxis or treatment of obesity or diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: A drug delivery composition for intranasal delivery comprises a plurality of bioadhesive microspheres and active drug associated with each microsphere, at least 90 wt % of the microspheres having a diameter in the range 0.1 .mu.m to 10 .mu.m. The microspheres may be of starch, gelatin, dextran, collagen or albumin. Suitable drugs include peptides, such as insulin, and antigenic vaccine ingredients. The composition may additionally comprise an absorption enhancer. The microspheres are administered to the nasal cavity by a means such that the product of the square of the microsphere diameter and the flow rate is greater than 2000 .mu.m.sup.2.liters/min.

Abstract: Immunoisolatory vehicles having a core and a surrounding jacket are disclosed, the core having a volume in excess of 1 .mu.l and at least about 10.sup.4 living cells capable of secreting a biologically active product or of providing a biological function to a patient, the cells dispersed in a biocompatible matrix formed of a hydrogel or an extracellular matrix component, and the external jacket being permselective, biocompatible and having a molecular weight cutoff permitting passage of molecules between the patient and the core through said jacket to provide said biological product or function.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of treating non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) for a period of time of more than 6 days: ##STR1## wherein Y is OR is OH, NHCONR.sup.4 R.sup.5, or N.dbd.C(NR.sup.4 R.sup.5).sub.2 ;R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C.sub.1-10 alkyl, straight or branched chain; aryl C.sub.1-14 alkyl; and mono- or disubstituted aryl C.sub.1-4 alkyl where the substituents are fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo or C.sub.1-10 alkyl, straight or branched chain; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, amino, and mono- or di-substituted amino where the substituents are C.sub.1-10 alkyl, straight or branched chain C.sub.3-8, cycloalkyl; provided that R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may not both be amino or substituted amino; and R.sup.

Abstract: A method of providing a biologically active molecule or metabolic or immunologic function to a patient, comprising implanting into the body of the patient at least one immunoisolatory vehicle comprising a core comprising a volume in excess of 1 .mu.l and at least about 10.sup.4 living cells dispersed in a biocompatible matrix formed of a hydrogel or extracellular matrix components, said cells being capable of secreting a biologically active product or of providing a metabolic or immunologic function to the patient; and an external jacket surrounding said core, said jacket being formed from a thermoplastic or hydrogel, said jacket being free of said cells projecting externally therefrom, said jacket being biocompatible and having a molecular weight cutoff permitting passage of molecules between the patient and the core through said jacket to provide said biologically active product of function.

Abstract: Methods for treating conditions associated with elevated, inappropriate or undesired post-prandial blood glucose levels are disclosed which comprise administration of an effective amount of an amylin agonist alone or in conjunction with other anti-gastric emptying agents. Methods for reducing gastric motility and delaying gastric emptying for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a macrocapsule for encapsulating microcapsules containing biologically active material, such as living cells or free living cells, to make the system more biocompatible by decreasing the surface area and surface roughness of microencapsulated biological materials; increasing mechanical stability of microencapsulated biological materials; enhancing cytoprotectivity by increasing diffusion distance of encapsulated biological material from cytotoxins secreted in vivo; providing retrievability of microencapsulated material; and providing a system of sustained release of the cellular products. The method for producing such a macrocapsule containing the microcapsules is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein: A is a bond, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n -- or --CH(B)--, where n is an integer of 1 to 3 and B is --CN, --CON(R.sup.9)R.sup.9' or --CO.sub.2 R.sup.7 ;R.sup.1 is lower alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl;R.sup.2 is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, --CH.sub.2 OH, cyano, --C(O)OR.sup.7, --CO.sub.2 H, --CONH.sub.2, tetrazole, --CH.sub.2 NH.sub.2 or halogen; ##STR2## R.sup.3 is hydrogen, alkyl, heterocycle or R.sup.4 is hydrogen, alkyl or B;R.sup.5, R.sup.5', R.sup.8, R.sup.8' or R.sup.8" are independently hydrogen, alkoxy, lower alkyl, halogen, --OH, --CN, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n NR.sup.6 COR.sup.7, --CON(R.sup.6)R.sup.6', --CON(R.sup.6)OR.sup.6', --CO.sub.2 R.sup.6, --SR.sup.7, --SOR.sup.7, --SO.sub.2 R.sup.7, --N(R.sup.6)SO.sub.2 R.sup.1, --N(R.sup.6)R.sup.6', --NR.sup.6 COR.sup.7, --OCH.sub.2 CON(R.sup.6)R.sup.6', --OCH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 R.sup.7 or aryl; orR.sup.5 and R.sup.5' or R.sup.8 and R.sup.

