Abstract: This invention provides novel peptides that ameliorate one or more symptoms of atherosclerosis. The peptides are highly stable and readily administered via an oral route.

Abstract: This invention provides novel peptides that ameliorate one or more symptoms of atherosclerosis. The peptides are highly stable and readily administered via an oral route. The peptides are effective to stimulate the formation and cycling of pre-beta high density lipoprotein-like particles and/or to promote lipid transport and detoxification. This invention also provides a method of tracking a peptide in a mammal. In addition, the peptides inhibit osteoporosis. When administered with a statin, the peptides enhance the activity of the statin permitting the statin to be used at significantly lower dosages and/or cause the statins to be significantly more anti-inflammatory at any given dose.

Abstract: This invention provides novel peptides that ameliorate one or more symptoms of atherosclerosis and/or other pathologies characterized by an inflammatory response. In certain embodiment, the peptides resemble a G* amphipathic helix of apolipoprotein J. The peptides are highly stable and readily administered via an oral route.

Abstract: This invention provides novel peptides that ameliorate one or more symptoms of atherosclerosis. The peptides are highly stable and readily administered via an oral route.

Abstract: This invention provides novel assays that are prognostic and/or diagnostic for atherosclerosis or risk of atherosclerosis. It was discovered that high density lipoprotein (HDL) or components thereof can prevent the oxidation of lipids (e.g. lipids present in LDLs) and can also repair (reduce) already oxidized lipids and thereby reduce the inflammatory response associated with and characteristic of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Moreover it was a discovery of this invention that individuals vary in the ability of their HDL to afford such protection. Thus an assay of HDL protective and/or repair activity provides a highly effective assay for risk of atherosclerosis and its associated pathologies and such assays are provided herein.

Abstract: This invention provides novel peptides that ameliorate one or more symptoms of atherosclerosis. The peptides are highly stable and readily administered via an oral route.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods of inhibiting one or more symptoms of atherosclerosis. Also provided are assays for compounds that will inhibit the progression and/or ameliorate one or more symptoms of atherosclerosis. The methods and assays are based, in part, on the discovery that oxidized LDL or components thereof induce strong upregulation of MAP kinase phosphatase-1 which, in turn, is associated with an “inflammatory response” characteristic of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Inhibition of MKP-1 inhibits one or more symptoms of this response, e.g. monocyte adhesion, monocyte chemotaxis, differentiation into macrophages, etc. Inhibition of MKP-1 thus provides an effective method of inhibiting symptoms of atherosclerosis.