Abstract: The present invention relates to a recognition that an analog of ?KG can increase glucose-induced insulin secretion in vitro and in vivo in animals, particularly in mammals, and more particularly in humans and in rodents. By employing the methods of the invention, insulin secretion can be increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recognition that an analog of ?KG can increase glucose-induced insulin secretion in vitro and in vivo in animals, particularly in mammals, and more particularly in humans and in rodents. By employing the methods of the invention, insulin secretion can be increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recognition that an analog of ?KG can increase glucose-induced insulin secretion in vitro and in vivo in animals, particularly in mammals, and more particularly in humans and in rodents. By employing the methods of the invention, insulin secretion can be increased.

Abstract: Methods and compounds are disclosed for lowering serum LDL levels or serum cholesterol levels, or for reducing the transport of cholesterol from the gut to the blood or the lymph, based on the observation that a gene known as ABC1 is necessary in order for cholesterol to be transported from the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream. A mutant chicken phenotype, known as the WHAM chicken, characterized by low levels of serum LDL and reduced transport of cholesterol, facilitated the discovery of this function of the ABC1 gene. Techniques which act to inhibit ABC1 activity in the cells of the intestinal wall will result in lower serum cholesterol.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay for identifying agents that can prevent and treat diabetes. Specifically, the assay is a novel tool for identifying agents that can up regulate cholecystokinin (CCK) expression in pancreatic islets of mammals. The increased expression of CCK triggers an increase in pancreatic ?-cell mass and plasma insulin levels, which have been found to protect against the onset of diabetes. Also, disclosed are representative therapeutic agents identified through the assay of the invention. The methods of the invention are efficient and readily amenable to high-throughput drug screening protocols.

Abstract: The use of screening assays based on the role of human stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (“hSCD1”) in human diseases, disorders or conditions relating to serum levels of triglyceride, VLDL, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, or production of secretions from mucous membranes, monounsaturated fatty acids, wax esters, and the like, is disclosed. Also disclosed are conventions useful in the prevention and/or treatment of such diseases.

Abstract: The use of screening assays based on the role of human stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (“hSCD1”) in human diseases, disorders or conditions relating to serum levels of triglyceride, VLDL, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, or production of secretions from mucous membranes, monounsaturated fatty acids, wax esters, and the like, is disclosed. Also disclosed are conventions useful in the prevention and/or treatment of such diseases.

Abstract: Methods of treating an SCD-mediated disease or condition in a mammal, preferably a human, are disclosed, wherein the methods comprise administering to a mammal in need thereof a compound of formula (I): where m, n, p, V, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I) are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recognition that an analog of ?KG can increase glucose-induced insulin secretion in vitro and in vivo in animals, particularly in mammals, and more particularly in humans and in rodents. By employing the methods of the invention, insulin secretion can be increased.