Abstract: Methods for detecting the status of an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)-associated autoimmune response in a mammal are provided. Specifically, the ratio of the frequency of T helper 1 cells to T helper 2 cells specific for a pancreatic &bgr;-cell associated antigen is indicative of the status of the autoimmune response. The methods may be employed prior to the onset of the clinical symptoms of the disease, thereby allowing identification of those at risk for developing clinical symptoms of IDDM, or subsequent to pancreatic tissue transplantation, for example, to measure the efficacy of treatment directed to enhancing the lifetime of the tissue transplant. Methods for prolonging the survival of tissue transplants are also provided. Specifically, a tissue-associated antigen is administered to the mammal which serves to shift the pathogenic Th1 response associated with pathological immunity toward a protective Th2 response.

Abstract: This invention relates to potentiating insulin activity in a patient in need thereof. This invention provides a composition comprising an insulin potentiating agent; such composition comprises one or more substance derived from a water extract of Polygonum multiflorum, Agaricaceae, or Cinnamomum mairei. This invention also provides a method for treating hyperglycemia in a patient by administering to the patient an insulin potentiating agent. The method can be used to decrease blood glucose and/or glycosylated hemoglobin and/or glucose level.

Abstract: A method for treating or preventing cardiovascular pathologies by administering a compound of the formula (I): wherein Z is C═O or a covalent bond; Y is H or O(C1-C4)alkyl, R1 and R2 are individually (C1-C4)alkyl or together with N are a saturated heterocyclic group, R3 is ethyl or chloroethyl, R4 is H, R5 is I, O(C1-C4)alkyl or H and R6 is I, O(C1-C4)alkyl or H with the proviso that when R4, R5, and R6 are H, R3 is not ethyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, effective to elevate the level of TGF-beta to treat and/or prevent conditions such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke is provided. Useful compounds include idoxifene, toremifene or salts thereof. Further provided is a method for identifying an agent that elevates the level of TGF-beta. Another embodiment of the invention is an assay or kit to determine TGF-beta in vitro.

Abstract: A therapeutic or preventive agent for diabetes mellitus which is characterized in containing at least one compound selected from a group consisting of 4,5-dihydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-one represented by the following formula [I] and an optically active substance and a salt thereof as an effective component.

Abstract: A controlled release formulation of lipoic acid is administered to a patient resulting in reduced serum glucose levels. The formulation comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and is designed to prevent degradation of the lipoic acid in the gastrointestinal tract and to release the lipoic acid in a controlled manner thereby obtaining a desired lipoic acid serum level over an extended period resulting in reduced serum glucose levels over that period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting the etiology of disease in patients having a disease state caused by an excess of 12-lipoxygenase or its products. In particular, the invention provides for administration of a human leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase pathway inhibitor to inhibit disease etiology, to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer and to increase insulin receptor phosphorylation in a patient having Type II diabetics.

Abstract: This invention relates the use of glucagon-like peptides such as GLP-1, a GLP-1 analog, or a GLP-1 derivative in methods and compositions for reducing body weight.

Abstract: A dispensing container which incorporates an aerosolizable topical insulin preparation, at least one oral hypoglycemic agent, and indicia and instructions for their coordinated use as a single therapeutic regimen for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in a human, and a method for treating diabetes mellitus which employs such a device.

Abstract: Diabetes Mellitus type I or II is treated by use of a peptide including an amino acid sequence comprising part of a 10 amino acid C-terminal fragment of &bgr;-endorphin.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in which R1 and R2 are independently H or methyl (for example N,N-dimethyl-1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclobutyl]-3-methylbutyl amine hydrochloride optionally in the form of its monohydrate) is used for reducing Insulin resistance in humans in whom Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus have not presented.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical composition which comprises an insulin sensitivity enhancer in combination with other antidiabetics differing from the enhancer in the mechanism of action, which shows a potent depressive effect on diabetic hyperglycemia and is useful for prophylaxis and treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical composition which comprises an insulin sensitivity enhancer in combination with other antidiabetics differing from the enhancer in the mechanism of action, which shows a potent depressive effect on diabetic hyperglycemia and is useful for prophylaxis and treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel materials and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of autoimmune disease. In a specific embodiment, elevated production of prostaglandin synthase-2 (PGS-2) is correlated with autoimmune dysfunction.

