Abstract: Leptin, leptin analogs, and leptin derivatives are used to treat patients with lipoatrophy. Leptin is effective against conditions of lipoatrophy for both genetic and acquired forms of the disease. A therapeutically effective amount of leptin can be administered in a variety of ways, including subcutaneously and using gene therapy methods. Methods of the present invention contemplate administration of leptin, leptin analogs, and leptin derivatives to patients having a leptin level of approximately 4 ng/ml or less before treatment.

Abstract: The invention discloses polynucleotides and polypeptides of arrestin and odorant receptors. Also disclosed are methods for producing such polypeptides and methods of making antibodies. This invention also discloses a method of identifying compounds that bind to arrestins or odorant receptors. A method of identifying compounds that inhibit the binding of mosquito arrestin to a mosquito odorant receptor is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the toughness and/or stiffness of bone and/or reducing the likelihood and/or severity of bone fracture by administering a parathyroid hormone. The method can be employed to increase toughness or stiffness of bone at a site of a potential or actual trauma, such as the hip or spine of a person at risk of or suffering from osteoporosis. The method of the invention can reduce the incidence of vertebral fracture, reduce the incidence of multiple vertebral fractures, reduce the severity of vertebral fracture, and/or reduce the incidence of non-vertebral fracture.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising cell culture medium conditioned by cells grown in three-dimensional culture. The cells used to condition the medium may be genetically modified to alter the concentration of growth factors and antioxidants in the medium. The conditioned cell medium (conditioned medium) may be used for at least one of cosmetic applications, cosmeceutical applications, and pharmaceutical applications, among other things. The invention also relates to proteins comprising a heterologous sequence that enhances cell penetration. The invention also relates to cells comprising DNA encoding such proteins. Methods for preparing the inventive compounds are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides that bind to the active site of the growth hormone receptor. The present invention also provides methods of using these peptides to identify small organic molecules, which are novel agonists or antagonists of the growth hormone receptor. In addition, the present invention provides kits and therapeutic compositions comprising the peptides that bind to growth hormone receptor.

Abstract: Pathological regional adipose tissue accumulation associated with HIV-associated dysmorphic/dysmetabolic syndrome (HADDS) which may occur with or without subcutaneous adipose tissue lipodystrophy (and which is also described as HIV-associated adipose redistribution syndrome or HARS and other specific medical terms), is treated by administering an effective amount of human growth hormone or other substance which binds to and initiates signalling of the hGH receptor. Alternatively, a substance which stimulates production of endogenous hGH, such as human growth hormone releasing hormone, may be administered. HADDS and related syndromes include abnormal adipose tissue accumulation in the visceral, submandibular, supraclavicular, pectoral, mammary and/or dorsocervical (buffalo hump) area, and/or with subcutaneous lipomas, with or without associated metabolic or other physiologic abnormalities.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making, delivering and using formulations that combine a therapeutically active agent(s) (such as for example a Rho antagonist(s)) and a flowable carrier component capable of forming a therapeutically acceptable matrix in vivo (such as for example tissue adhesives), to injured nerves to promote repair and regeneration and regrowth of injured (mammalian) neuronal cells, e.g. for facilitating axon growth at a desired lesion site. Preferred active agents are known Rho antagonists such as for example C3, chimeric C3 proteins, etc. or substances selected from among known trans-4-amino(alkyl)-1-pyridylcarbamoylcyclohexane compounds or Rho kinase inhibitors. The system for example may deliver an antagonist(s) in a tissue adhesive such as, for example, a fibrin glue or a collagen gel to create a delivery matrix in situ. A kit and methods of stimulating neuronal regeneration are also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for preventing hyperinsulinemia that can result from therapeutic administration of growth hormone. The methods are carried out by imposing a restricted high-fat diet and/or by administering one or more drugs that lower serum lipids.

Abstract: The invention discloses a polynucleotide and polypeptide of arrestin 2. Also disclosed are methods for producing such polypeptide. This invention also discloses a method of identifying compounds that bind to arrestin 2 or odorant receptors. A method of identifying compounds that inhibit the binding of mosquito arrestin 2 to a mosquito odorant receptor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for aiding in the diagnosis of dysautonomic disorders and dysautonomic conditions and methods for treating individuals diagnosed as having a dysautonomic disorder or a dysautonomic condition. In one aspect, a diagnosis method comprising analyzing a stool sample of an individual for the presence of a biological marker wherein the quantity of the biological marker is an indication of whether the individual has, or can develop, a dysautonomic disorder or dysautonomic condition, as well as a therapeutic method for treating a dysautonomic disorder or dysautonomic condition by administration of, e.g., secretin, neuropeptides, peptides and/or digestive enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for therapeutically treating an animal, including a human, for psychosomatic, depressive and neuropsychiatric diseases, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, schizophrenia, epilepsy, spasm and chronic pain. Administration of a suitable DP IV inhibitor causes the reduction of activity in the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase (DP IV or CD 26) or of DP IV-like enzyme activity in the brain of mammals and leads as a causal consequence to a reduced degradation of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) and similar substrates by DP IV and DP IV-like enzymes. Such treatment will result in a reduction or delay in the decrease of the concentration of functionally active neuronal NPY (1–36).

