Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic agent for treatment of diabetes and hyperlipemia, especially a therapeutic agent for treatment of type II diabetes mellitus, which comprises as the active ingredient a neurotrophic factor such as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), ligands of trkB or trkC receptors, NGF, NT-3, NT-4/5, CNTF, GDNF, HGF, etc. Different from conventional oral hypoglycemic agents being mainly used in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus, the agent of the present invention exhibit blood lipid regulating effects and body fat accumulation regulating effects, in addition to the blood glucose regulating effects. Thus, the agent of the present invention are novel, and can reduce the risk factors in diabetes accompanied by hyperlipemia or obesity, without using any other agent.

Abstract: A tissue graft composition comprising liver basement membrane is described. The graft composition can be implanted to replace or induce the repair of damaged or diseased tissues.

Abstract: A method for treating human immuno-deficiency virus infection (HIV-1), comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a mammalian liver extract characterized by being heat stable, insoluble in acetone, and soluble in water. A transdermal colloidal dispersion delivery system for use in the treatment of HIV-1 infection further comprises an emulsion of resolubilized, concentrated mammalian liver extract.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, fibroproliferative disease or condition characterized by such symptoms as increased levels of c-Jun homodimers, increased heterodimerization of c-Jun with another signaling peptide, increased levels of phosphorylated c-Jun, or increased presence of Jun kinase are treated by administering to the subject an amount of a compound effective to ameliorate one or more of the symptoms of the disease or condition, for example, an antiproliferative or antifibrotic agent. Preferred compounds for administration according to the invention are antisense c-Jun oligonucleotides and compounds that block c-Jun phosphorylation, such as pentoxifylline, or a functional derivative or metabolite thereof. Also provided by the present invention are in vitro tests for identifying whether a test compound is useful for treatment of a subject afflicted with such a disease and kits useful for conducting such assays.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition contains an acid addition salt of a basic drug and a fatty acid or bile acid. The acid addition salts thus formed exhibit enhanced transmucosal and transdermal penetration of the basic drug. The acid addition salts, an inclusion complex containing said salts and a use of said salts are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that a protein, having a molecular weight of about 14 Kd, extracted with perchloric acid from animal organs such as goat liver, has anti-retroviral activity, and may be used in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent for osteoporosis brought about by a decrease in estrogen comprises an extract from inflammatory rabbit skin inoculated with vaccinia virus as an effective component. In ovariectomized rats, a model animal for osteoporosis brought about by a decrease in estrogen, the extract from inflammatory rabbit skin inoculated with vaccinia virus has an excellent action for maintaining bone volume and bone strength. The therapeutic agent containing the extract as an active component is very useful for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis brought about by a decrease in estrogen which is frequently caused by menopause or ovariectomy in women. The extract from inflammatory rabbit skin inoculated with vaccinia virus has a high safety profile even when administered for a long term.

Abstract: A method for treating human immuno-deficiency virus infection (HIV-1), comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a mammalian liver extract characterized by being heat stable, insoluble in acetone, and soluble in water. A rectal suppository colloidal dispersion delivery system for use in the treatment of HIV-1 infection further comprises an emulsion of resolubilized, concentrated mammalian liver extract.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that monocyte conditioned medium (MCM) obtained from patients with liver disease stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) has also been found to stimulate fibroproliferation of fibroblasts, and to be at least partially responsible for the fibroproliferative effect of the MCM. Further in accordance with the present invention, the effect of MCM and PDGF on the expression of c-fos and c-jun has been investigated, because c-fos and c-jun form AP-1 complexes which can stimulate genes involved in proliferation. It has recently been reported that pentoxifylline inhibits platelet derived growth factor-stimulated proliferation. The mechanism of this action of pentoxifylline is unclear. Thus, in the course of the work undertaken as part of the present invention, studies were conducted to determine whether pentoxifylline altered the expression of c-fos and c-jun.

Abstract: Heparin compositions having an antithrombotic activity and virtually no hemorrhagic activity are presented. The object of the invention is to eliminate the risk of bleeding associated with heparins while retaining their main properties. The compositions of the invention (S1, S2, S3) therefore consist of heparin moieties such as those obtainable by the in vitro neutralization of a heparin with a protamine. The invention also concerns a method for the preparation of these compositions which are useful in preparing medicaments.

Abstract: A water soluble, non-toxic, purified, biological preparation extracted from sharks liver which inhibits the growth of cancer cells by stimulating the patient's immune system and reduces toxic effects on patients exposed to radiation used to treat cancer. The water soluble material can be administered orally, transrectally, transcutaneously or by direct deposition at a desired spot within the body for reduction or elimination of malignant tumors or for the prevention or reduction of the deleterious effects of radiation treatment on normal cells within the human body. The shark liver extract is produced by grinding the liver, extracting the ground material with water, removing the non-water soluble components and lyophilizing the water soluble components to produce a powdered substance suitable for delivery to the patient, said substance having an extended shelf life.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions of controlling cell distribution within a bioartificial organ by exposing the cells to a treatment that inhibits cell proliferation, promotes cell differentiation, or affects cell attachment to a growth surface within the bioartificial organ. Such treatments include (1) genetically manipulating cells, (2) exposing the cells to a proliferation-inhibiting compound or a differentiation-inducing compound or removing the cells from exposure to a proliferation-stimulating compound or a differentiation-inhibiting compound; exposing the cells to irradiation, and (3) modifying a growth surface of the BAO with ECM molecules, molecules affecting cell proliferation or adhesion, or an inert scaffold, or a combination thereof. These treatments may be used in combination.