Abstract: A method for the medical treatment of diabetes mellitus type II and for counteracting the risk factors forming part of the Metabolic syndrome (also known as the "deadly quartet" or "syndrome X" or the Insulin Resistance Syndrome) in a patient having increased cortisol activity, which method of treatment comprises decreasing said increased cortisol activity in said patient by the steps of providing an inhibitor of cortisol synthesis.

Abstract: A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of Syndrome X in a human or non-human mammal is disclosed. The method comprises the administration of an effective, non-toxic and pharmaceutically effective amount of an agonist of PPAR.alpha. and PPAR.gamma., or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, to a human or non-human mammal in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention describes isolated Fagopyritol A1, isolated Fagopyritol A2, and isolated Fagopyritol B3. Compositions which include two or more of Fagopyritol A1, Fagopyritol A2, Fagopyritol B1, Fagopyritol B2, Fagopyritol B3, and D-chiro-inositol, at least one of which is an isolated Fagopyritol A1, isolated Fagopyritol A2, or isolated Fagopyritol B3, are also disclosed. Methods for preparing substantially pure Fagopyritol A1, Fagopyritol A2, Fagopyritol B1, Fagopyritol B2, Fagopyritol B3, or mixtures thereof from buckwheat are also described. The fagopyritols can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions, the administration of which can be used to treat diabetes.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a variety of cardiovascular disorders and related conditions in a mammal having at least one such disorder or condition is disclosed comprising treating the mammal with cotherapy comprising benazepril and amlodipine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of either or both. Combination formulations of benazepril and amlodipine for use in the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the administration of glutathione orally comprising the administration of a bolus of glutathione which is pharmaceutically stabilized and encapsulated. The glutathione is administered on an empty stomach. The preferred stabilizer is ascorbic acid.

Abstract: A novel diabetic supplement bar which includes about 10-60% by weight simple carbohydrate, about 1-25% by weight protein, about 2-40% by weight lipid and about 1-60%, preferably about 5-35% by weight complex carbohydrate. This formulation is particularly useful for the treatment or prevention of nighttime hypoglycemia in diabetic patients who require insulin injections.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel method and composition for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (Type I, Impaired Glucose Tolerance ["IGT"]and Type II). More specifically, this invention pertains to a novel method of treating diabetes mellitus by incorporating a therapeutic amount of one or more insulin sensitizers along with one or more of an orally ingested insulin, an injected insulin, a sulfonylurea, a biguanide or an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quantitative determination method for heparan sulfate in body fluid specimens of various chronic diseases, in urine samples of diabetic nephropathy and for diagnosing hepatic diseases and rheumatoid arthritis in blood specimens. And also this method provides a diagnostic tool for judging the condition of diabetic nephropathy, hepatic diseases and rheumatoid arthritis by determination of changes by use of aforementioned quantitative determination of heparan sulfate.

Abstract: A treatment and composition for neuropathic pain by administering an effective amount of agmatine.

Abstract: A method for preventing or treating autoimmune diseases (excluding type I diabetes) by administering an insulin resistance improving substance as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention relates to active substance combinations which consist of at least one polypeptide with the biological action of fibroblast growth factors and of at least one cationic polyelectrolyte. These combinations permit improved dosage of the FGF activity.

Abstract: A method for treating or preventing type II diabetes mellitus comprising administering an effective amount of a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor, such as, tetrahydrolipstatin.

