Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and methods or uses thereof in the prophylaxis and treatment of psoriasis and other auto-immune inflammatory disorders. The composition may be comprised of TGF-?1, TGF-?2, and dairy derived proteins comprising a large proportion of ?-lactoglobulin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the ability of SAP to suppress fibrocytes. It also relates to the ability of IL-12, laminin-1, cross-linked IgG and IgG aggregates to suppress fibrocytes. Methods and compositions for suppressing fibrocytes using these proteins are provided. These methods are useful in a variety of applications including treatment and prevention of fibrosing diseases such as scleroderma, pulmonary fibrosis and asthma. Finally, the invention includes assays for detecting the ability of various agents to modulate differentiation into fibrocytes. Such assays may also be used to diagnose scleroderma, pulmonary fibrosis, or other fibrosing diseases.

Abstract: Metastin, compounds that promote the activity of metastin or its receptors and the like are excellent gonadal function improving agents, ovulation inducers or promoters, gonadotropic hormone secretion promoters, gonadotropic hormone secretion inhibitors, sex hormone secretion promoters, sex hormone secretion inhibitors, etc., and can be used as agents for preventing/treating sterility, hormone-sensitive cancers, endometriosis, etc. Metastin and its receptors are useful for screening for these pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The invention provides tissue graft compositions comprising collagen-based extracellular matrices derived from renal capsules of warm-blooded vertebrates. The invention further provides a process of harvesting and purifying a renal capsule to provide an extracellular matrix material having beneficial use as a tissue graft and/or cell growth material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical formulations of a mixture of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), and to methods of producing such formulations.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides BMP10 propeptides for use in treating a variety of disorders including heart disorders and other disorders associated with unwanted activity of the mature BMP10 polypeptide. The present invention also provides methods of screening compounds that modulate activity of BMP10.

Abstract: FSH mutants with increased glycosylation and longer half-lives are described. The use of FSH mutants for inducing folliculogenesis in human patients is also described.

Abstract: Variants of homodimer-forming chemokines, such as human CCL2, having a single amino acid substitution in the dimerization interface that alters the pattern of hydrogen bonds and acting as an obligate monomer, can antagonize natural chemokines and have anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. These variants can be used as active ingredient in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, or infectious diseases.

Abstract: Peptide of a size comprised between 5 and 40 amino acids, originating from a cytokine, in which at least one of its amino acids comprises at least one of its atoms separated by a distance d of less than 5 angströms from an atom of the receptor corresponding to said cytokine, the spacing d being evaluated on the basis of structural data, derivatives, immunogenic compounds comprising them, use of a peptide or peptide derivative or immunogenic compound for the preparation of a curative or preventative medicament intended for the treatment or prevention of diseases linked to an excess or to the presence of cytokines or for the treatment of an auto-immune disease and pharmaceutical compositions which contain at least one abovementioned peptide or peptide derivative or immunogenic compound as active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vaccine preventing and/or treating autoimmune diseases. Its active component is: the mixture consisting of a protein antigen causing an autoimmune disease or the epitope polypeptides thereof, and the recombinant eukaryotic vector with the coding genes of an autoantigen or the epitope polypeptides thereof inserted into multiple cloning sites. The autoantigen is insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase or heat shock protein, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, two myelin antigens, zona pellucida 3, myoglobulin, type II collagen, thyroglobulin, cell membrane surface antigen, type II colloid antigen, acetylcholine receptor, thyrocyte cell surface antigen, salivary gland duct antigen, thyroglobulin, superantigen, or interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein. The vaccine can inhibit the proliferation of T cells of immune animals and humans, induce the occurrence of immune suppression, as well as prevent and/or treat autoimmune diseases effectively.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for use in modulating the activity(s) of WISP-1 polypeptide are provided. WISP-1 antagonists include anti-WISP-1 antibodies, WISP-1 immunoadhesins and WISP-1 variants (and fusion proteins thereof) which inhibit or neutralize induction or secretion of HAS2, HA, CD44 or RHAMM by native human WISP-1 polypeptide in at least one type of mammalian cell. The invention also provides methods for in vitro, in situ, and/or in vivo diagnosis and/or treatment of mammalian cells or pathological conditions associated with native WISP-1 polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of ameliorating a Th1-mediated immune pathology in a mammal. The method is practiced by administering a low dose of estrogen to the mammal. Optionally, an immunotherapeutic agent can also be administered to the mammal. Also provided are kits containing a low dose of estrogen and an immunotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise fusion polypeptides comprising multiple Leishmania antigens, in particular, KMP11, SMT, A2 and/or CBP, or immunogenic portions or variants thereof, as well as polynucleotides encoding such fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: A method for treating an rheumatoid arthritis in a mammalian subject in need of same wherein the method comprises: administering to the mammalian subject an agent capable of modulating a ganglioside GM-1 associated activity in an amount effective to treat the disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for delivering a nucleic acid sequence encoding neuropeptide Y, or a derivative or functional fragment thereof, to a mammalian nervous system target cell. The expression of exogenous NPY, or a derivative or a functional fragment thereof in the target cell(s) provides therapeutic benefit for subjects afflicted with a neurological disorder.

