Abstract: Methods for treating diabetes by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8, or a related member of Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-?) superfamily of structurally-related growth factors (e.g., GDF-11) are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for upregulating expression of hexose transporters, such as GLUT4 and GLUT 1, in a subject by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8. Also disclosed are methods for increasing glucose uptake by cells in a subject, by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8.

Abstract: Methods for treating diabetes by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8, or a related member of Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-?) superfamily of structurally-related growth factors (e.g., GDF-11) are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for upregulating expression of hexose transporters, such as GLUT4 and GLUT 1, in a subject by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8. Also disclosed are methods for increasing glucose uptake by cells in a subject, by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8.

Abstract: The present provides methods for affecting and/or altering the differentiation state of a cell. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods to transdifferentiate a cell into an endothelial cell or a hematopoietic cell. In the practice of the invention, a demethylating agent (e.g., 5-azacytidine) is used to affect and/or alter the differentiation state of a cell. The invention demonstrates the transdifferentiation of numerous cell types, including cell populations that are themselves somewhat differentiated (e.g., normal fibroblasts) into distinct cell types, including hematopoietic cells and endothelial cells, which transdifferentiation is effected further through the selection of particular growth factors which, together with the demethylating agents, directs the differentiation path. The invention provides a novel approach to providing useful cell types for many types of medical applications.

Abstract: The present provides methods for affecting and/or altering the differentiation state of a cell. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods to transdifferentiate a cell into an endothelial cell or a hematopoietic cell. In the practice of the invention, a demethylating agent (e.g., 5-azacytidine) is used to affect and/or alter the differentiation state of a cell. The invention demonstrates the transdifferentiation of numerous cell types, including cell populations that are themselves somewhat differentiated (e.g., normal fibroblasts) into distinct cell types, including hematopoietic cells and endothelial cells, which transdifferentiation is effected further through the selection of particular growth factors which, together with the demethylating agents, directs the differentiation path. The invention provides a novel approach to providing useful cell types for many types of medical applications.

Abstract: Methods for treating diabetes by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8, or a related member of Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-?) superfamily of structurally-related growth factors (e.g., GDF-11) are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for upregulating expression of hexose transporters, such as GLUT4 and GLUT1, in a subject by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8. Also disclosed are methods for increasing glucose uptake by cells in a subject, by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of scars and keloids is disclosed. The treatment involves an effective dose of the demethylating agents, 5-azacytidine and 2-deoxy-5-azacytidine. The method also discloses treating skin cancer with a combination therapy comprised of UV radiation and topical application or administration of the above mentioned demethylating agents.

Abstract: Methods for treating diabetes by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8, or a related member of Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-?) superfamily of structurally-related growth factors (e.g., GDF-11) are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for upregulating expression of hexose transporters, such as GLUT4 and GLUT1, in a subject by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8. Also disclosed are methods for increasing glucose uptake by cells in a subject, by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8.

Abstract: A novel nutrient formulation containing tellurium for use in poultry, and a method of feeding it which improves subsequent livability, cumulative feed efficacy or weight gain is disclosed.

Abstract: A novel nutrient formulation containing tellurium for use in poultry, and a method of feeding it which improves subsequent livability, cumulative feed efficacy or weight gain is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for treating diabetes by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8, or a related member of Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-&bgr;) superfamily of structurally-related growth factors (e.g., GDF-11) are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for upregulating expression of hexose transporters, such as GLUT4 and GLUT1, in a subject by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8. Also disclosed are methods for increasing glucose uptake by cells in a subject, by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8.

Abstract: Methods for treating diabetes by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8, or a related member of Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-&bgr;) superfamily of structurally-related growth factors (e.g., GDF-11) are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for upregulating expression of hexose transporters, such as GLUT4 and GLUT1, in a subject by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8. Also disclosed are methods for increasing glucose uptake by cells in a subject, by administering an inhibitor of GDF-8.

Abstract: This invention provides medical uses of a M-CSF, particularly a method and composition for treating inflammatory disease and allergy using natural M-CSF or recombinant M-CSF or the derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating cachexia in a patient and inhibiting IL-6 bioactivity. This is accomplished by administering to a patient an effective amount of a sulfate-containing compound, for example, suramin, a derivative of suramin, Pentosan polysulfate, or Dextran sulfate. The present invention is also effective in combating IL-6 related diseases.

Abstract: A method for treating cachexia is provided, comprising the step of administering to a patient an amount of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) effective for said treatment.