Abstract: A method of treatment of humans suffering from diabetes which involves transplantation into the human of viable porcine islets capable of producing insulin within its host. The invention also includes the particular preparation for such transplantation and its method of preparation which involves extraction from a piglet at near full term gestation (whether delivered prematurely or not) and treatment of the tissue with nicotinamide and/or any compound exhibiting similar growth promoting and cytoprotective effects and the subsequent administration of such a compound or compounds to the patient after the transplantation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel amino glycol derivatives of L-N.sup.6 -(1-iminoethyl)lysine, pharmaceutical compositions containing these novel compounds, and to their use in therapy, in particular their use as nitric oxide synthase inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved infant formula containing a lipid blend that softens the firmer stools associated with typical infant formula. A specific formula in accordance with the invention comprises carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals and a lipid mixture of high oleic safflower oil, soy oil and coconut oil at specific levels and ratios. The invention also discloses novel mixtures of fatty acids that provides infant stool patterns more closely resembling the breast-fed infant.

Abstract: This invention describes the new 17-difluoromethylene-estratrienes of general formula I ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl group,R.sup.5 is a methyl or ethyl group, andR.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl group in .alpha.- or .beta.-position,R.sup.3 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyloxy group in .alpha.- or .beta.-position,R.sup.4 is a hydrogen atom in .alpha.- or .beta.-position, and A, B, D, E and G each is a hydrogen atom, and optionally at least one of substituent pairsG and R.sup.2, R.sup.2 and R.sup.4, R.sup.4 and A, A and R.sup.3, B and D, D and E is a double bond.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of glucose by the administration of castanospermine is described herein. In addition, a new process for the isolation of castanospermine from Castanospermum australe is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a pharmaceutical formulation in a container, for example, a vial, prefilled cartridge, prefilled syringe or disposable pen, comprising approximately 0.01 to about 0.5% (w/v) amylin agonist, preferably pramlintide, in an aqueous system along with approximately 0.02 to about 0.5% (w/v) of an acetate, phosphate, citrate, or glutamate buffer to a pH of the final composition of approximately 3.0 to about 6.0 as well as approximately 1.0 to 10% (w/v) of a carbohydrate or polyhydric alcohol tonicifier; and, optionally, approximately 0.005 to 1.0% (w/v) of a preservative selected from the group consisting of m-cresol, benzyl alcohol, parabens and phenol. These formulations maintain stability upon storage under refrigerated or room temperature conditions. Such formulations can be further combined with insulin in the same syringe for administration to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel complexes consisting of certain GLP-1 molecules associated with a divalent metal cation that is capable of co-precipitating with a GLP-1 molecule. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using such complexes for enhancing the expression of insulin in B-type islet cells is claimed, as is a method for treating maturity onset diabetes mellitus in mammals, particularly humans.

Abstract: The invention relates to an organometallic complex obtainable by reaction:of a cation of a metal (M) in an oxidation state at least equal to 2 useful as a biocatalyst in living metabolism,of a mixture of sitosterol and sitostanol, or of pure sitostanol or of a plant extract containing same,of the diglyceride of formula (I): ##STR1## in which: R.sub.1 is an acyl residue of oleic acid (C.sub.18 :1),R2 in an acyl residue of a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having between 2 and 18 carbon atoms. More particularly, the invention relates to complexes in which R.sub.2 is an oleoyl or acetyl group. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing this complex, particularly those wherein the metal is vanadium, and to their use in the treatment and/or the prevention of hypercholesterolaemia and/or of hypertriglyceridaemia, of insulin-dependent or non insulin-dependent diabetes, of insulin resistance and associated pathologies.

Abstract: Heterocyclic derivatives of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and method of producing them. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the heterocyclic derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, particularly, ACAT inhibitors and lipoperoxidation inhibitors. The heterocyclic derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof of the present invention show superior ACAT inhibitory activity and lipoperoxidation inhibitory activity, and are useful as ACAT inhibitors and hyperlipemia inhibitors.To be specific, they are useful for the prevention and treatment of arteriosclerotic lesions of arteriosclerosis, hyperlipemia and diabetes, as well as ischemic diseases of brain, heart and the like.

