Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for preventing small molecule permeability of the small intestine curing total ischemia by administering glucose to the lumen of the intestine, as well as administration of serine protease or metalloproteinase inhibitors. Also provided are compositions for performing the same.

Abstract: Compounds and methods of treatment of inflammation are presented that serve to enhance MMP inhibition to block elevation of MMP activity in various disease conditions. Such treatment leads to normalization of function, blockade of the elevated levels of oxygen free radical production in the microcirculation, normalization of the elevated plasma levels of MMP 2, 9 activity, normalization of immune cell counts, and reduced apoptosis. Also included are methods of deriving value from increased sales of public domain compositions following recognition of their usefulness in treating the diseases. Of particular interest is use of doxycycline to treat diabetes and hypertension.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for decreasing the amount and activity of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMPs) in and around cells. The compositions and methods are useful for treating and/or preventing symptoms of diseases including but not limited to Hypertension, Type II Diabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome X. Such treatment is effected by normalizing the blood plasma's protease activity, reducing blood pressure, preventing membrane receptor cleavage, and reducing the levels of insulin resistance and oxygen free radicals in the blood stream.

Abstract: Diagnostic methods that rely on the use of one or more assays that assess cellular activation are provided. The assays are performed on whole blood or leukocytes, and indicate individually or in combination the level of cardiovascular cell activation, which is pivotal in many chronic and acute disease states. These results of the assays are used within a clinical framework to support therapeutic decisions such as: further testing for infectious agents, anti-oxidant or anti-adhesion therapy, postponement and optimal re-scheduling of high-risk surgeries, classifying susceptibility to and progression rates of chronic disease such as diabetes, atherogenesis, and venous insufficiency; extreme interventions in trauma cases of particularly high risk and activation-lowering therapies. Also provided is as composition derived from a pancreatic homogenate that contains circulating cell activating factors, which can serve as targets for drug screening to identify drug candidates for use in activation lowering therapies.