Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening for one or more chemical agents that modulate the enzymatic activity of an L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase. The methods comprise the steps of (a) contacting an L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase, in a solution in vitro, with one or more chemical agents in the presence of a substrate that is capable of being oxidized by the L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase; (b) measuring the enzymatic activity of the L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase in the presence of the chemical agent to identify one or more candidate chemical agents that modulate L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase activity in vitro; and (c) administering the one or more identified candidate chemical agents to a test animal and measuring one or more physiological parameters.

Abstract: Transgenic mice having human CETP genes are useful models for the action of niacin in humans. Such animals exhibit an increase in HDL-C and the HDL-C/non-HDL-C ratio and a decrease in non-HDL-C when they are treated with niacin. The changes in HDL-C and non-HDL-C appear to be dose-dependent.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a drug combination comprised of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor in combination with an ACAT inhibitor, which is useful for treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method for preventing the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in a mammalian patient in need of such prevention comprising administering to said patient a compound that is capable of simultaneously binding or binding and activating PPAR&agr; and PPAR&ggr; or concomitantly administering a selective PPAR&agr; agent with a selective PPAR&ggr; agent in an amount that is effective to prevent the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. The invention also encompasses a method for increasing atherosclerotic plaque stability in a mammalian patient in need thereof comprising administering to said patient a compound that is capable of simultaneously binding or binding and activating PPAR&agr; and PPAR&ggr; or concomitantly administering a selective PPAR&agr; agent with a selective PPAR&ggr; agent in an amount that is effective to increase plaque stability.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method for treating or preventing an inflammatory disease or condition in a mammalian patient in need of such treatment or prevention comprising administering to said patient a compound that is capable of simultaneously binding PPAR&agr; and PPAR&ggr; or concomitantly administering a compound that selectively binds PPAR&agr; with a compound that selectively binds PPAR&ggr; in an amount that is effective to treat or prevent the inflammatory disease or condition.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for screening and/or determining the efficacy of known or potential reverse cholesterol transport-enhancing compounds in mammals that avoids the need for measuring cellular protein or mRNA levels and instead employs measurements of CD14 levels in blood.