Abstract: A food supplement comprises isolated animal mesenchymal matter of fetal origin and extracts of animal organs of fetal origin, the mesenchymal matter consisting of a network of loose connective tissue and the food supplement being free of chemical preservatives.

Abstract: Xenogeneic tissue is introduced into an immunocompromised host for interacting with agents and using such interaction for evaluating efficacy of drugs and vaccines, producing xenogeneic monoclonal antibodies, evaluating the effect of the various agents on specific tissues and the like. Particularly, drugs can be evaluated for their efficacy against a wide variety of pathogens which infect xenogeneic tissue, agents can be evaluated for their effect on the xenogeneic immune system and monoclonal antibodies to a predetermined epitope may be produced.

Abstract: A human hematopoietic system is provided in an immunocompromised mammalian host, where the hematopoietic system is functional for extended periods of time. Particularly, human fetal liver tissue and human fetal thymus is introduced into an appropriate site of a young immunocompromised mouse at a site supplied with a vascular system, whereby the fetal tissue results in novel formation of functional human bone marrow tissue.

Abstract: A method is provided for screening compounds for the ability to supress thymocyte depletion in thymuses of HIV-infected individuals, particularly enhancing the CD4.sup.+ -expressing population as compared to an untreated individual. Particularly, drugs are provided which allow for this result, cyclosporine A being exemplary.

Abstract: Glycogen polysaccharides substantially free of nitrogenous compounds and reducing sugars.

Abstract: A human hematopoietic system is provided in an immunocompromised mammalian host, where the hematopoietic system is functional for extended periods of time. Particularly, human fetal liver tissue and human fetal thymus is introduced into an appropriate site of a young immunocompromised mouse at a site supplied with a vascular system, whereby the fetal tissue results in novel formation of functional human bone marrow tissue.

Abstract: Methods and chimeric immunocompromised hosts comprising functional xenogeneic organs are provided, particularly hematopoietic organs, where the xenogeneic organ is engrafted into a mammary fat pad. Exemplary is the engrafting of lymph node with mesenteric tissue comprising small portions of blood vessels transplanted into mammary fat pad of a scid/scid mouse. The engraftment in the mammary fat pad provides for efficiencies in transplantation, higher success rate of transplantation, and improved growth of the transplanted organ.

Abstract: A factor has been purified from rat liver homogenate which displays preferential growth inhibitory effects on non-liver metastasizing tumor cells. The purification steps include heat treatment, ammonium sulfate precipitation, anion exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, cation exchange chromatography, gel filtration chromatography, and preparative isoelectric focusing. The growth inhibitor obtained has an apparent M.sub.r of 38 kD to 40 kD and a pI of 9.1, it is not affected by reducing agents, and displays no biological TGF-b activity. This inhibitor exhibits less antiproliferative effect on liver metastasizing cells than on their non-liver metastasizing counterparts in two tumor systems: the murine RAW117 large cell lymphoma, and the human A375 melanoma.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for treating Epstein-Barr virus infection. The method comprises administering a therapeutically-effective amount of a mammalian liver extract, the extract being characterized by being heat stable, insoluble in acetone and soluble in water, peptide or peptide fragment selected from the groups consisting of Sequence Identification Numbers 1-9.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for treating hepatitis B infection. The method comprises administering a therapeutically-effective amount of a mammalian liver extract, the extract being characterized by being heat stable, insoluble in acetone and soluble in water, peptide or peptide fragment selected from the groups consisting of Sequence Identification Numbers 1-9.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for treating Alzheimer's or related disease. The method comprises administering a therapeutically-effective amount of a mammalian liver extract, the extract being characterized by being heat stable, insoluble in acetone and soluble in water, peptide or peptide fragment selected from the groups consisting of Sequence Identification Numbers 1-9.

Abstract: Topical cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions are provided for the external protection of human or animal tissues from contact with heavy metals, and the composition includes a metal sequestering component capable of binding metal ions and a physiologically inert carrier suitable for topical administration. The metal sequestering component one or more metal binding peptide having a high proportion of cysteine residues, for example a metallothionein.

Abstract: Disclosed here are novel compositions and methods which can be used as a blood substitute to ameliorate adverse physiological effects of blood loss. The novel compositions comprise fluids containing water, electrolytes, glycerol, and additional energy sources.

Abstract: A physiologically active substance is extracted from infected tissues inoculated with a poxvirus. The novel substance of the present invention has inhibitory action against the formation of kallikrein, thus is useful as drugs such as antiinflammatory, analgesic and antiallergic agents.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for treating viral infections and chronic fatigue syndrome. The method comprises administering a therapeutically-effective amount of a mammalian liver extract, the extract being characterized by being heat stable, insoluble in acetone and soluble in water.

Abstract: Strains, sprains and sore skeletal muscles are treated with topical application of pharmaceutical composition containing a combination of shark liver oil and garlic oil in a cream or ointment base.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of diagnosing cancerous diseases, which comprises measuring the amount of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine:glycoprotein N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase in body fluid and evaluating the increase in its amount for the diagnosis of hepatic diseases.AFP, CEA and .gamma.-glutamyltranspeptidase have hitherto been used as tumor markers for the diagnosis of hepatic cancer. But these conventional tumor markers show a positivity rate of about 60%, making early diagnosis almost impossible.The method of this invention employs UDP-N-acetylglucosamine:glycoprotein N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase as tumor marker, whereby early diagnosis of hepatic cancer can be made almost completely.

Abstract: The present invention relates to physiologically active substances extracted from infected tissues inoculated with a poxvirus. The substances of the present invention have excellent actions to improve blood flow and recover functions of diseased tissues, thus are useful as drugs for various diseases caused by blood flow disorders.