Abstract: The present invention discloses 5-methyl-1-(substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones having the ability to reduce proteinuria and for treating kidney diseases. The ability to reduce proteinuria has a renoprotective effect for slowing the progression of kidney diseases. A representative example of 5-methyl-(1-substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones is 1-(3?-fluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2(1H)-pyridone, AKF-PD. Accordingly, the present invention provides compositions comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of 5-methyl-1-(substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones and methods of using the same to treat proteinuria and kidney diseases.

Abstract: The present invention discloses 5-methyl-1-(substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones have enhanced anti-fibrotic activities than 5-methyl-1-(non-substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones. An representative example of 5-methyl-(1-substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones is 1-(3?-fluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2(1H)-pyridone. Accordingly, there are provided compositions comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of 5-methyl-1-(substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones and methods of using the same to treat or prevent fibrosis diseases.

Abstract: The present invention discloses 5-methyl-1-(substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones have enhanced anti-fibrotic activities than 5-methyl-1-(non-substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones. An representative example of 5-methyl-(1-substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones is 1-(3?-fluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2(1H)-pyridone. Accordingly, there are provided compositions comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of 5-methyl-1-(substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones and methods of using the same to treat or prevent fibrosis diseases.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods of treating or preventing restenosis, vascular injury, and vascular disease in a subject by administering TIMP-4. The inventors have surprisingly found that TIMP-4 has an important role in the accumulation of the extracellular matrix in a vessel wall and as such facilitates the healing process of an injured vessel. Also provided by the present invention is a method of inhibiting migration of smooth muscle cells, such as vascular smooth muscle cells, by introducing to the cell an amount of TIMP-4 effective to inhibit the migration, as well as inhibiting extracellular matrix degradation of a vessel, such as an artery, vein or capillary, by introducing TIMP-4 to the vessel.