Abstract: A method of treating cachexia associated with cancer, infectious diseases, or catabolic disorders which comprises administration of an effective amount of interleukin 2 is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides soluble and/or stable sources of tyrosine, cysteine and glutamine for use in total parenteral nutrition (TPN), as well as a gradual release source of glutamic acid. In particular, these sources are gamma-glutamyltyrosine (.gamma.-GluTyr) gamma-glutamylcysteine derivatives (.gamma.-GluCys) and gamma-glutamylglutamine (.gamma.-GluGln). This invention provides TPN formulations, and methods of formulating and using such solutions containing .gamma.-GluTyr, .gamma.-GluCys and/or .gamma.-GluGln to provide adequate nutritional levels of tyrosine, cysteine or glutamine during TPN.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for liquid or gel forms of a lipid excipient to be used in pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparations. The lipid excipient comprises a phospholipid such as a lysophospholipid, for example, mono-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine ("MOPE"). Relatively low concentrations of the lipid can be employed in forming the gel, e.g., about 1-2%. The invention discloses the use of a lipid delivery system at a relatively low lipid concentration as a non-toxic, non-irritating carrier or excipient alone or in combination with other agents, for both drugs and cosmetics. For example, the lipid excipient in sprayable or droppable form has special utility in the non-irritating delivery of peptides (e.g., calcitonin and insulin) to the nasal mucosa, due to the ability of the excipient to enhance absorption across nasal membranes. As a cosmetic, it can be used alone or in combination with biologically active agents.

Abstract: A method of treating patients having chronic, severe allergic disorders, such as atopic dermatitis or steroid-dependent asthma, with gamma interferon is disclosed. The method involves treating patients afflicated with atopic dermatitis or steroid-dependent asthma with effective dosages of gamma interferon, which reduces the clinical severity of their disease.

Abstract: The use of agonists or antagonists of Mullerian Inhibiting Substance to suppress or treat respiratory distress syndrom. The treatment can be accomplished by providing an effective amount of the agonist or antagonist to a neonatal or prenatal individual.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel uses for inhibin, inhibin .alpha. subunit, activin inhibin or activin antagonists and compositions comprising them in the treatment or prevention of immune dysfunction and blood clotting disorders.Methods of treatment include administration of the required agent to a host, immunization of the host with the agent or passive immunization using antibodies raised against one of these agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inducing the production of a milk anti-hypertensive factor in an animal, to a method for the isolation of said factor from the milk of said animal in a substantially pure form, and to the use of said factor to treat hypertension in humans and other animals, and to compositions containing the anti-hypertensive factor.

Abstract: A method for the prophylaxis or direct treatment of dermatitis including psoriasis which comprises administering to the site of the disease an effective amount of a corticosteroid and a company which inhibits mast cells or binds with their mediators.

Abstract: The use of antibodies against human alpha tumor necrosis factor in antilymphocyte antibody therapy is described. The anti-human alpha tumor necrosis factor antibodies may be used to prevent or treat shock-related conditions arising from antilymphocyte antibody therapy. Also described are compositions containing anti-human alpha tumor necrosis factor antibodies and antilymphocyte antibodies, as well as recombinant anti-human alpha tumor necrosis factor antibodies.

Abstract: A method for blocking platelet adhesion to collagen by contacting platelets with a polypeptide having one of the following sequences:NH.sub.2 (Ch) Ala Arg Gly Asp (Cx) COOH (i)NH.sub.2 (Ch) Ala Ala Gly Asp (Cx) COOH (ii)NH.sub.2 (Ch) Ala Arg Tyr Asp (CX) COOH (iii)NH.sub.2 (Ch) Ala Arg Gly Asp (Cy) Z (iv)wherein Ch, Cx, Cy are defined amino acid sequences or conservatively substituted amino acid sequences, and Z is NH.sub.2 or COOH.

Abstract: The invention is a method of treating endotoxic shock in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an antagonist to Platelet Activating Factor in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of one or more monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies directed towards either Tumor Necrosis Factor .alpha., Interleukin-1.beta., Gamma Interferon, or bacterial cell wall lipopolysaccharides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing endotoxin-associated shock in a subject which comprises administering to the subject an amount of a BPI protein effective to bind to endotoxin so as to prevent endotoxin associated shock in the subject. This invention further provides a method for treating a subject suffering from endotoxin-associated shock which comprises administering to the subject an amount of a BPI protein effective to bind endotoxin so as to treat the subject suffering from endotoxin-associated shock.