Abstract: The present invention provides two members of a new family of human proteins, designated as “Zven.” The Zven1 gene, which resides in human chromosome 3p21.1-3p14.3, is expressed in testicular tissue and peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Abstract: A method is described for using an a-type or b-type E domain of the human or trout IGF peptide for the inhibition of proliferation and invasiveness of a broad spectrum of malignant cells and for the inhibition of angiogenesis. The peptide species can be a homologue of the E-domain of IGF-1 or a fusion protein comprising the E-domain of IGF-1. It can be administered to one or more malignant cells in a pharmaceutically acceptable composition, or alternatively, can be administered to one or more malignant cells by transforming the cells with exogenous nucleic acid that results in the expression of the E domain of IGF-1 in the cell.

Abstract: Novel products comprising conditioned cell culture medium compositions and methods of use are described. The conditioned cell medium compositions of the invention may be comprised of any known defined or undefined medium and may be conditioned using any eukaryotic cell type. The medium may be conditioned by stromal cells, parenchymal cells, mesenchymal stem cells, liver reserve cells, neural stem cells, pancreatic stem cells and/or embryonic stem cells. Additionally, the cells may be genetically modified. A three-dimensional tissue construct is preferred. Once the cell medium of the invention is conditioned, it may be used in any state. Physical embodiments of the conditioned medium include, but are not limited to, liquid or solid, frozen, lyophilized or dried into a powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides conjugates of peptide derivatives of the mammalian peptide hormones angiotensinogen, angiotensin I and angiotensin II, presented in a repetitive scaffold by coupling the peptide derivatives to a carrier, particularly a virus-like particle (VLP). The invention also provides methods of producing such conjugates, and immunotherapeutic uses of the resulting immunogen conjugates for the therapy and prophylaxis of conditions associated with the renin-activated angiotensin system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to CTGF fragments comprising at least exon 4 or exon 5 of CTGF and having mitogenic activity. The present invention is further directed to methods using said CTGF fragments to identify compositions which modulate the mitogenic activity of said CTGF fragments and to the compositions so identified.

Abstract: Compositions, vaccines and kits for cancer immunotherapy are described. The compositions, vaccines and kits may include transfer factor. The compositions, vaccines and kits also include modified monoclonal antibodies directed to cancer cells, other specific cancer receptor agonists, or viruses which infect cancer cells. The invention is also directed to methods of cancer immunotherapy using the compositions and vaccines of the invention.

Abstract: IGF-I variants having an alanine, glycine, or serine amino acid residue at position 16, 25, 49 or at positions 3 and 49 of native-sequence IGF-I are provided that are useful to treat a disorder characterized by dysregulation of the GH/IGF axis in a mammal, such as a renal disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prevention and treatment of strokes and ischemic diseases and to post-ischemic therapeutic treatment. The invention furthermore relates to the use of a growth factor for treating, more particularly restoring the function of ischemic tissue, in particular muscles such as myocardium and skeletal muscles.

Abstract: The invention embodies the surprising discovery that Tissue Factor (TF) compositions and variants thereof specifically localize to the blood vessels within a vascularized tumor following systemic administration. The invention therefore provides methods and compositions comprising coagulant-deficient Tissue Factor for use in effecting specific coagulation and for use in tumor treatment. The TF compositions and methods of present invention may be used alone, as TF conjugates with improved half-life, or in combination with other agents, such as conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted immunotoxins, targeted coaguligands, and/or in combination with Factor VIIa (FVIIa) or FVIIa activators.

Abstract: Recombinant materials have been obtained which permit the production of bovine growth hormone in E. coli.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a mammalian gene sequence and polypeptides encoded thereby to treat mammalian hematopoietic disorders. More specifically the present invention relates to methods of using compositions comprising at least one LP82 agonist, LP82 antagonist, LP82 polynucleotide, LP82 polypeptide, and/or LP82 antibody for the prevention and/or treatment of mammalian hematopoietic disorders, including, but not limited to, anemia, leukemia, and hematopoietic conditions caused by bone marrow transplantation or chemo-/radiation therapy.