Abstract: Nutritional composition for use by diabetics containing a controlled absorbed carbohydrate component. The carbohydrate component contains a rapidly absorbed fraction such as glucose or sucrose, a moderately absorbed fraction such as certain cooked starches or fructose, and a slowly absorbed fraction such as raw corn starch.

Abstract: This Invention is to provide a proteoglucan and an antidiabetes drug containing the proteoglucan, as an active ingredient, which possess an excellent effect against non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. The proteoglucan under this Invention has .beta.-1,6 main chain with .alpha.-1,4 branched, with the average molecular weight of 2.times.10.sup.5, acting positive both in anthrone-sulfuric acid method and Lowry's method, having the chemical structure as indicated in the following general formula. ##STR1## The above proteoglucan is obtained easily through the hot-water extraction from fruit body and/or mycellium of Maitake and/or Chorei Maitake. This proteoglucan has an activity to ameliorate the glucose transport and bioavailability at myocardium, skeltal muscles and fat tissue cells, etc. of the patient with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, and is very useful as a pharmaceutical composition to treat and/or prevent from non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: Disclosed is the composition for treating or curing diabetes mellitus containing an ingredient or component suitable for treatment of diabetes mellitus from an extract obtained by immersing a plant belonging to genus Tithonia and/or Ludwigia in a pharmacologically acceptable solvent for a predetermined period of time, said plant belonging to genus Tithonia being Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray, Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill) Blake, Tithonia fruticosa Canby & Rose, Tithonia scaberrima Benth. or Tithonia longeradiata (Bertol) Brake; and said plant belonging to genus Ludwigia being Ludwigia octovalvis Raven or Ludwigia prostrata Roxb. or Ludwigia epilobioides Maxim. The composition administered in the form of tea or drink or other formulation to a diabetic patient by first applying a composition containing an extract from the plant belonging to genus Tithonia and thereafter applying a composition containing an extract from the plant belonging to genus Ludwigia.

Abstract: A method of lowering plasma levels of Lp(a) or inhibiting the generation of apo(a) in a human by administering an effective amount of a compound of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is hydrogen or alkyl;A, B, D, E, G, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each are hydrogen, and R.sup.4 is hydrogen in the .beta.-position; orR.sup.2 with R.sup.4, R.sup.4 with A, A with R.sup.3, B with D, D with E, or G with R.sup.2 is a bond, and the other substituents are each hydrogen; orR.sup.2 is alkyl in the .beta.-position and A, B, D, E, G, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each hydrogen; orR.sup.3 is alkoxy in the .beta.-position and A, B, D, E, G, R.sup.2 and R.sup.4 are each hydrogen; orR.sup.4 is hydrogen in the .alpha.-position and A, B, D, E, G, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each hydrogen; andR.sup.5 is methyl or ethyl, is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are described for identifying the amino acid residues of an antibody variable domain which may be modified without diminishing the native affinity of the domain for antigen while reducing its immunogenicity with respect to a heterologous species and for preparing so modified antibody variable domains which are useful for administration to heterologous species. Antibody variable regions prepared by the methods of the invention are also described.

Abstract: A propiophenone derivative the formula ?I!: ##STR1## wherein R' is a lower alkanoyl group and R" is a hydrogen atom, or R' is a hydrogen atom and R" is a lower alkoxycarbonyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Said compounds have excellent hypoglycemic activity so that they are useful in the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: Method for lowering the plasma glucose levels of diabetics by administering myo-inositol. Also the invention concerns a nutritional composition containing myo-inositol.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating or preventing a disease in mammals having the characteristics of Type 1 diabetes comprising administering insulin or disease suppressive fragments of insulin or analogs thereof in oral or aerosol dosage forms to said mammals. Also disclosed herein are pharmaceutical formulation or dosage forms for use in the methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement in a method of weight and/or body-fat reduction comprising a (preferably moderate) reduction in the caloric intake of a subject in need of such treatment in combination with administration to said subject of a prolactin inhibitor. Additionally, the present invention is directed to an improvement in a method for altering and/or resetting prolactin profiles (and thereby controlling one or more metabolic disorders such as obesity, excessive body fat, hyperlipidemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and Type II diabetes) comprising administration to a subject in need of such treatment of a prolactin inhibitor at a predetermined time or times during a 24-hour period in combination with a (preferably moderate) reduction of the caloric intake of said subject.