Abstract: This biomaterial comprises at least a compound consisting of an association of collagen, chitosan acetylated to a degree of acetylation between about 10 and about 40% and of glycosaminoglycans.It has its application in orthopedics and plastic surgery and for making extracellular matrices for regeneration of nerve cells and bones as well as biocompatible envelopes.A particular application is the making of artificial skin consisting of a dermal layer of the velvet type obtained from biomaterials such as those described above.The process of obtaining this dermal layer consists in adding a collagen solution of the chitosan, then in adding to the collagen-chitosan a mixture of chondroitins 4- and 6-sulfate.

Abstract: An enteral diet for patients with pulmonary disease comprising not less than 18% of said calories from a high quality protein source; from about 20 to 50% of said calories from a slowly metabolizable carbohydrate source derived from maltodextrin or other partially hydrolyzed polysaccharides; from about 40-55% calories from a mixture of lipids comprising medium and long chain triglycerides.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-HIV agent comprising as an effective component a plasma protein of which the polarity of the amino group of the amino acid residue constituting the plasma protein is chemically modified into a negative moiety by a carboxylic acid, for example, by maleic anhydride or succinic anhydride.Plasma proteins modified with dicarboxylic anhydride, which are the effective components of the anti-HIV agent of this invention, inhibit the formation of large cells in mixed culturing of HIV infected cells and non-infected cells as well as the direct infection of helper T cells with HIV. They are very safe compounds and are expected to be applicable to the treatment of HIV infected patients.

Abstract: A method and composition for promoting the healing of an open wound, such as a fresh surgical incision, a decubitus ulcer, or a diabetes ulcer. The method includes applying to the wound a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a protein fragment of tumor necrosis factor .alpha.(TNF-.alpha.) including amino acids 31 through 68 SEQ ID NO.: 1. The composition may be applied topically or injected locally into a wound or ulcer site. A preferred composition includes a carrier medium selected from sterile water, sterile saline, and albumin. Topical formulations are administered as sprays, gels, ointments or salves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of wound healing dysfunction by the administration of one or more would healing modulators. The wound healing modulator may be selected from appropriate wound healing agents and binding partners, and particularly agents that enhance wound healing. The agent may comprise a cytokine, or mixture of cytokines that are also capable of binding to heparin, and inducing localized inflammation characterized by polymorphonuclear cell infiltration when administered subcutaneously. Particular agents comprise the inflammatory cytokines MIP-1, MIP-1.alpha., MIP-1.beta. and MIP-2. Diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are proposed, and pharmaceutical compositions are likewise set forth.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for the treatment of retroviral infection, particularly HIV disease. According to the present invention, human HIV infected hosts were selected who had been on a stable dose of an anti-retroviral agent, such as zidovudine, for up to two years prior to administration of the ribosomal inhibiting protein trichosanthin, and who had failed anti-retroviral therapy, as manifest by decrease in CD4+ cells on at least two serial measurements, or loss of over 50 CD4+ cells/mm.sup.3 /year. These patients remained on the same dose of anti-retroviral agent (AZT or ddI) and received trichosanthin, 1.2 mg weekly, then monthly. A significant number of patients demonstrated improved CD4+ cell counts following administration of trichosanthin as compared to CD4+ cell counts prior to adminstration of the drug.

Abstract: A hyaluronic acid-containing aqueous solution or aqueous dispersion of collagen having a pH of from about 6.5 to about 8.0 and an osmolality of from about 230 to about 320 mOsm/kgH.sub.2 O. The aqueous solution or the aqueous dispersion of collagen is useful as an agent for correction and reparation of a depressed part of or a void in soft tissue of mammals.

Abstract: Immiscible phases, particularly polar and non-polar liquids, semi-solids or solids, are combined in a composition where one is finely dispersed throughout the other without reliance upon emulsifying agents to either create or stabilize the dispersion. The composition is formed by placing the discontinuous phase in the pores of solid inert porous particles, in which the pores are in the form of an interconnected network open to the exterior of the particles to provide interfacial contact with the continuous phase. The particles are then dispersed in the continuous phase. The concept is applicable to oil-in-water and water-in-oil type dispersions, and the disadvantages and shortcomings of emulsifying agents are entirely avoided.