Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing steviol glycoside and or steviol glycoside derivatives as well as to their use as osmotics in particular for use in the treatment of chronic renal failure by dialysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of diagnosis of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), such as mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT), in particular EMT of the peritoneum, which often occurs upon peritoneal dialysis. The invention provides a method and kit based on markers comprising at least one extracellular matrix protein, e.g., collagen 13, collagen 6, and/or keratin 34, at least one protein involved in building and/or restructuring of extracellular matrix, e.g., matrix metalloproteinase 1, at least one protein involved in cell-cell and/or cell-matrix contacts, e.g., cadherin 13 or thrombospondin 1, at least one growth factor, e.g., VEGF, and, optionally, at least one BMP antagonist, e.g., Gremlin 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing steviol glycoside and or steviol glycoside derivatives as well as to their use as osmotics in particular for use in the treatment of chronic renal failure by dialysis.

Abstract: Phosphorylated glucomannan polysaccharide compositions are shown to effectively enhance healthy immune function. Dosage forms including pills, sprays, functional foods and cosmetics may achieve this benefit while being essentially free of storage protein from nongerminated seeds of Ricinus communis.