Abstract: Disclosed is a method of identifying genes that are over-expressed in adipose tissue as compared to pre-adipocyte tissue or other tissues comprising performing differential gene expression analysis between the white adipose tissue (WAT) or stromal vascular tissue (SVT) from any two different mice selected from the group consisting of wild-type, HMGI-C ?/?, ob/ob, and HMGI-C ?/? ob/ob genotype mice. Based on this method a number of nucleotide sequences are identified whose expression is adipocyte specific. The identified nucleotide sequences and their corresponding polypeptides are then used to prevent adipogenesis, to treat diabetes, and to screen for small-molecules that can modulate or prevent adipogenesis and to treat diabetes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of using synthetic analogs of natriuretic peptides and more particularly to synthetic linear peptide analogs as pro-lipolytic, as anti-obesity agents, and as intermediates for or modulators of such useful compounds. Inhibitors to nprC are disclosed to treat or prevent adipose accumulation in mammals.

Abstract: The invention provides a use of a metalloproteinase inhibitor for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for treating human pulmonary emphysema which comprises admixing the metalloproteinase inhibitor in an amount effective to treat human pulmonary emphysema and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a metalloproteinase inhibitor in an amount effective to treat human pulmonary emphysema and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.