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. 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. Additionally, the medium is formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier as a vehicle for internal administration, applied directly to a food item or product, or formulated with a salve or ointment for topical applications. Also, the medium may be further processed to concentrate or reduce one or more factors or components contained within the medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) polypeptide or a polynucleotide encoding an MGF polypeptide in the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or limitation of myocardial damage in response to ischemia or mechanical overload of the heart by preventing or limiting apoptosis in the myocardium.

Abstract: The present disclosure elucidates that 34-mer PEDF suppresses hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from activation by diminishing the levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (?-SMC), collagen type 1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1); and 44-mer PEDF promotes liver regeneration process by enhancing the replication of liver-derived progenitor cells (LDPCs). Accordingly, methods and compositions directing to the new use of the 34-mer PEDF or 44-mer PEDF in patients suffering from liver cirrhosis are provided herein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for promoting organ development in warm blooded animals, and in particular in certain aspects a premature infant or foetus. Compositions and methods are also provided for the administration of at least one colony stimulating factor-1 protein (CSF-1), precursor, variant, analogue, derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, or otherwise, at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding colony stimulating factor-1 protein (CSF-1), precursor, variant, analogue, derivative thereof, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to methods of using the secretory protein SCGB3A2 for promoting lung development and treating lung disease. Some embodiments are, for example, methods for treating and inhibiting the development of neonatal respiratory distress. Other embodiments are methods of promoting lung development in damaged or diseased lungs. Also disclosed are methods for inhibiting lung damage due to anti-cancer agents.

Abstract: A lentiviral vector was used to produce non-human animals that express human sFLT1 specifically in the murine placenta, to provide model animals of diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome that are close to the clinical conditions, methods for producing the model animals, methods of screening for candidate compounds as therapeutic agents for diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome by using the model animals, and therapeutic agents for diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome. As a result, the model animals were found to exhibit symptoms that are very close to the clinical conditions in human, which are presentation of hypertension as well as placental insufficiency, intrauterine growth retardation, glomerulosclerosis, and proteinuria during pregnancy, and improvement of those symptoms postpartum.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods for treating a solid tumor in a subject comprising modulating nitric oxide production in the tumor to normalize tumor vasculature and administering an anti-tumor therapy to the subject. The invention further provides methods of treating a solid tumor in a subject comprising selectively increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) or cGMP dependent protein kinase G production in the tumor vasculature to an amount effective to normalize tumor vasculature and administering an anti-tumor therapy to the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified variant Bowman Birk Protease Inhibitor proteins (BBPIs) that comprise peptides that bind target proteins, and that are further modified to have greater protease inhibitory activity and/or be produced at greater yields than the unmodified BBPIs. The invention encompasses polynucleotide constructs and expression vectors containing polynucleotide sequences that encode the modified variant BBPIs, the transformed host cells that express and produce the modified variant BBPIs, the modified variant BBPI proteins, the compositions comprising the modified variant BBPIs, and the methods for making and using the modified variant BBPIs in personal care.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for treating a dental disorder in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a modified hyaluronan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein said hyaluronan or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester comprises at least one sulfate group and the primary C-6 hydroxyl proton of at least one N-acetyl-glucosamine residue is substituted with a C1-C10 unsubstituted alkyl group or fluoroalkyl group.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric microparticle compositions containing one or more active agents, especially those useful for treating or preventing one or more diseases or disorders of the eye, and methods of making and using thereof, are described. In a preferred embodiment, the microparticle compositions contain one or more active agents useful for managing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye. Relatively hydrophilic, and preferably carboxylated, polymeric materials such as PLGA are used for a drug such as timolol maleate, which is relatively water soluble, to increase drug loading. Higher molecular weight polymers, as well as the ratio of LA (which has a longer degradation time, up to one to two years) to GA (which has a short degradation time, as short as a few days to a week), are used to provide release over a longer period of time.

Abstract: Compositions, methods of manufacture and methods of treatment for post-myocardial infarction are herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least two components. In one embodiment, a first component can include a first functionalized polymer and a substance having at least one cell adhesion site combined in a first buffer at a pH of approximately 6.5. A second component can include a second buffer in a pH of between about 7.5 and 9.0. A second functionalized polymer can be included in the first or second component. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least one cell type and/or at least one growth factor. In some embodiments, the composition(s) of the present invention can be delivered by a dual bore injection device to a treatment area, such as a post-myocardial infarct region.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more growth factors in a drug delivery system, optionally with an external mesh housing, to recruit and optionally harvest progenitor cells. These cells include those that normally reside in the bone marrow.

