Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of various forms of GIP-receptor antagonists to attenuate the insulin response to GIP following meals in animals, such as humans, to prevent, reduce, inhibit and/or treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by virtue of its prevention and/or reversal of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. Thus, the use of the GIP-receptor antagonists in any effective form is believed to prevent the development and reverse the process of NAFLD. The present invention is accomplished by administering an effective amount of an antagonistic agent, such as a GIP antagonist or an antisense molecule, to antagonize, block, inhibit or ablate the receptor to Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for hormone delivery to patients suffering from a condition associated with a hormone deficiency. The method involves transducing stem cells, such as bone marrow derived stem cells, with a hormone gene under the control of a cell-type specific promoter such as the glucose-responsive GIP promoter, such that the hormone gene is expressed only after the stem cells differentiate into the cells which express the cell-type specific promoter, and administering the stem cells to the patient. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the use of GIP-insulin gene expression in K cells of the gut to treat diabetes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention provides an antagonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) consisting essentially of a 24 amino acid polypeptide corresponding to positions 7-30 of the sequence of GIP. In another embodiment, this invention provides a method of treating non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in a patient comprising administering to the patient an antagonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). In yet another embodiment, this invention provides a method of improving glucose tolerance in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an antagonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

Abstract: Pharmaceutical medications and methods are disclosed for providing instant and sustained relief from pain or symptoms associated with episodic heartburn in humans. The medications consist essentially of antacids and histamine H.sub.2 -receptor antagonists, and may be administered on an as-needed basis in liquid or solid dosage forms. Typical antacids which may be used in combination with the histamine H.sub.2 -receptor antagonist are conventional antacids which are well known and widely used in the treatment of excess acid related gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Exemplary of typical antacids include, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide, as well as commercially available high potency, flavored antacids. Histamine H.sub.2 -receptor antagonists which may be used in combination include those conventionally used in the treatment of peptic ulcers, such as, for example, cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine and nizatidine.