Abstract: Chimeric somatostatin-based polypeptides, polynucleotides used to encode the polypeptides, the methods for isolating and producing the polypeptides and the uses thereof are provided. In addition, low cost adjuvants for enhanced immunogenic response are provided. Vaccinations that include both chimeric somatostatin-based polypeptides and novel adjuvants are included, useful in facilitating farm animal productivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology and hyperproliferative diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of detecting and monitoring therapeutic antibody:antigen complex, soluble antigen and soluble therapeutic antibody, wherein a patient has undergone at least one course of immunotherapy. Yet further, levels of therapeutic antibody:antigen complexes, soluble antigens or soluble therapeutic antibodies may be measured and used to stage or monitor a hyperproliferative disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the protection and restoration of hearing. In particular, the present invention relates to treatments to facilitate the protection and re-growth of the auditory nerve. The present invention further provides methods of preventing hair cell loss and the accompanying loss in hearing. The present invention thus provides novel interventions for a variety of hearing impairments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the ability of constitutively active Notch 2 to function as an inhibitor of breast cancer. The invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting breast cancer cells by using hNotch2ICD polypeptides.

Abstract: A novel FSH mutant with increased glycosylation and longer half-lifes for use in inducing folliculogenesis in human patients is described. The FSH mutant permits the use of lower cumulative doses of FSH to achieve the same or better clinical result.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel secretory or membrane protein expressed specifically in skeletal muscles, a nucleic acid encoding the same, an antibody against the same, useful as a prophylactic/therapeutic agent or diagnostic agent for a disease associated with an abnormality of differentiation of skeletal muscle cell or metabolism function, or as a tool for screening a drug-candidate compound effective for the prophylaxis/treatment of the disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). More specifically, the invention relates to use of a non-wild type protofibril or compound(s) with protofibril forming activity for active immunisation in the purpose of treating or preventing AD. The invention further relates to a peptide, A?-Arc, with high protofibril forming activity as well as several applications thereof, such as antibodies against said peptide for passive immunisation against AD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a neurological condition in a mammal by administering at least one hematopoietic growth factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of gonadotrophins in the induction of folliculogenesis in anovulatory women. In particular, if relates to the use of LH (or an equivalent dosage of hCG) in the production of a medicament for inducing folliculogenesis in anovulatory women at a specified daily doses. In certain embodiments. LH may be used in conjunction with FSH.