Abstract: Compositions, methods of manufacture and methods of treatment for post-myocardial infarction are herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least two components. In one embodiment, a first component can include a first functionalized polymer and a substance having at least one cell adhesion site combined in a first buffer at a pH of approximately 6.5. A second component can include a second buffer in a pH of between about 7.5 and 9.0. A second functionalized polymer can be included in the first or second component. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least one cell type and/or at least one growth factor. In some embodiments, the composition(s) of the present invention can be delivered by a dual bore injection device to a treatment area, such as a post-myocardial infarct region.

Abstract: Cosmetic and dermatologic compositions for skin care, containing a non-plant derived growth factor, purified from a host organisms or host cells such as bacterial, yeast, or animal cells, including insect cells, or a mixture of growth factors in purified form, for use in topical therapeutics, dermatology and cosmetics. Importantly this invention provides stabilized, safer growth factors available for use for cosmetic and topical treatment. Preferred composition comprises a non-plant derived growth factor and hyaluronic acid. The skin-care/dermatological compositions with stabilized growth factor do not carry the risk of unwanted breakdown products and the resulting loss of activity of the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified soluble FGF receptor Fc fusions comprising a fusion of a soluble fragment or domain of the FGF receptor part (targeting or binding moiety) with an Fc region of an immunoglobulin part (effector function moiety), having improved biological activity including ADCC/CDC activities, compositions containing them, and method of producing such modified soluble FGF receptor Fc fusion molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel drug depot implant designs for optimal delivery of therapeutic agents to subjects. The invention provides a method for alleviating pain associated with neuromuscular or skeletal injury or inflammation by targeted delivery of one or more therapeutic agents to inhibit the inflammatory response which ultimately causes acute or chronic pain. Controlled and directed delivery can be provided by drug depot implants, comprising therapeutic agents, specifically designed to deliver the therapeutic agent to the desired location by facilitating their implantation, minimizing their migration from the desired tissue location, and without disrupting normal joint and soft tissue movement.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for regulating migration of neuronal progenitor cells in the nervous system of a mammal. The method comprises providing a mammal with TNR, a biologically active fragment of TNR, or a TNR agonist in an amount sufficient to direct migration of the neuronal progenitor cells. The invention provides a method of treating neurological diseases by replenishing diseased, damaged, or destroyed neural cells in the central nervous system or in the peripheral nervous system.

Abstract: What is disclosed is pharmaceutical compositions which contain a pharmaceutically active amount of at least one active substance which increases the available NO concentration in the cell, together with at least one active substance which stimulates the NADPH oxidase.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of promoting bone healing by locally administering a vanadium-based insulin mimetic agent to a patient in need thereof. The invention also provides a new use of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds for manufacture of medicaments for accelerating bone-healing processes. In addition, the invention also encompasses a bone injury treatment kit suitable for localized administration of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds or compositions thereof to a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel peptide-type compound which induces secretion of growth hormone and which has the activity of increasing the intracellular calcium ion concentration, wherein at least one amino acid is replaced by a modified amino acid and/or a non-amino acid compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for a combination therapy with a cytokine antagonist and a corticosteroid. By means of the combination therapy diseases such as osteoarthritis, tendon injuries and/or degenerative spinal diseases can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention provides liposome targeting compounds for targeting cells expressing sialic acid binding Ig-like lectin (Siglec). The liposome compounds typically comprise a binding moiety that is a glycan ligand of the Siglec on the target cell. The liposome compounds also incorporate or encapsulate a biological agent (e.g., an antigen or a therapeutic agent) that can be delivered to the target cell to modulate or kill the target cell. The invention also provides methods of using the liposome targeting compounds for targeted delivery of antigen and for modulating immune cells or immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for modulating the activity of one or more neurotrophins, such as neural growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), in an animal and methods for treatment of a disease or disorder in an individual by modulation of neurotrophin activity. The modulation is carried out by interfering with binding between a neurotrophin and a receptor of the Vps10p-domain receptor family or modulating the expression of a receptor of the Vps10p-domain receptor family. Methods for screening for agents capable of modulating neurotrophin activity and agents selected using these screening methods are also disclosed, as are methods for determining the effect of an agent on one or more neurotrophins in cells. The present invention also pertains to methods for modulating the transport of one or more neurotrophins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to increase oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells through administration of prolactin or a prolactin inducing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating, inhibiting, or reducing ischemia/reperfusion injury of a cardiac tissue; increasing phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and/or eNOS in a cardiac tissue; treating, inhibiting, or reducing loss of NO; treating, inhibiting, or reducing uncoupling of NOS; increasing recoupling of NOS; treating, inhibiting, or reducing loss of DCC protein and mRNA expression in a cardiac tissue; decreasing or reducing the infarct size of a heart resulting from ischemia/reperfusion injury; decreasing or reducing superoxide production by a cardiac tissue caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury; treating, inhibiting, or reducing neointimal formation and restenosis; treating, inhibiting, or reducing apoptosis of mobilized endothelial progenitor cells; or a combination thereof of a blood vessel (such as an artery, a coronary artery, a vein, or a capillary) or a portion of the blood vessel in a subject which comprise the administration of netrin-1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dendritic cell modulatory protein which modulates, and preferably inhibits, the differentiation and/or maturation of mammalian dendritic cells. The invention also provides proteins comprising conserved motifs found in such proteins as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the dendritic cell modulatory protein and homologues and active fragments thereof, antibodies thereto and methods of treatment which utilise such proteins, homologues, fragments and antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides modulators of TNF, particularly peptides and their derivatives, particularly GEP peptides, which antagonize TNF and TNF-mediated responses, activity or signaling. The invention provides methods of antagonizing TNF and the modulation of TNF-mediated diseases or responses, including inflammatory diseases and conditions. Compositions of GEP peptides, including in combination with other inflammatory mediators, are provided. Methods of treatment, alleviation, or prevention of TNF-mediated diseases and inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, Chrohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, uveitis, inflammatory lung diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides or fragments thereof, which peptides bind to mesenchymal stem cells. The present invention also relates to a method for identifying, isolating, specifically selecting and/or enriching mesenchymal stem cells, wherein the peptides, or fragments thereof, are employed for specifically binding to the mesenchymal stem cells. Also, the present invention relates to the use of the peptides of the invention, or fragments thereof, and of the mesenchymal stem cells isolated with the peptides of the invention, or fragments thereof, for treating, injuries and/or degenerated bone, cartilage or tissues.