Abstract: The methods of this invention relate to immunizing animals with conjugates of cytokines and a carrier to induce a prolonged high titre antibody response specific for the cytokine. This invention also relates to the treatment of pathological conditions, e.g., eosinophilia and allograft rejection, associated with the production of cytokines, in particular interleukins, e.g., IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13, by immunization with the cytokine conjugates or by administration of antibodies specific for the cytokine. This invention also relates to compositions comprising the cytokine conjugates and the conjugates per se.

Abstract: Isolated fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR5) polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides are provided. Also provided are modulators of FGFR5 gene expression and binding molecules that specifically bind to and agonize or antagonize FGFR5 polypeptide function. Specific binding molecules include antibodies, functional fragments thereof, as well as scFv and Camelidae heavy chain IgG that specifically bind to FGFR5 thereby modulating the activity of FGFR5 and, thus, are effective agents suitable for the treatment of diseases such as osteopontin-mediated autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, bone disorders including osteoporosis and osteopetrosis, and cancers, including cellular carcinomas such as hepatocellular carcinomas.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a motor neuron restricted pattern, MNR2, protein. This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule of at least 15 contiguous nucleotides capable of specifically hybridizing with a unique sequence included within the sequence of the nucleic acid molecule encoding a MNR2 protein. This invention provides a purified MNR2 protein, a polyclonal and monoclonal antibody directed to an epitope of an MNR2 protein. This invention provides a method of inducing differentiation somatic motor neurons which comprises expressing MNR2 protein in any neural progenitor cells. This invention provides a transgenic animal which expresses an MNR2 protein. This invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a MNR2 protein and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing a synergistic amount of at least one bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and a synergistic amount of at least one pyrrolidone optionally in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as a biodegradable polymer. The present invention further relates to methods of treating orthopaedic and dental, including periodontal, diseases by simultaneously administering a synergistic amount of at least one bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and a synergistic amount of at least one pyrrolidone optionally in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to patients in need of such treatment.

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 inventions 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 testis-specific insulin homolog polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, as well as related compositions and methods are disclosed. The polypeptides and polynucleotides may be used within methods for enhancing viability of cryopreserved sperm, for enhancing sperm motility, to enhance fertilization in methods of assisted reproduction, as contraceptives and other related uses.

Abstract: Compositions comprising OB-R agonists and methods of treatment for conditions such as systemic inflammatory response syndrome are provided. One suitable OB-R agonist ligand is recombinant human OB protein, also known as leptin. Also provided are methods and compositions for the treatment of obesity and OB resistance. Assay methods and kits relating to these conditions are also included.

Abstract: A screening method for identifying mutant polypeptides having at least one amino acid difference from a wild type protein involved in a receptor-ligand interaction is disclosed. Also disclosed are mutant polypeptides of the hematopoietic growth factor flt3-Ligand (flt3-L) identified using this method, nucleic acids encoding these flt3-L mutant polypeptides, and methods of treatment involving in vitro and in vivo use of the mutant polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides encoding potassium channels as well as methods of using the potassium channels to treat and diagnose diabetes and a predisposition for diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (1) a polypeptide containing the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:7 (A chain), (2) a polypeptide containing the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:8 (B chain), (3) a polypeptide wherein the A and B chains are bonded to each other via disulfide bonds (2 chains) or its salt, (4) DNAs encoding the same, etc. These polypeptides and DNAs encoding the same can be used for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, etc. for diseases, including abnormalities (e.g., diabetes mellitus, etc.) in metabolic regulation (sugar metabolism, lipid metabolism, etc.) of energy sources such as carbohydrates.

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: The present invention relates to use of peptide to which G-protein coupled receptor protein recognizes as a ligand. Since the ligand polypeptide of the present invention has a stimulating action on oxytocin secretion, it is useful as a drug for ameliorating, preserving or treating various diseases related to oxytocin secretion such as uterine inertia, atonic hemorrhage, placental expulsion, subinvolution and the like.

Abstract: A method of eliciting an immune response against an antigen in a vertebrate subject, the method comprising the steps of providing an antigen-adjuvant composition comprising the antigen and a substantially non-toxic adjuvant molecule having biological activity in mucosal tissues, and administering said antigen-adjuvant composition to the vertebrate subject in a manner such that initial contact occurs in mucosal tissue of the vertebrate subject, whereby an immune response is elicited. Cytokines are preferred adjuvants. Preferred cytokines are interleukin-1?(IL-1?) and interleukin-1? (IL-1?).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunological enhancement agent, more particularly, to an immunological enhancement agent comprising peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 as an effective component. The peptides according to the present invention comprising the N-terminal domain of the p43 protein have excellent cytokine activity to improve an immune response so that they can be used as an effective immunological enhancement agent.

