Abstract: In certain embodiments, provided herein are compositions, kits, methods and uses that are useful for preventing or treating a subject suffering from one or more diseases, conditions or disorders associated with chemotherapy such as anthracycline treatment. In some embodiments, provided is a method of treating or preventing a disease, condition or disorder resulting from or exacerbated by chemotherapy treatment in a subject, comprising the step of: administering an effective amount of GDF15 to the subject prior to the chemotherapy. Other example embodiments are described herein. In certain embodiments, the provided novel compositions, kits, methods and uses are highly effective in reducing cardiac cytotoxicity, cheaper, and safer for use.

Abstract: It has been established that CD55 expression on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is positively correlated with successful allogenic transplantation procedures. Compositions and methods for improved hMSCs, having increased expression of CD55 mRNA and/or increased expression of CD55 on the surface of the cell as compared to a control cell, are provided. Methods include isolating hMSCs from a tissue that naturally has increased CD55 expression, such as adipose tissue derived hMSC (AT-hMSC); and/or in vitro culturing hMSCs in the presence of one or more active agents that stimulates or enhances the expression of CD55 mRNA, and/or increases the surface expression of CD55 in the hMSC to provide improved hMSCs. Preferred active agents include HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as atorvastatin and EGFR inhibitors such as erlotinib. Compositions and methods for administering the improved hMSCs to a subject in need thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for assessing a compound's potential toxicity.