Abstract: A method for recognizing and determining GnRH receptors on abnormal cells of a tumor originating in the brain and/or nervous system and/or the meninges and/or on Kaposi sarcoma. Also, preparing diagnostic kits for tumors originating in the brain and/or nervous system and/or the meninges and/or for Kaposi sarcoma. Further, a method for decreasing cellular replication of GnRH-positive glioma, oat-cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, or Kaposi sarcoma comprising administering to a cell or to a subject a replication decreasing amount of a GnRH agonist.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a human glycoprotein hormone having at least one, two, three, four, or five basic amino acids in the ?-subunit at positions selected from the group consisting of positions 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, and 20. The invention is also directed to a human glycoprotein where at least one of the amino acids at position 58, 63, and 69 of the ?-subunit of the human thyroid stimulating hormone are basic amino acids. The invention is further directed to a modified human glycoprotein hormone having increased activity over a wild-type human glycoprotein hormone, where the modified human glycoprotein comprises a basic amino acid substituted at a position corresponding to the same amino acid position in a non-human glycoprotein hormone having an increased activity over the wild-type human glycoprotein hormone.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic mice deficient in corticotropin releasing factor receptor 2 (CRFR2). Mice deficient for CRFR1 exhibit decreased anxiety-like behavior and a decreased stress response. In contrast, CRFR2 null mutant mice are hypersensitive to stress and display increased anxiety-like behavior. These mice are useful for the study of anxiety, depression, and the physiology of the HPA axis. CRFR2 null mutant mice also exhibit increased angiogenesis in all tissues examined. Thus, CRFR2 antagonists may be used to stimulate angiogenesis for the treatment of various conditions. In contrast, CRFR2 agonists may be used to inhibit angiogenesis. A combination of urocortin and bFGF was observed to stimulate rapid hair growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ligand to GPR8, in particular polypeptides capable of binding to GPR8 or its amides or esters, or salts thereof, as well as the DNA encoding for such polypeptides. The ligand to GPR8 of the present invention is useful in developing receptor-binding assay systems with the use of a GPR8 expression system, for screening candidate compounds for drugs such as preventive/therapeutic agents for obesity, appetite stimulants, and prolactin production inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the ability of SAP to suppress the differentiation of monocytes into fibrocytes. It also relates to the ability of IL-12, laminin-1, cross-linked IgG and IgG aggregates to suppress the differentiation of monocytes into fibrocytes. Methods and compositions for suppressing differentiation of monocytes into fibrocytes using these proteins are provided. These methods are useful in a variety of applications including treatment and prevention of fibrosing diseases such as scleroderma, pulmonary fibrosis and asthma. Finally, the invention includes assays for detecting the ability of various agents to modulate monocyte differentiation into fibrocytes and to detect monocyte defects. Such assays may also be used to diagnose scleroderma, pulmonary fibrosis, or other fibrosing diseases.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of improving myocardial function in a subject after ischemic injury comprising administering G-CSF or SDF-1 to the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid formulation comprising a growth hormone or a substance, which stimulates release or potentiates the activity of endogenous hGH; a polyethylene-polypropylene glycol; a citrate/phosphate buffer, an alkali metal salt and an alkaline earth metal salt or a pseudo alkaline earth metal salt, and to a process of preparation thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of angiogenin, or a fragment or variant thereof, to treat diseases or conditions characterised by neuronal injury or death, or axonal degeneration, especially neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The invention also describes a plurality of mutations of the human angiogenin gene which are associated with a neurodegenerative disease phenotype, and particularly a ALS phenotype. Also described is a method of assessing whether an individual is afflicted with, or generically predisposed to develop, a disease or condition characterised by neuronal injury or death, or axonal degeneration.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce a bone material which is enriched with bone growth factors and whose bone growth factors are released in a delayed manner after surgically applied in the body. To this end, the invention provides a method according to which the bone material is loaded with a bone growth factor or with a mixture of bone growth factors and is then coated with a reabsorbable substance.

Abstract: A method for increasing the stability and uniformity of a PEGylated G-CSF polypeptide having at least one PEG moiety attached to the epsilon amino group of a lysine residue or the N-terminal amino group and at least one PEG moiety attached to a hydroxyl group, comprising subjecting the polypeptide to an elevated pH of above 8.0 for a period of time suitable to remove PEG moieties attached to a hydroxyl group, and reducing the pH to about 8.0 or lower; as well as PEGylated G-CSF polypeptides and compositions produced according to the method and methods for increasing neutrophil levels in a patient using the PEGylated G-CSF polypeptides and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions useful for detecting whole parathyroid hormone at a physiological level and C-terminal parathyroid fragments in a mammalian sample. Such detections may be useful to different parathyroid diseases or disorders in a subject, such as chronic renal failure, hyperparathyroidism and related bone diseases, from normal or non-disease states. One detects whole or non-fragmented (1 to 84) parathyroid hormone in a biological sample and optionally one or more of a selection of C-terminal parathyroid hormone peptide fragments that may or may not function as a parathyroid hormone antagonists. By either comparing values or using independently the value of either the one or more of a selection of C-terminal parathyroid hormone peptide fragments, the whole parathyroid hormone, or the combination of these values, one is able to differentiate chronic renal failure, parathyroid and bone related disease states, as well as differentiate such states from normal states.

Abstract: We describe (1) a method of enhancing antigen presentation, comprising the step of supplying to an antigen presenting cell such as a dendritic cell, or precursor cell, an inhibitor of Toll-related receptor (TRR) signalling and (2) a method of inhibiting antigen presentation, comprising the step of supplying to an antigen presenting cell such as a dendritic cell, or precursor cell, an enhancer of Toll-related receptor (TRR) signalling. The inhibitor of TRR signalling may be a dominant negative mutant of MyD88, for example MyD881pr.

Abstract: The present invention provides calcium phosphate nano-particles encapsulated with biologically active macromolecules. The particles may be used as carriers of biologically active macromolecule for delivery of the macromolecules. The invention also provides methods of making and using the particles.

