Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions to treat fibrotic conditions, to increase lymphocyte production in vivo, and to improve and/or normalize lung function, pulmonary compliance, blood oxygenation, and blood pH to inhibit inflammatory processes to stimulate or inhibit pro-inflammatory and immune cells, and to inhibit migration of vascular endothelial cells. The invention contemplates the administration of human uteroglobin, native or recombinant, as a means of achieving these ends. Specifically, it has been found that uteroglobin inhibits cell adhesion to fibronectin, increases lymphocyte production in vivo, and improves and/or normalizes lung function, pulmonary compliance, blood oxygenation, and blood pH, and inhibits inflammatory process. In addition it has been found that uteroglobin can stimulate or inhibit pro-inflammatory and immune cells and inhibitor migration of vascular endothelial cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions to treat fibrotic conditions, to increase lymphocyte production in vivo, and to improve and/or normalize lung function, pulmonary compliance, blood oxygenation, and blood pH to inhibit inflammatory processes to stimulate or inhibit pro-inflammatory and immune cells, and to inhibit migration of vascular endothelial cells. The invention contemplates the administration of human uteroglobin, native or recombinant, as a means of achieving these ends. Specifically, it has been found that uteroglobin inhibits cell adhesion to fibronectin, increases lymphocyte production in vivo, and improves and/or normalizes lung function, pulmonary compliance, blood oxygenation, and blood pH, and inhibits inflammatory process. In addition it has been found that uteroglobin can stimulate or inhibit pro-inflammatory and immune cells and inhibitor migration of vascular endothelial cells.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds, methods and pharmaceutical compositions for inhibiting cancer cell growth and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, particularly cells resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic drug treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions to treat fibrotic conditions, to increase lymphocyte production in vivo, and to improve and/or normalize lung function, pulmonary compliance, blood oxygenation, and blood pH to inhibit inflammatory processes to stimulate or inhibit pro-inflammatory and immune cells, and to inhibit migration of vascular endothelial cells. The invention contemplates the administration of human uteroglobin, native or recombinant, as a means of achieving these ends. Specifically, it has been found that uteroglobin inhibits cell adhesion to fibronectin, increases lymphocyte production in vivo, and improves and/or normalizes lung function, pulmonary compliance, blood oxygenation, and blood pH, and inhibits inflammatory process. In addition it has been found that uteroglobin can stimulate or inhibit pro-inflammatory and immune cells and inhibitor migration of vascular endothelial cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for inducing differentiation and apoptosis in cells that overexpress Notch proteins. A cell fate determining function of Notch is specifically disrupted at a time when the cell is undergoing differentiation, which causes the cell to undergo apoptosis. The invention includes therapies for tumors that overexpress a Notch protein (such as Notch-1) by inducing differentiation of the cells in the tumor with a differentiation inducing agent, such as HMBA, in combination with an agent that disrupts the function of the Notch protein. At a time during which differentiation has been promoted, and the cell is susceptible to interference with the anti-apoptosis effect of Notch, the function of the Notch protein is disrupted.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions to treat fibrotic conditions, to increase lymphocyte production in vivo, and to improve and/or normalize lung function, pulmonary compliance, blood oxygenation, and blood pH to inhibit inflammatory processes to stimulate or inhibit pro-inflammatory and immune cells, and to inhibit migration of vascular endothelial cells. The invention contemplates the administration of human uteroglobin, native or recombinant, as a means of achieving these ends. Specifically, it has been found that uteroglobin inhibits cell adhesion to fibronectin, increases lymphocyte production in vivo, and improves and/or normalizes lung function, pulmonary compliance, blood oxygenation, and blood pH, and inhibits inflammatory process. In addition it has been found that uteroglobin can stimulate or inhibit pro-inflammatory and immune cells and inhibitor migration of vascular endothelial cells.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of inducing differentiation of an epithelial cell. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for inducing formation of a barrier within epithelium. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for producing differentiated epidermis. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of assaying for genetic propensity of a patient to develop a disorder associated with epithelial barrier formation. In anther embodiment, the invention provides a diagnostic test to determine the expression levels of Notch ligands, receptors, or other Notch signaling compounds in cells. In another embodiment, the invention provides novel Notch ligands. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of preventing or retarding the progression of a benign or malignant disorder in skin.

Abstract: Synthetic oligopeptides having potent anti-inflammatory and phospholipase A.sub.2 inhibiting properties are described. A method of controlling inflammation of body tissue is also described.