Abstract: Forms of epidermal growth factor that are resistant to proteolysis, and gene sequences encoding these forms and having codons optimized for usage by an industrial production organism, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing radial glial cells from neural stem cells, particularly by contacting neural stem cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and/or TGF?. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) can optionally be added to enhance the effect of EGF, FGF-1 or TGF?. Also provided are methods of producing radial glial cells from ependymal cells, as well as methods of proliferating ependymal cells.

Abstract: The invention concerns the prevention and treatment of endothelial injury and the injury of tissues containing injured blood vessels by administration of angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF).

Abstract: Stabilized pharmaceutical formulations comprising IFN-? and highly purified mannitol are provided. The highly purified mannitol stabilizes the compositions by reducing the formation of IFN-? adducts in comparison with IFN-? formulated with mannitol that has not been highly purified. Methods for increasing the stability of IFN-? or a variant thereof in a liquid or lyophilized composition and for increasing storage stability of such a composition are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for achieving in vivo islet cell regeneration in subjects with preexisting diabetes. The methods comprise short term treatment with a composition having a gastrin/cholecystokinin receptor ligand and an EGF receptor ligand. Treatment with such a composition for a short term resulted in a prolonged period of increased insulin release, decreased fasting blood glucose, and improved glucose tolerance, the prolonged efficacy, the period being considered from the time of cessation of treatment.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating Type I diabetes by administration of an effective amount of a glucagon-like peptide 1 or an analogue of glucagon-like peptide 1 either alone or in conjunction with a regimen of insulin administration.

Abstract: Glycosylated or nonglycosylated molecules of the formula ?1-(linker1)n1-?2-(linker2)n2-?3-(linker3)n3-?;??(1) ?1-(linker1)n1-?2-(linker2)n2-?-(linker3)n3-?3 ;??(2) ?1-(linker1)n1-?-(linker2)n2-?2-(linker3)n3-?3 ;??(3) and ?-(linker1)n1-?1-(linker2)n2-?2-(linker3)n3-?3 ??(4) wherein ? is the ? subunit of a vertebrate glycoprotein hormone or a variant thereof; each ? is independently a glycoprotein ? subunit or a variant thereof, each “linker” is a hydrophilic, flexible spacer equivalent to a peptide containing 1–100 amino acid residues; and each n is a 0 or 1; said compound optionally comprising one or more additional ?x(linkerx)nx and/or one or more additional ? subunits are useful in protocols to enhance fertility in humans and in animals.

Abstract: Individuals in need of treatment of ischemia-related reperfusion are treated, preferably intravenously, with a composition which includes a compound which binds to a receptor for the glucagon-like peptide-1. The invention relates to both the method and compositions for such treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the toughness and/or stiffness of bone and/or reducing the likelihood and/or severity of bone fracture by administering a parathyroid hormone. The method can be employed to increase toughness or stiffness of bone at a site of a potential or actual trauma, such as the hip or spine of a person at risk of or suffering from osteoporosis. The method of the invention can reduce the incidence of vertebral fracure, reduce the incidence of multiple vertebral fractures, reduce the severity of vertebral fracture, and/or reduce the incidence of non-vertebral fracture.

Abstract: Novel stem cell factors, oligonucleotides encoding the same, and methods of production, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating disorders involving blood cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optimized formulations of antiinflammatory steroids for nebulisation and a process for the preparation thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to formulations for monodose or multidose vials in the form of preservative-free stable solutions of a more acceptable osmolarity, which can effectively be nebulised with the nebulisers currently available on the market and are well-tolerated by patients.

Abstract: This invention provides supplemented tissue sealants, methods for their production and use thereof. Disclosed are tissue sealants supplemented with at least one cytotoxin or cell proliferation inhibiting composition. The composition may be further supplemented with, for example, one or more antibodies, analgesics, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory compounds, antimicrobial compositions, cytokines, drugs, growth factors, interferons, hormones, lipids, deminearlized bone or bone morphogenetic proteins, cartilage inducing factors, oligonucleotides polymers, polysaccharides, polypeptides, protease inhibitors, vasoconstrictors or vasodilators, vitamins, minerals, stabilizers and the like.

Abstract: Cellophane wrapping (CW) of hamster pancreas induces proliferation of duct epithelial cells followed by endocrine cell differentiation and islet neogenesis. Using the mRNA differential display technique a cDNA clone expressed in cellophane wrapped but not in control pancreata was identified. Using this cDNA as a probe, a cDNA library was screened and a gene not previously described was identified and named INGAP.