Abstract: New methods for diagnosis of human dormancy syndrome are provided. Human dormancy syndrome is characterized by elevated serum ratio of rT3/fT3 compared to a population of normal subjects from which subjects suffering from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, obesity, dementias including Alzheimer's Disease and related dormancy conditions are excluded, and the presence of one or more findings related to reduced activity including torpor, chronic fatigue, insulin resistance, dementias, obesity and the like. Treatment of human dormancy syndrome is directed toward increasing fT3 levels or decreasing rT3 levels, or both, using pharmaceutical and/or behavioral methods. Other conditions that are associated with HDS can also be treated using T3 therapy, with or without specific psychological, behavioral or pharmaceutical therapies.

Abstract: A purified paracrine factor of a mesenchymal stem cell, such as a Secreted frizzled related protein (Sfrp) is useful to reduce cell death an/or tissue injury associated with ischemic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for inducing lymphocyte proliferation and migration, and for reducing the risks of microbial infections in patients immuno-suppressed. The present invention particularly relates to the use of S100 protein, such as MRP, to induce the proliferation, differentiation and release of immune cells from bone marrow. More particularly, S100A8, S100A9, S100A12 and S100A8/A9 are administered to patients with lowered neutrophil blood concentrations.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for administering streptolysin O for treatment of various conditions including connective tissue disorders, reproductive fibroses and conditions mediated by the CD44 receptor. The invention also provides methods for protecting nerve cells from the effects of neurotoxic agents by the administration of streptolysin O.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting bone growth. The present invention also provides methods of screening compounds that modulate BMP-3A or BMP-3B activity. The compositions and methods provided herein are useful in modulating bone growth.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method of inducing production of vascular endothelial growth factor by a cell. The method includes contacting the cell with a CpG oligonucleotide, thereby inducing the production of vascular endothelial growth factor by the cell. The disclosure further provides a method inducing neovascularization in a tissue. This method includes comprising introducing a CpG oligodeoxynucleotide into an area of the tissue wherein the formation of new blood vessels is desired, thereby inducing neovascularization in the area of the tissue.

Abstract: A novel lyophilizate and method of preparation as well as the use of the lyophilizate to treat female infertility and for gonad protection. Cetrorelix is dissolved in acetic acid 30% v/v, the solution is transferred to water and freeze dried.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of selectively producing neural cells, including neurons or glial cells, in vitro or in vivo. Also provided are methods of treating or ameliorating neurodegenerative disease or medical conditions by producing neural cells. Thus, a combination of factors is used to achieve two steps: increasing the number of neural stem cells and instructing the neural stem cells to selectively become neurons or glial cells.

Abstract: Methods for promoting growth of bone, ligament, or cartilage in a mammal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to said mammal a composition comprising a pharmacologically effective amount of a zvegf3 protein in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Also disclosed are methods for promoting proliferation or differentiation of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, chondrocytes, or bone marrow stem cells comprising culturing the cells in an effective amount of a zvegf3 protein.

Abstract: A method of rejuvenating Leydig cells in a subject having Leydig cells is disclosed. Rejuvenation of Leydig cells is accomplished, in one embodiment, by coadministering TH and LH to a subject. Rejuvenating Leydig cells can enhance serum testosterone levels and can have other desirable effects as well. The presently claimed subject matter also encompasses methods relating to the treatment of andropause and the elevation of serum testosterone levels.

Abstract: Antibodies having dual specificity for two different but structurally related antigens are provided. The antibodies can be, for example, entirely human antibodies, recombinant antibodies, or monoclonal antibodies. Preferred antibodies have dual specificity for IL-1? and IL-1? and neutralize IL-1? and IL-1? activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Methods of making and methods of using the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting two different but structurally related antigens (e.g., IL-1? and IL-1?) and for inhibiting the activity of the antigens, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which IL-1? and/or IL-1? activity is detrimental.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of ameliorating a Th1-mediated immune pathology in a mammal. The method is practiced by administering a low dose of estrogen to the mammal. Optionally, an immunotherapeutic agent can also be administered to the mammal. Also provided are kits containing a low dose of estrogen and an immunotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: Members of the TGF-? superfamily control many physiologic and pathophysiologic processes in multiple tissues and signal via type II and type I receptor serine kinases. Type II activin receptors are promiscuous and known to bind 12 TGF-? ligands including activins, myostatin, BMPs and nodal. Methods are described for the screening and identification of antagonist for TGF-? superfamily members, in particular activin-A antagonist.