Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I): wherein L is an optionally substituted heterocyclic group excluding unsubstituted monocyclic pyridine groups; wherein a is 0, 1 or 2; wherein R1 is H or with R2 is a bond; wherein R2 is an optionally substituted alkoxy or aryloxy group, or with R1 forms a bond; wherein R3 is an optionally substituted alkyl group; and wherein R4 is CH2, CMe2 or O. Such compounds may be used in the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease or condition in which inhibition of acute inflammation and/or promotion of its resolution and/or suppression of fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I): wherein L is an optionally substituted heterocyclic group excluding unsubstituted monocyclic pyridine groups; wherein a is 0, 1 or 2; wherein R1 is H or with R2 is a bond; wherein R2 is an optionally substituted alkoxy or aryloxy group, or with R1 forms a bond; wherein R3 is an optionally substituted alkyl group; and wherein R4 is CH2, CMe2 or O. Such compounds may be used in the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease or condition in which inhibition of acute inflammation and/or promotion of its resolution and/or suppression of fibrosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to IHG-1 (induced by high glucose-1) a novel gene which encodes a protein that amplifies fibrotic responses in in vitro and in vivo models of fibrotic disorders and in human diabetic nephropathy. In particular the invention relates to modifications of the IHG-1 structure which are potential fibrosuppressant biotherapeutics and modify cellular invasiveness. The invention also relates to a method of screening a therapeutic agent for suitability for the treatment of fibrotic disease comprising testing a candidate therapeutic agent for the ability to reduce the expression of IHG-1 levels in a model system.

Abstract: The invention relates to IHG-1 (induced by high glucose-1) a novel gene which encodes a protein that amplifies fibrotic responses in in vitro and in vivo models of fibrotic disorders and in human diabetic nephropathy. In particular the invention relates to modifications of the IHG-1 structure which are potential fibrosuppressant biotherapeutics and modify cellular invasiveness. The invention also relates to a method of screening a therapeutic agent for suitability for the treatment of fibrotic disease comprising testing a candidate therapeutic agent for the ability to reduce the expression of IHG-1 levels in a model system.

Abstract: A method for identifying a gene having a role in the presentation of diabetic nephropathy comprises culturing mesangial cells in the presence of a concentration of glucose sufficient to induce differential expression, especially up-regulation, of a gene susceptible to such differential expression and identifying the gene so induced. The cells are also optionally subjected to mechanical strain and/or TGF-?1 can be added to the culture medium. The differentially expressed genes can be identified by suppression subtractive hybridisation. The method has resulted in the identification of novel genes which play a role in the presentation of diabetic nephropathy. The genes can be used as diagnostic markers for diabetic nephropathy and as the basis of drug development programmes.