Abstract: A method for treating a viral disease in a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective dose of one or more compounds that bind to fatty acid binding protein FABP4, with compounds described in the specification some having the general formula, Formula I-Formula XII, where W1-W4, Z1-Z4, Z1-Z5, X, Y, n, and R1-R8 are as defined in the claims and description of embodiments. In examples, the ring Z contains Z1-Z4. In other examples, the ring Z contains Z1-Z5.

Abstract: A method for treating a viral disease in a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective dose of one or more compounds that bind to fatty acid binding protein FABP4, with compounds described in the specification some having the general formula, Formula I-Formula XII, where Wi - W4, Z1-Z4, Z1 - Z5, X, Y, n, and R1 - R8 are as defined in the claims and description of embodiments. In examples, the ring Z contains Z1-Z4. In other examples, the ring Z contains Z1-Z5.

Abstract: A class of compounds that bind to FABP4 and inhibit viral replication in cells, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the class of compounds, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier, and optionally, further in combination with an additional therapeutically active agent, and the use of these compounds in medicine and for the preparation of a medicament in the treatment of viral diseases.

Abstract: A class of compounds that bind to FABP4 and inhibit viral replication in cells, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the class of compounds, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier, and optionally, further in combination with an additional therapeutically active agent, and the use of these compounds in medicine and for the preparation of a medicament in the treatment of viral diseases.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating atherosclerosis and related diseases, employing an aP2 inhibitor or a combination of an aP2 inhibitor and another antiatheroscletotic agent, for example, an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor such as pravastatin.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating atherosclerosis and related diseases, employing an aP2 inhibitor or a combination of an aP2 inhibitor and another antiatherosclerotic agent, for example, an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor such as pravastatin.

Abstract: A method of treating a metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance by administering to a mammal an inhibitor of a NH2-terminal Jun Kinase (JNK), e.g., a compound or peptide which inhibits JNK1 expression or enzymatic activity.

Abstract: Endoplasmic reticulum stress has been found to be associated with obesity. Therefore, agents that reduce or prevent ER stress may be used to treat diseases associated with obesity including peripheral insulin resistance, hypergylcemia, and type 2 diabetes. Two compounds which have been shown to reduce ER stress and to reduce blood glucose levels include 4-phenyl butyric acid (PBA), tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Other compounds useful in reducing ER stress are chemical chaperones such as trimethylamine N-oxide and glycerol. The present invention provides methods of treating a subject suffering from obesity, hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes, or insulin resistance using ER stress reducers such as PBA, TUDCA, and TMAO. Methods of screening for ER stress reducers by identifying agents that reduce levels of ER stress markers in ER stressed cells are also provided. These agents may find use in methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating obesity-associated diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the expression, processing, post-translational modification, stability and/or activity of XBP-1 protein, or a protein in a signal transduction pathway involving XBP-1 to treat metabolic disorders, e.g., type II diabetes. The present invention also pertains to methods for identifying compounds that modulate the expression, processing, post-translational modification, and/or activity of XBP-1 protein or a molecule in a signal transduction pathway involving XBP-1.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods used to modulate a NH2-terminal Jun Kinase activity. These compositions and methods can be employed to regulate metabolic disorders associated with, for example, insulin such as diabetes. The reduction in NH2-terminal Jun Kinase activity can lead to the reduction in weight and improve insulin sensitivity.