Abstract: Methods for treating sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction or sexual arousal disorder, with a compound having the generic formula X1—X2-(D)Phe-Arg-(D)Trp-X3. A particularly useful compound is HP-228, which has the formula Ac-Nle-Gln-His-(D)Phe-Arg-(D)Trp-Gly-NH2. The invention also provides methods for selecting melanocortin receptor-3 ligands by determining whether a compound modulates the activity of MC-3 as an agonist or antagonist. These methods can be used to screen compound libraries for ligands to treat MC-3-associated conditions. Such conditions include sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and sexual arousal disorder.

Abstract: Methods for treating erectile dysfunction in males and sexual dysfunction, such as sexual arousal disorder, in females. The methods involve administering an effective dose of certain compounds, such as HP-228, having the generic formula X1-X′2-(D)Phe-Arg-(D)Trp-X3.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel cytokine restraining agents, which limit or control the biological activity of cytokines. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a cytokine restraining peptide and methods of administering the pharmaceutical composition to a subject. The invention further provides methods for using the novel peptides to restrain cytokine activity in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for inhibiting and modulating the actions of CXC intercrine molecules. The antileukinate peptides described inhibit IL-8, GRO and MIP2.beta. binding to neutrophils and neutrophil activation. The peptides are particularly advantageous as they inhibit IL-8-induced enzyme release at a 25 fold lower concentration than is required to inhibit chemotaxis, which makes them ideal for treating various inflammatory diseases and disorders including, amongst others, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of cytokine restraining agents to treat inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing the severity of GI damage in an individual by administering a cytokine regulatory agent to an individual that is susceptible to developing such damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptides that are potent cytokine restraining agents. In addition, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a cytokine restraining agent. Administration of such a cytokine restraining agent to a subject restrains, but does not necessarily suppress, cytokine activity completely. Thus, the present invention provides a method of restraining pathologically elevated cytokine activity in a subject. The invention also provides methods of treating disuse deconditioning and diseases mediated by nitric oxide and cytokines, such as diabetes and glomerulonephritis, a method of organ protection, a method of organ protection, and a method of reducing the negative side effects of cancer chemotherapy, such as nephrotoxicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptides that are potent cytokine restraining agents. In addition, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a cytokine restraining agent. Administration of such a cytokine restraining agent to a subject restrains, but does not necessarily suppress, cytokine activity completely. Thus, the present invention provides a method of restraining pathologically elevated cytokine activity in a subject. The invention also provides methods of treating disuse deconditioning and diseases mediated by nitric oxide and cytokines, such as diabetes and glomerulonephritis, a method of organ protection, a method of organ protection, and a method of reducing the negative side effects of cancer chemotherapy, such as nephrotoxicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a cytokine regulatory agent to reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptides that are potent cytokine regulatory agents. In addition, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a cytokine regulatory agent. Administration of such a cytokine regulatory agent to a subject can enhance or restrain cytokine activity. Thus, the present invention provides a method of regulating cytokine activity in a subject having a condition characterized by aberrant or altered cytokine activity. The invention also provides methods of treating such conditions, including, for example, disuse deconditioning, diseases mediated by nitric oxide and cytokines, adverse drug reactions, obesity, septic shock, and adverse side effects due to cancer chemotherapy or occurring as in response to organ transplantation.

Abstract: AICA riboside and prodrugs of AICA riboside are provided which lower blood glucose for the treatment of various pathologic conditions, including hypoglycemia, insulin deficiency, insulin resistance diabetes and Syndrome X. Prodrugs of AICA riboside provide AICA riboside in an orally bioavailable form. The use of adenosine kinase inhibition and ZMP enhancement for lowering blood glucose are also described.

Abstract: .beta.-Phenethanolamines are effective in promoting growth and improving feed efficiency and leanness in animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing a wasting condition, which can occur due to a pathology or to a particular physiologic or metabolic state in a subject, by administering to the subject a substituted 1,3-benzodioxole.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) by means of a closed-loop drug delivery system that delivers an exercise simulating agent, including novel exercise simulating agents which elicit both acute and adaptive cardiovascular responses similar to those elicited by aerobic activity are provided. The acute responses to the exercise simulating agent are used to diagnose and evaluate CAD in lieu of the acute responses to aerobic exercise. Due to their adaptive responses these compounds may be used to treat CAD in lieu of the adaptive responses caused by aerobic exercise training or to treat other conditions where the adaptive responses caused by aerobic exercise are desirable.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel cytokine restraining agents, which limit or control the biological activity of cytokines. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a cytokine restraining peptide and methods of administering the pharmaceutical composition to a subject. The invention further provides methods for using the novel peptides to restrain cytokine activity in a subject.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) by means of a closed-loop drug delivery system that delivers an exercise simulating agent, including novel exercise simulating agents which elicit both acute and adaptive cardiovascular responses similar to those elicited by aerobic activity are provided. The acute responses to the exercise simulating agent are used to diagnose and evaluate CAD in lieu of the acute responses to aerobic exercise. Due to their adaptive responses these compounds may be used to treat CAD in lieu of the adaptive responses caused by aerobic exercise training or to treat other conditions where the adaptive responses caused by aerobic exercise are desirable.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) by means of a closed-loop drug delivery system that delivers an exercise simulating agent, including novel exercise simulating agents which elicit both acute and adaptive cardiovascular responses similar to those elicited by aerobic activity are provided. The acute responses to the exercise simulating agent are used to diagnose and evaluate CAD in lieu of the acute responses to aerobic exercise. Due to their adaptive responses these compounds may be used to treat CAD in lieu of the adaptive responses caused by aerobic exercise training or to treat other conditions where the adaptive responses caused by aerobic exercise are desirable.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) by means of a closed-loop drug delivery system that delivers an exercise simulating agent, including novel exercise simulating agents which elicit both acute and adaptive cardiovascular responses similar to those elicited by aerobic activity are provided. The acute responses to the exercise simulating agent are used to diagnose and evaluate CAD in lieu of the acute responses to aerobic exercise. Due to their adaptive responses these compounds may be used to treat CAD in lieu of the adaptive responses caused by aerobic exercise training or to treat other conditions where the adaptive responses caused by aerobic exercise are desirable.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) by means of a closed-loop drug delivery system that delivers an exercise simulating agent, including novel exercise simulating agents which elicit both acute and adaptive cardiovascular responses similar to those elicited by aerobic activity are provided. The acute responses to the exercise simulating agent are used to diagnose and evaluate CAD in lieu of the acute responses to aerobic exercise. Due to their adaptive responses these compounds may be used to treat CAD in lieu of the adaptive responses caused by aerobic exercise training or to treat other conditions where the adaptive responses caused by aerobic exercise are desirable.

Abstract: A method of treating a mammal suffering from pruritus, whether antigen-induced or disease-induced, comprising orally administering to the subject from about 1 to about 25 mg of the narcotic antagonist nalmefene for an initial period of 1 to 7 days, and gradually increasing the dosage level of nalmefene by increments of 1 to 25 mg per day during successive periods of 1 to 7 days to a maximum of 150 mg per day. Clonidine or clonidine hydrochloride may be administered concomitantly with the nalmefene to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms.