Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for the treatment and prophylaxis of inflammatory conditions. The present invention is predicated in part on the identification of cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage being critical for inflammation and, in particular, chronic inflammation. In accordance with the present invention, it is proposed that the reduction in levels of monocyte/macrophage-type cells and/or a reduction in the production of inflammatory and pro-inflammatory mediators by these cells, especially locally, is effective in reducing inflammatory conditions. The present invention further provides animal models useful for screening for reducing levels of monocyte/macrophage-type cells and/or reducing the production of inflammatory and pro-inflammatory mediators of these cells.

Abstract: Provided are methods for aiding in diagnosing autoimmune diseases in a mammal, comprising contacting a sample of tear from the mammal with an antibody that specifically binds to a first polypeptide selected from the group Ctss, Ctsh, Ctsr, Ctsw, Ctsz, Ifng, Il16ra, Il10, Il10ra, Il15, Tnfa, Apo-F, or Lcn-2 or a second polypeptide selected from the group lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin or lysozyme under conditions favoring the formation of an antibody-polypeptide complex, and determining the amount of complex formed, wherein an increased formation of antibody-first-polypeptide complex or a decreased formation of antibody-second-polypeptide complex as compared to a suitable control, indicates a likely positive diagnosis of an autoimmune disease for the mammal, thereby aiding in the diagnosis. Methods of treating the autoimmune diseases are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for suppression, prevention, delaying the onset or treatment of diabetes, by administering to an individual in need thereof a fragment of Hsp60 or analog thereof in conjunction with a low antigenicity diet. The invention is exemplified using DiaPep277™, an analog of residues 437-460 of human Hsp60 in combination with a hydrolyzed casein diet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multimeric (e.g., dimeric, trimeric) forms of peptide vectors that are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or efficiently entering particular cell types. These multimeric peptide vectors, when conjugated to agents (e.g., therapeutic agents) are capable of transporting the agents across the BBB or into particular cell types. These compounds are therefore particularly useful in the treatment of neurological diseases.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining progression of a condition, onset of a condition, or efficacy of treatment of a condition characterized by an adipocyte imbalance in a patient. In addition, methods are disclosed of treating diabetes, abnormal adipocyte activity, and insulin resistance using monomeric, homodimeric, and heterodimeric forms of certain C-terminal fragments of adiponectin receptor. In addition, methods of treating abnormal adipocyte activity, treating metabolic syndrome, causing insulin secretion, increasing insulin levels, inhibiting insulin degradation enzyme, treating Alzheimer's disease, treating cardiovascular disease associated with adiponectin levels, inhibiting ADAM-17 enzyme, inhibiting a protease, treating a condition associated with TNF-alpha, and treating a condition associated with HER2-neu are disclosed. Compositions, dosage forms, and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of new polypeptide and protein variants of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) that have improved pharmaceutical properties. Also disclosed are methods for treating FGF21-associated disorders, including metabolic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the development and treatment of autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases can result from tissue damage caused by the activation of autoreactive T cells by autoantigens. For example, peptide fragments of naturally occurring proteins (i.e., for example, chromogranin A) may activate autoreactive T cells that result in the destruction of pancreatic ? islet cells, possibly by the release of inflammatory cytokines (i.e., for example, interferon-?). One naturally occurring biologically active chromogranin A peptide fragment, WE14, may comprise a diabetogenic autoantigen. Truncation and extension analysis of WE14 indicates that the stimulating binding register of WE14 occupies only half of the mouse IAg7 peptide binding groove, leaving positions p1 to p4 empty.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of matter having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, including embodiments comprising a toxin peptide analog related to ShK, HmK, and AETX-K and pharmaceutical compositions or medicaments containing them along with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Some embodiments include a half-life extending moiety. Also disclosed are a method of preventing or mitigating a relapse of a symptom of multiple sclerosis and a method of treating an autoimmune disorder using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to structural studies of the insulin binding site of the insulin receptor (IR) and the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). More particularly, the present invention relates to the crystal structure of the low affinity insulin binding site of the IR ectodomain comprising the C-terminal region of the IR ?-chain, as well as the corresponding region of IGF-1R, and to methods of using the crystal and related structural information to screen for and design compounds that interact with or modulate the function of IR and/or IGF-1R.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of treating type I diabetes by inducing hyperleptinemia in subjects afflicted with type I diabetes. These methods can achieve normoglycemia and suppress hypergluconemia, and alleviate conditions associated with such, even in the absence of or at extremely low levels of adjunct insulin therapy, and without any appreciable increase in insulinogenesis.

Abstract: Method for increasing half-life of compounds in plasma and novel derivatives of such compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds that selectively inhibit members of the PTP family of enzymes. Synthesized compounds demonstrated selective inhibition of TC-PTP. Also provided are methods of using the compounds and formulations containing the compounds. Also described is a fluorescence-tagged combinatorial library synthesis and screening method. And methods of using these compounds to effect enzyme activity both in cells and in vitro as well as method of using these compounds to treat diseases in human and animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of the natural cytotoxicity receptor NKp46 for preventing and treating diabetes, including type I diabetes (TID) and type 2 diabetes. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising a fragment of the extracellular region of NKp46 for preventing the onset and progression of diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the prevention or treatment of one or more vascular complication(s) in a subject at risk of developing diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance and/or hyperglycemia or a subject suffering from diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance and/or hyperglycemia, wherein an amount of a composition effective to inhibit, repress, delay or otherwise reduce expression and/or activity and/or level of TXNIP and/or an amount of a composition effective to induce, enhance or otherwise increase expression and/or activity and/or level of TRX is/are administered to a subject in need thereof. The present invention also provides methods for identifying and isolating modulators of TXNIP expression and/or activity and/or level and/or TRX expression and/or activity and/or level for use in such therapeutic and prophylactic methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides various methods for increasing beta cell mass. In certain embodiments, such methods include steps of administering to a subject an effective amount of: (a) SDF1, a polypeptide having amino acid sequence substantially homologous thereto, or a fragment thereof capable of increasing beta cell survival; and (b) GLP-1 Exendin-4, a polypeptide having amino acid sequence substantially homologous to GLP-1 or Exendin-4, or a fragment of GLP-1 or Exendin-4 capable of promoting beta cell proliferation, whereby beta cell mass is increased in the subject.

Abstract: Enterally administered calcitonin family members other than amylin, particularly calcitonin itself, are effective to treat Type I diabetes, Type II diabetes or metabolic syndrome, for mitigating insulin resistance, and for reducing serum glucose levels.

Abstract: The present invention is related with the field of the medicine, particularly with the use of an APL peptide or its analogues derived from the human heat shock protein of 60 kDa, for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and diabetes mellitus type 1. This peptide is biodistributed into the gastrointestinal tract and also promotes the induction of apoptosis in activated intestinal lamina propria and peripheral blood T cells of patients with Crohn's disease. Furthermore, this peptide induces apoptosis in mononuclear cells of patients with diabetes mellitus type 1.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that Humanin and humanin analogues protect pancreatic beta cells in vitro and in vivo from apoptosis. Accordingly, humanin and its analogues are useful for preventing and treating diabetes and promoting beta cell survival in a number of applications.

Abstract: Novel exendins with modifications at one or more of following positions: 2, 14, 27 or 28 and polyethylene glycol derivatives thereof are provided. These compounds are useful in treating type 2 diabetes as GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Abstract: An injectable formulation containing a rapid acting insulin and a long acting insulin has been developed. The pH of the rapid acting insulin is adjusted so that the long acting insulin, remains soluble when they are mixed together. Preferably, the formulation is administered before breakfast, provides adequate bolus insulin levels to cover the meal and basal insulin for up to 24 hours, and does not produce hypoglycemia after the meal. Lunch and dinner can be covered by two bolus injections of a fast, rapid, or very rapid acting insulin. Alternatively, by adjusting the ratio of rapid to long acting insulin, the long acting insulin may be shortened to a 12 hour formulation, and re-administered to the patient at dinner time, providing a safe and effective basal insulin level until morning. As a result, a patient using intensive insulin therapy should only inject three times a day.

Abstract: Compounds that bind the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1) receptor are provided including compounds which are modulators of the GLP-1 receptors and compounds which are capable of inducing a stabilizing effect on the receptor for use in structural analyses of the GLP-1 receptor. Methods of synthesis, methods of therapeutic and/or prophylactic use, and methods of use in stabilizing GLP-1 receptor in vitro for crystallization of the GLP-1 receptor of such compounds are provided.

Abstract: The instant invention describes macrocyclic compounds having therapeutic activity, and the mechanism and methods of treating disorders such as autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and cancer, tumors and cell proliferation related disorders.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection and treatment of T1D are provided.

Abstract: The invention features polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences based on the 134R sequence. In some embodiments, these sequences include a heterologous signal sequence, such as the myxoma virus T7 signal sequence. The invention also features methods for treating immunological disorders and neoplasms (e.g., cancer) using the polypeptides and nucleotides described herein. Finally, the invention features fusion proteins including the myxoma virus T7 signal sequence.

Abstract: It has been found that high amounts of aspartate equivalents in combination with vitamin B12 and/or biotin, especially in relative absence of glutamate equivalents, improve the metabolism of ketobodies and/or lactate in a mammal's body, especially in diseased or traumatic conditions. As a result, levels of ketobodies and lactate can be decreased and unphysicologically high acidity normalised. Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide an enteral nutritional or a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of disturbed ketone and lactate metabolism, i.e. elevated concentrations of ketone bodies, lactate and/or other organic acids and/or insufficient pH homeostasis, especially elevated concentrations of ketone bodies and/or lactate, in a mammal's blood, wherein the composition comprises high amounts of aspartate equivalents in combination with vitamin B12 and/or biotin, preferably in relative absence of glutamate equivalents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating Type I diabetes by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2. The present invention is also directed to methods treating Type 2 diabetes comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2. The present invention is further directed to methods treating insulin resistance comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2. The present invention is directed to methods of treating hepatic steatosis by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2. The present invention is also directed to methods lowering blood glucose and serum insulin in non-diabetic subjects comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, is a method for treating an MIF-mediated disorder. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering an active agent that inhibits (i) MIF binding to CXCR2 and CXCR4 and/or (ii) MIF-activation of CXCR2 and CXCR4; (iii) the ability of MIF to form a homomultimer; or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are methods and compositions for treating inflammatory disorders. In some embodiments, the methods comprise co-administering synergistic combinations of modulators of inflammation.

Abstract: The present inventions are directed to compositions and methods regarding the reprogramming of biological samples (such as cells) without introducing exogenous genes to the samples. In particular, the present inventions are directed to transducible materials that are capable of transducing into the biological samples but are not genes or causing genetic modifications. The present inventions also are directed to methods of reprogramming the path of biological samples or treating diseases using the tranducible compositions thereof.

Abstract: Low levels of antibodies reactive with oxidised Cardiolipin (oxCL) in mammals are related to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, auto-immune diseases or inflammatory conditions. High levels can have a protective function and in general there is a negative association between manifestations of these conditions and antibodies against oxCL. Thus, based on their relations methods of monitoring, determining and diagnosing as well as methods of immunisation and therapy of these diseases and conditions are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection and treatment of T1D are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection and treatment of T1D are provided.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the yield in plant expression of recombinant proteins comprising engineering glycosylation sites into cloned genes or cDNAs for proteins using codons that drive post-translational modifications in plants; and engineering the cloned genes or cDNAs to contain a plant secretory signal sequence that targets the gene products (protein) for secretion. The methods result in increased recombinant glycosylated protein yields. Proteins produced according to these methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed of treating diabetes, abnormal adipocyte activity, and insulin resistance using C-terminal fragments of adiponectin receptor R1. Methods of causing the secretion of insulin in healthy and diabetic patients using C-terminal fragments of adiponectin receptor R1 are also disclosed. In addition, methods are disclosed of increasing the insulin levels in healthy patients using C-terminal fragments of adiponectin receptor R1. In addition, methods of treating abnormal adipocyte activity, treating metabolic syndrome, causing insulin secretion, increasing insulin levels, inhibiting insulin degradation enzyme, treating Alzheimer's disease, treating cardiovascular disease associated with adiponectin levels, inhibiting ADAM-17 enzyme, treating a condition associated with TNF-alpha, and treating a condition associated with HER2-neu are disclosed. Compositions, dosage forms, and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing immune suppression are disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of a CD200 protein or a nucleic acid encoding a CD200 protein. The methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, and allergies. Methods and compositions for preventing immune suppression are also disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits CD200. Such methods are useful in treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that Humanin and humanin analogues protect pancreatic beta cells in vitro and in vivo from apoptosis. Accordingly, humanin and its analogues are useful for preventing and treating diabetes and promoting beta cell survival in a number of applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inducing pluripotency in a responsive mammalian cell, which comprises introducing into the cell an effective amount for initiating pluripotency within the cell of Sox2 protein or a functionally equivalent analogue, variant or fragment thereof. The invention also relates to a method of treatment and/or prophylaxis of a degenerative disease or injury in a mammal, which comprises removing from the mammal one or more responsive cells and culturing the cells in a suitable medium, introducing into the cells an effective amount of Sox2 protein or a functionally equivalent analogue, variant or fragment thereof and subsequently returning the cells to the patient. In a further embodiment the invention relates to a method of treatment and/or prophylaxis of a degenerative disease or injury in a mammal, which comprises introducing into responsive cells of the mammal an effective amount of Sox2 protein or a functionally equivalent analogue, variant or fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preventing, treating or ameliorating diabetes by administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of Dll4 antagonists that block Dll4-Notch signal pathways. As observed in a mouse model of diabetes, Dll4 antagonists exhibit protective effects on pancreatic islets, lower blood glucose levels, and block the production of auto-antibodies, including those against insulin and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65), via the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Thus, the present invention further provides methods of lowering the levels of blood glucose, and/or reducing or blocking the production of auto-antibodies, by administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of Dll4 antagonists. Suitable Dll4 antagonists for the invention include antibodies or antibody fragments that specifically bind Dll4 and block Dll4-Notch interactions, the extracellular domain of Dll4, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inducing pluripotency in a responsive mammalian cell, which comprises introducing into the cell an effective amount for initiating pluripotency within the cell of Oct4 protein or a functionally equivalent analogue, variant or fragment thereof. The invention also relates to a method of treatment and/or prophylaxis of a degenerative disease or injury in a mammal, which comprises removing from the mammal one or more responsive cells and culturing the cells in a suitable medium, introducing into the cells an effective amount of Oct4 protein or a functionally equivalent analogue, variant or fragment thereof and subsequently returning the cells to the patient. A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of treatment and/or prophylaxis of a degenerative disease or injury in a mammal, which comprises introducing into responsive cells of the patient an effective amount of Oct4 protein or a functionally equivalent analogue, variant or fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the use of protein kinase inhibitors and more specifically to the use of inhibitors of the protein kinase c-Jun amino terminal kinase, JNK inhibitor sequences, chimeric peptides, or of nucleic acids encoding same as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing same, for the treatment of various diseases or disorders strongly related to JNK signaling, wherein these diseases or disorders are selected from autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancerous diseases, diabetes, including diabetes type 1 or type 2, inflammatory diseases, hair loss, including Alopecia areata, diseases of the lung, neuronal or neurodegenerative diseases, diseases of the liver, diseases of the spine, diseases of the uterus, viral infectious diseases and depressive disorders.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to proislet peptides, preferably HIP, that exhibit increased stability and efficacy, and methods of using the same to treating a pathology associated with impaired pancreatic function, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes and symptoms thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a novel series of analogues of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds, and the use of said compounds as GIP-receptor agonists or antagonists for treatment of GIP-receptor mediated conditions, such as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for treating and preventing autoimmune and allergic diseases. More specifically the invention relates to new immuno-modulating complexes which are fusion proteins comprising mutant subunits of bacterial endotoxins, a peptide capable of binding to a specific cellular receptor, and one or more epitopes associated with an autoimmune or allergic disease.

Abstract: Novel peptide agonists of GLP-1 activity useful for lowering blood glucose levels. The novel peptides comprise variants of the GLP-1 or the exendin-4 polypeptide sequence and are pharmacologically active and stable. These peptides are useful in the treatment of diseases that benefit from regulation of excess levels of blood glucose and/or regulation of gastric emptying, such as diabetes and eating disorders.

Abstract: There is provided a novel series of analogues of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds, and the use of said compounds as GIP-receptor agonists or antagonists for treatment of GIP-receptor mediated conditions, such as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Abstract: There is provided a novel series of analogues of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds, and the use of said compounds as GIP-receptor agonists or antagonists for treatment of GIP-receptor mediated conditions, such as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Abstract: There is provided a novel series of analogues of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds, and the use of said compounds as GIP-receptor agonists or antagonists for treatment of GIP-receptor mediated conditions, such as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosis of neonatal diabetes, congenital hypothyroidism and congenital glaucoma, comprising detecting the presence of a mutation in the GLIS3 gene and to a method for preparing functional pancreatic beta-cells by culturing human multipotent or pluripotent cells, such as embryonic stem cells (ES-cells) or human somatic stem cells in a culture medium comprising a effective amount of GLIS3 to induce said cells differenciation into functional pancreatic beta-cells producing insulin. It also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising GLIS3 as active ingredient.

Abstract: Embodiments herein concern compositions and methods for treating diabetes in a subject.

Abstract: A novel class of embryo derived peptides are described (Preimplantation factor) that were generated synthetically and were tested on peripheral blood immune cells and shown to block activated but not basal immunity, inhibiting cell proliferation and creating a TH2 type cytokine bias, in addition PIF enhance endometrial receptivity by increasing adhesion molecules expression. PIF biological activity appears to be exerted by specific binding to inducible receptors present on the several white cell lineages. PIF peptides, which are immune modulators therefore may have diagnostic and non toxic therapeutic applications in improving fertility, reducing pregnancy loss as well may be useful when administered for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and for prevention xenotransplants rejection.