Abstract: Provided is a catalyst for amide compound hydrogenation characterized in that rhodium and molybdenum are supported on hydroxyapatite, the catalyst for amide compound hydrogenation providing a catalyst that can promote a reduction reaction that converts an amide compound into an amine compound, can be used under moderate conditions, and has durability that allows repeated use thereof while retaining high activity. Also provided is a method for producing an amine compound, the method being characterized by including bringing an amide compound into contact with the catalyst for amide compound hydrogenation to cause hydrogenation, thereby producing an amine compound.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogenation catalyst for an amide compound, containing hydroxyapatite and platinum and vanadium that are fixed on the hydroxyapatite, 15 to 80% of the surface of the platinum being covered with vanadium. The hydrogenation catalyst can promote a reduction reaction in which an amide compound is converted into an amine compound, can be used under mild conditions, and has such durability that the catalyst can be repeatedly used while retaining a high activity.

Abstract: Using betaKlotho or a substance that increases or inhibits betaKlotho activity as an agent for controlling the activity of FGF21 mediated by an FGF receptor, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising such betaKlotho or such substance as an active ingredient, particularly, a pharmaceutical composition for anti-metabolic syndrome, and further particularly, a pharmaceutical composition for therapeutic or preventive use associated with the control of blood glucose level. In addition, the present invention provides a screening system for each of a substance that enhances or suppresses betaKlotho activity, an FGF21-like active substance, and a betaKlotho-like active substance, which uses a cell system that has expressed an FGF receptor and/or betaKlotho on the surface thereof.

Abstract: A hair removing agent or a hair growth inhibiting agent is provided by determining an endogenous factor having a hair growth inhibitory activity, screening for substances having an activity similar to that of the endogenous factor or substances enhancing the activity or expression of the endogenous factor, and utilizing the physiological activities of such substances. It has been found that FGF18 inhibits hair growth. A method of screening for FGF18-like active substances, substances that promote the activity of FGF18 or substances that promote the expression of FGF18 to thereby obtain candidates for the hair growth inhibiting agent or hair removing agent is disclosed. Also disclosed is a hair growth inhibiting agent or a hair removing agent comprising, as an active ingredient, FGF18 and/or an FGF18 partial peptide, or an FGF18-like active substance and/or a substance that promotes the activity or expression of FGF18 (e.g., Digenea simplex extract).

Abstract: It is intended to provide a hair growth promoting agent, hair regrowth promoting agent or therapeutic for alopecia by determining an endogenous factor that inhibits hair growth and screening for substances that inhibit the activity or expression of the endogenous factor. It has been found that FGF18 inhibits hair growth. A method of screening for substances that inhibit the activity of FGF18 or substances that inhibit the expression of FGF18 to thereby obtain candidates for the hair growth promoting agent, hair regrowth promoting agent or therapeutic for alopecia is disclosed. Also disclosed is a hair growth promoting agent, hair regrowth promoting agent or therapeutic for alopecia comprising, as an active ingredient(s), a substance that inhibit the activity of FGF18 and/or a substance that inhibits the expression of FGF18 such as a partial peptide of FGF18 or a Momordica charantia hot water extract.

Abstract: Using betaKlotho or a substance that increases or inhibits betaKlotho activity as an agent for controlling the activity of FGF21 mediated by an FGF receptor, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising such betaKlotho or such substance as an active ingredient, particularly, a pharmaceutical composition for anti-metabolic syndrome, and further particularly, a pharmaceutical composition for therapeutic or preventive use associated with the control of blood glucose level. In addition, the present invention provides a screening system for each of a substance that enhances or suppresses betaKlotho activity, an FGF21-like active substance, and a betaKlotho-like active substance, which uses a cell system that has expressed an FGF receptor and/or betaKlotho on the surface thereof.

Abstract: A hair removing agent or a hair growth inhibiting agent is provided by determining an endogenous factor having a hair growth inhibitory activity, screening for substances having an activity similar to that of the endogenous factor or substances enhancing the activity or expression of the endogenous factor, and utilizing the physiological activities of such substances. It has been found that FGF18 inhibits hair growth. A method of screening for FGF18-like active substances, substances that promote the activity of FGF18 or substances that promote the expression of FGF18 to thereby obtain candidates for the hair growth inhibiting agent or hair removing agent is disclosed. Also disclosed is a hair growth inhibiting agent or a hair removing agent comprising, as an active ingredient, FGF18 and/or an FGF18 partial peptide, or an FGF18-like active substance and/or a substance that promotes the activity or expression of FGF18 (e.g., Digenea simplex extract).