Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for efficiently protecting and preserving organs, tissues or cells. In particular, the present invention provides a protective composition which can be used during operations. Specifically, the present invention provides a composition for protecting and preserving organs, tissues or cells, comprising a polyphenol. A method is also provided for protecting an organ, tissue or cell in a subject, comprising 1) exposing the organ, tissue or cell to a polyphenol. Such a composition and a polyphenol is effective in protecting a function of an organ (particularly, the heart, brain, nerve, spinal cord and the like).

Abstract: The present invention provides a cardiomyopathy therapeutic agent that contains hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and gelatin hydrogel, and gradually releases HGF, which is useful in treating cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ischemia therapeutic agent that contains vascularization induction factor and gelatin hydrogel, and gradually releases vascularization induction factor, which is useful in treating ischemia accompanying peripheral circulatory disorders etc. encountering as complications of arteriosclerosis obliterans, Buerger's disease, diabetes and collagen disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cardiomyopathy therapeutic agent that contains hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and gelatin hydrogel, and gradually releases HGF, which is useful in treating cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: A cardioplegic solution which contains a trehalose and one or more metal ions. The trehalose is preferably contained in an amount of not more than 3.5% (W/V), or 1.5 to 3.5% (W/V). The metal ions are preferably Na+, K+, Mg++ and Ca++. The cardioplegic solution is useful for cardiac standstill and cardiac muscle protection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ischemia therapeutic agent that contains vascularization induction factor and gelatin hydrogel, and gradually releases vascularization induction factor, which is useful in treating ishchemia accompanying peripheral circulatory disorders etc. encountering as complications of arteriosclerosis obliterans, Buerger's disease, diabetes and collagen disease.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for therapy of coronary artery narrowing or blockage, which comprises a sustained release preparation containing an angiogenesis factor or a gene encoding the same and a gelatin hydrogel is disclosed. Examples of the angiogenesis factor which may be used include e.g., bFGF and other FGFs, VEGF, HGF, PDGF, TGF, angiopoietin, HIF, cytokine, chemokine, adrenomeduline and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for efficiently protecting and preserving organs, tissues or cells. In particular, the present invention provides a protective composition which can be used during operations. Specifically, the present invention provides a composition for protecting and preserving organs, tissues or cells, comprising a polyphenol. A method is also provided for protecting an organ, tissue or cell in a subject, comprising 1) exposing the organ, tissue or cell to a polyphenol. Such a composition and a polyphenol is effective in protecting a function of an organ (particularly, the heart, brain, nerve, spinal cord and the like).

Abstract: There are disclosed a method to enhance sternal treatment after sternotomy with or without removal of at least one of thoracic arteries which comprises applying an agent for the treatment of sternum after sternotomy to or at around the sternum, wherein the agent comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of an angiogenetic factor, an osteogenetic factor and their analogues such as bFGF, aFGF, TGF &bgr;, VEGF, HGF, BMP, PDGF, TGF &agr;, other cytokines or gene as an effective ingredient and an agent to be used for the method; and an agent to enhance healing of or treating sternum after sternotomy comprising the same.

Abstract: A cardioplegic solution which contains a trehalose and one or more metal ions. The trehalose is preferably contained in an amount of not more than 3.5% (W/V), or 1.5 to 3.5% (W/V). The metal ions are preferably Na+, K+, Mg++ and Ca++. The cardioplegic solution is useful for cardiac standstill and cardiac muscle protection.