Abstract: Therapeutic and cosmetic uses and applications of calreticulin are provided. In particular, the invention relates to therapeutic and cosmetic uses and applications of calreticulin to a patient in need of such treatment including in tissue repair, wound healing, ulcers, reducing scar formation, and reducing or eliminating wrinkles.

Abstract: The expansion of a population of stem cells or progenitor cells, or precursors thereof, may be accomplished by disrupting or inhibiting p21cip1/waf1 and/or p27, cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors. In the absence of p27 activity, progenitor cells move into the cell cycle and proliferate; whereas in the absence of p21 activity, stem cells move into the cell cycle and proliferate without losing their pluripotentiality (i.e., their ability to differentiate into the various cell lines found in the blood stream). Any type of stem cell or progenitor cell, or precursor thereof, including, but not limited to, hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, lung, neural, skin, muscle, cardiac muscle, renal, mesenchymal, embryonic, fetal, or liver cell may be used in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods of tissue remodeling or altering a surface of a skin of a patient are provided. A method includes increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue. Methods can include increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue in addition to various tissue remodeling techniques, including cryogenic cooling of target tissue for tissue remodeling.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating central nervous system injury (e.g., spinal cord injury) using GGF2 and compositions comprising GGF2. For example, provided is a method of treating spinal cord injury in a subject, comprising administering at least one dosage of less than 1 mg/kg of GGF2 to the subject. Also provided are methods of promoting proliferation of neural stem cells and of promoting revascularization comprising using GGF2 and compositions comprising GGF2.

Abstract: The growth hormone supergene family comprises greater than 20 structurally related cytokines and growth factors. A general method is provided for creating site-specific, biologically active conjugates of these proteins. The method involves adding cysteine residues to non-essential regions of the proteins or substituting cysteine residues for non-essential amino acids in the proteins using site-directed mutagenesis and then covalently coupling a cysteine-reactive polymer or other type of cysteine-reactive moiety to the proteins via the added cysteine residue. Disclosed herein are preferred sites for adding cysteine residues or introducing cysteine substitutions into the proteins, and the proteins and protein derivatives produced thereby. Also disclosed are therapeutic methods for using the cysteine variants of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tissue differentiation factor (TDF) analogs. More specifically, the invention relates to structure-based methods and compositions useful in designing, identifying, and producing molecules which act as functional modulators of TDF-like receptors. The invention further relates to methods of detecting, preventing, and treating TDF-associated disorders.

Abstract: Provided are transmembrane complexes that contain a protein transduction domain (PTD) from the N-terminus of IgE-dependent histamine-releasing factor (HRF) and a target substance that is to be delivered into a cell. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding the transmembrane complex, and methods of delivering the target substance into a cell interior by contacting the transmembrane complex with a cell. Also provided are transfection kits containing the PTD and the target substance.

