Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods of evaluating stem cells. Aspects of the methods include obtaining a microRNA transcriptional signature (miR-TS), i.e., a microRNA transcriptional phenotype, for a stem cell and using the obtained miR-TS to evaluate the stem cell. Also provided are kits and compositions for practicing the subject methods. The methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic applications, therapeutic applications, research applications, and the like.

Abstract: The present methods and compositions are of use for treatment of conditions involving fibrosis, such as Peyronie's disease plaque, penile corporal fibrosis, penile veno-occlusive dysfunction, Dupuytren's disease nodules, vaginal fibrosis, clitoral fibrosis, female sexual arousal disorder, abnormal wound healing, keloid formation, general fibrosis of the kidney, bladder, prostate, skin, liver, lung, heart, intestines or any other localized or generalized fibrotic condition, vascular fibrosis, arterial intima hyperplasia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension or any condition characterized by excessive fibroblast or smooth muscle cell proliferation or deposition of collagen and extracellular matrix in the blood vessels and/or heart.

Abstract: The present methods and compositions are of use for treatment of conditions involving fibrosis, such as Peyronie's disease plaque, penile corporal fibrosis, penile veno-occlusive dysfunction, Dupuytren's disease nodules, vaginal fibrosis, clitoral fibrosis, female sexual arousal disorder, abnormal wound healing, keloid formation, general fibrosis of the kidney, bladder, prostate, skin, liver, lung, heart, intestines or any other localized or generalized fibrotic condition, vascular fibrosis, arterial intima hyperplasia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension or any condition characterized by excessive fibroblast or smooth muscle cell proliferation or deposition of collagen and extracellular matrix in the blood vessels and/or heart.

Abstract: The present methods and compositions are of use for treatment of conditions involving fibrosis, such as Peyronie's disease plaque, penile corporal fibrosis, penile veno-occlusive dysfunction, Dupuytren's disease nodules, vaginal fibrosis, clitoral fibrosis, female sexual arousal disorder, abnormal wound healing, keloid formation, general fibrosis of the kidney, bladder, prostate, skin, liver, lung, heart, intestines or any other localized or generalized fibrotic condition, vascular fibrosis, arterial intima hyperplasia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension or any condition characterized by excessive fibroblast or smooth muscle cell proliferation or deposition of collagen and extracellular matrix in the blood vessels and/or heart.

Abstract: Treating or inhibiting an ischemic condition affecting the skeletal muscle comprising administering an agent having a property to inhibit an activity or a protein expression of myostatin or growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF-8) according to a regimen to treat or inhibit the ischemic condition. Treating or inhibiting an ischemic condition affecting the skeletal muscle including administering an effective amount of a thiazolidenedione or other PPAR gamma agonist at a dosage that do not exert glycemic control or induce overweight. A kit for use in treating or inhibiting an ischemic condition affecting the skeletal muscle comprising a quantity of an agent having a property to inhibit an activity or a protein expression of myostatin or growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF-8) and/or a quantity of a thiazolidenedione or other PPAR gamma agonist and instructions for administration of a dosage of that quantity according to a long term continuous regimen.

Abstract: The present methods and compositions are of use for treatment of conditions involving fibrosis, such as Peyronie's disease plaque, penile corporal fibrosis, penile veno-occlusive dysfunction, Dupuytren's disease nodules, vaginal fibrosis, clitoral fibrosis, female sexual arousal disorder, abnormal wound healing, keloid formation, general fibrosis of the kidney, bladder, prostate, skin, liver, lung, heart, intestines or any other localized or generalized fibrotic condition, vascular fibrosis, arterial intima hyperplasia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension or any condition characterized by excessive fibroblast or smooth muscle cell proliferation or deposition of collagen and extracellular matrix in the blood vessels and/or heart.

Abstract: The present methods and compositions are of use for treatment of conditions involving fibrosis, such as Peyronie's disease plaque, penile corporal fibrosis, penile veno-occlusive dysfunction, Dupuytren's disease nodules, vaginal fibrosis, clitoral fibrosis, female sexual arousal disorder, abnormal wound healing, keloid formation, general fibrosis of the kidney, bladder, prostate, skin, liver, lung, heart, intestines or any other localized or generalized fibrotic condition, vascular fibrosis, arterial intima hyperplasia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension or any condition characterized by excessive fibroblast or smooth muscle cell proliferation or deposition of collagen and extracellular matrix in the blood vessels and/or heart.

Abstract: A method comprising inhibiting myostatin expression or activity to increase muscle mass. Still further, methods for locally inhibiting myostatin expression or activity to reduce fibrosis are provided. The method comprises introducing a nucleotide sequence into a vector wherein the nucleotide sequence is expressed as a shRNA having a property to inhibit myostatin expression. The vector including the sequence may be delivered to a mammalian tissue. An electrical pulse may be applied across a point of delivery. A composition comprising a vector having a nucleotide sequence wherein the nucleotide sequence is expressed as a shRNA having a property to inhibit myostatin expression is further provided.

Abstract: The present methods and compositions are of use for treatment of conditions involving fibrosis, such as Peyronie's disease plaque, penile corporal fibrosis, penile veno-occlusive dysfunction, Dupuytren's disease nodules, vaginal fibrosis, clitoral fibrosis, female sexual arousal disorder, abnormal wound healing, keloid formation, general fibrosis of the kidney, bladder, prostate, skin, liver, lung, heart, intestines or any other localized or generalized fibrotic condition, vascular fibrosis, arterial intima hyperplasia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension or any condition characterized by excessive fibroblast or smooth muscle cell proliferation or deposition of collagen and extracellular matrix in the blood vessels and/or heart.

Abstract: The present methods and compositions are of use for treatment of conditions involving fibrosis, such as Peyronie's disease plaque, penile corporal fibrosis, penile veno-occlusive dysfunction, Dupuytren's disease nodules, vaginal fibrosis, clitoral fibrosis, female sexual arousal disorder, abnormal wound healing, keloid formation, general fibrosis of the kidney, bladder, prostate, skin, liver, lung, heart, intestines or any other localized or generalized fibrotic condition, vascular fibrosis, arterial intima hyperplasia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension or any condition characterized by excessive fibroblast or smooth muscle cell proliferation or deposition of collagen and extracellular matrix in the blood vessels and/or heart.

Abstract: Methods are presented for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The methods provide for administration to a person at least one compound identified generically as antagonists of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. These compounds are selected from the group consisting of memantidine, amantidine, dextromethorphan and ketamine.

Abstract: Treatment of erectile dysfunction comprising administering to a patient, inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) agents, including penile iNOS, inducers of penile iNOS, iNOS cDNA, or penile smooth muscle cells transformed with iNOS cDNA. Typical in vivo treatment involves delivery of these agents to the penile tissue of a patient by constant or intermittent implanted or external infusion pump, by implantation of time-release microcapsules or introduction of the genetically-engineered cells as by injection. Also disclosed are methods of treatment involving in vitro induction of iNOS in cultured smooth muscle cells and thereafter delivery of purified or recombinant iNOS enzyme, production of iNOS cDNA and genetic transformation with iNOS cDNA, followed by delivery thereof to the penis of a patient.