Abstract: A process or method for treating cancer. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a plurality of metallic nanoparticles, wherein each of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles has a core formed with a first metallic material, and a shell formed with a non-metallic material containing carbon, and wherein the shell is formed to enclose the metallic core completely, introducing said metallic nanoparticles into a mammal such that said metallic nanoparticles selectively target at least one type of cancerous cell, and subsequently applying at least one radio frequency of electromagnetic waves to said mammal for a period of time effective to induce skin currents in the cores of the first metallic material of said metallic nanoparticles to cause heat generated locally around targeted at least one type of cancerous cell to kill said cancerous cell.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compounds and compositions for forming bone and methods related thereto. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a composition comprising a compound disclosed herein, such as 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazine derivatives or salts thereof, for use in bone growth processes. In a typical embodiment, a bone graft composition is implanted in a subject at a site of desired bone growth or enhancement.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the regeneration of damaged, lost and/or degenerated tissue in humans and animals. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides an acellular bioabsorbable tissue regeneration matrix, methods of making such a matrix, and methods of using such a matrix for the regeneration of damaged, lost and/or degenerated tissue. In certain embodiments, methods and compositions of the present invention are useful in the treatment of damaged, lost and/or degenerated nerve tissue.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a drug-delivery composition includes providing at least one pharmaceutically active compound, a dry powder comprising at least a polymer, and an aqueous solution. The dry powder, the pharmaceutically active compound and the aqueous solution are mixed to form a paste-like or semi-solid drug-delivery composition, wherein the aqueous solution is added in an amount of less than or equal to twice the total dry mass of the dry powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides DKK2 and DKK-Fc fusion protein with angiogesis promoting activity and methods of using the same.

Abstract: We have disclosed dicephalic amphiphiles having peptide sequences as the head groups. We have also disclosed self-assembly hydrogels prepared from the dicephalic peptide amphiphiles. These hydrogels are useful for the encapsulation and delivery of bioactives to a patient.

Abstract: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is associated with a number of diseases and disorders. Agonists of the non-proteolytically activated thrombin receptor can be used in methods to treat ED or ED-related diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of promoting hair growth comprising administering a fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) extracellular domain (ECD), including native FGFR4 ECDs, variants, fragments, and fusion molecules, to a subject in an amount sufficient to promote hair growth.

Abstract: A polysaccharide micro-particle encapsulating a growth factor is disclosed and shall include one or more growth factors, and a polysaccharide shell forming a space to encapsulate the growth factor by electrostatic interaction. Also, a method for manufacturing a polysaccharide micro-particle encapsulating a growth factor is disclosed, which shall include the following process: (A) providing a pH 4.6-6 polysaccharide solution and a growth factor; and (B) adding the growth factor to the polysaccharide solution, and adjusting the polysaccharide solution to a pH of 6-8 to obtain the polysaccharide micro-particle encapsulating the growth factor by electrostatic interaction. According to the polysaccharide shell structure, the growth factor can be stored for a long period of time and heal skin wounds, mucositis, and corneal ulcer effectively.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to stabilizing Bone Morphogenetic Protein in various lyophilized formulations and compositions. The present invention comprises formulations primarily including trehalose as an excipient for lyophilized compositions and their subsequent storage and reconstitution, and can also optionally include other excipients, including buffers and surfactants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using a pheromone, a luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or a human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). The method can be practiced in vivo to obtain more neural stem cells in situ, which can in turn produce more neurons or glial cells to compensate for lost or dysfunctional neural cells. The method can also be practiced in vitro to produce a large number of neural stem cells in culture. The cultured stem cells can be used, for example, for transplantation treatment of patients or animals suffering from or suspected of having neurodegenerative diseases or conditions.

Abstract: Provided are a G-CSF and water-soluble polymer conjugate, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising a water-soluble polymer, a protein, and a linking group; a method for preparing thereof; and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the cosmetic use of tetrapeptides according to formula (I) R1-Val-Leu-Leu-Lys-R2 (I) wherein R1 is linked to the NH2-terminal group of the peptide and is chosen from the group consisting of —H, a linear saturated or unsaturated or branched saturated or unsaturated acyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, which may be functionalized by a —OH, —SH, —COOH or —CONH2 group wherein R2 is the terminal carboxylic group of the peptide either as —COOR3 or —CO—NH2, and wherein R3 is chosen from the group consisting of —H, a linear saturated or unsaturated or branched saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, which may be functionalized by a —OH, —SH, —COOH or —CONH2 group. The invention is also directed to the respective tetrapeptides and cosmetic compositions containing these.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for promoting arteriogenesis, and preparation method and applications of the same, wherein said pharmaceutical composition comprises an effective amount of a drug, and a peptide hydrogel, and it forms a microenvironment for autologous cell recruitment and tissue regeneration.

Abstract: A novel group of gastrokines called Gastric Antrum Mucosal Protein is characterized. A member of the group is designated AMP-18. AMP-18 genomic DNA, cDNA and the AMP-18 protein are sequenced for human, mouse and pig. The AMP-18 protein and active peptides derived from it are cellular growth factors. Surprisingly, peptides capable of inhibiting the effects of the complete protein, are also derived from the AMP-18 protein. Cytoprotection and control of mammalian gastro-intestinal tissue growth and repair (restitution) is facilitated by the use of the proteins, making the proteins candidates for therapies in inflammatory bowel disease and gastric ulcers.