Abstract: Insulin preparations of superior physical stability, comprising dissolved and/or precipitated human insulin or an analogue or derivative thereof, and a water-soluble reduced or non-reducing carbohydrate containing at least 4 carbon atoms in the main carbohydrate structure, or a water-soluble non-reducing ester and/or ether derivative of a carbohydrate or reduced carbohydrate containing at least 4 carbon atoms in the main carbohydrate structure, or mixtures thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for stimulating an increase in islet proliferation and .beta.-cell mass using an insulin homolog polypeptide. The present invention also includes methods for treating diabetes by stimulating islet proliferation and .beta.-cell mass increases and affecting insulin levels.

Abstract: A method for lowering the blood glucose level in a mammal comprises administering an effective amount of a hesperetin or naringenin bioflavonoid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel dithiocarbamate disulfide dimer useful in various therapeutic treatments, either alone or in combination with other active agents. In one method, the disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate is coadministered with an agent that inactivates (or inhibits the production of) species that induce the expression of nitric oxide synthase to reduce the production of such species, while, at the same time reducing nitric oxide levels in the subject. In another embodiment, free iron ion levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate(s) to scavenge free iron ions, for example, in subjects undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy. In another embodiment, cyanide levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate so as to bind cyanide in the subject. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to compositions and formulations useful in such therapeutic methods.

Abstract: An herbal formulation is disclosed for treating and preventing non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and other sugar imbalances. The herbal formulation is added to the diet of a person suffering from NIDDM in a lectin mixture containing the herbal formulation. The herbal formulation lowers the blood glucose and insulin levels. Adding the herbal formulation to the diet of persons who are in high risk of suffering from NIDDM has a significant effect on lowering blood glucose and insulin levels. Repeated doses of the herbal formulation in a lectin mixture will bring the blood glucose and insulin levels into a desired range. The herbal formulation is made from plant extracts and is useful in the prevention and treatment of sugar imbalances.

Abstract: Compounds are disclosed which have the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 -R.sub.2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: (a) a hydrogen atom; and (b) a lower alkyl group, straight or branched chain, having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; or R.sub.1 -R.sub.2 and the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded may together form a heterocyclic group; R.sub.3 -R.sub.

Abstract: A method of treatment of humans suffering from diabetes which involves transplantation into the human of viable porcine islets capable of producing insulin within its host. The invention also includes a particular preparation for such transplantation and its method of preparation which involves extraction from a piglet at near full term gestation (whether delivered prematurely or not) and treatment of the tissue within nicotinamide and/or any compound exhibiting similar growth promoting and cytoprotective effects and the subsequent administration of such a compound or compounds to the patient after the transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of general formula I ##STR1## for treating medical disorders related to binding to human somatostatin receptor subtypes.

Abstract: A test method and test kit for determining a risk of diabetic complications based upon abnormal aldose reductase genetic material expression is described. Cells isolated from a patient which exhibit elevated levels of aldose reductase genetic material expression at pathophysiologic levels of glucose (about 20 mM) which can occur commonly in the cells of diabetic patients are evaluated based upon a level of expression of DNA or RNA in the cells with the glucose at the pathophysiologic level. The cells can be used to isolate DNA or RNA for a probe which detects the abnormal aldose reductase gene expression. The method can be used to determine when particular aldose reductase inhibitors can be effective for a particular patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to phenylethanolamine compounds represented by general formula [I]: ##STR1## (where R.sub.1 represents hydrogen or halogen; R.sub.2 represents hydrogen, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, lower alkoxy substituted with one or two lower alkoxycarbonyl or carboxy groups, lower alkoxy substituted with lower alkylaminocarbonyl which may be substituted with lower alkoxy, lower alkoxy substituted with cyclic aminocarbonyl of 4 to 6 carbon atoms, lower alkoxycarbonyl or carboxy; R.sub.3 represents hydrogen, hydroxy, lower alkoxy or lower alkoxy substituted with one or two lower alkoxycarbonyl or carboxy groups; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 may be bonded to each other to form methylenedioxy substituted with carboxy or lower alkoxycarbonyl; and m and n are 0 or 1), and their pharmacologically acceptable salts, which have a potent .beta.3 adrenergic stimulating effect and high .beta.3 adrenergic receptor selectivity, as well as to processes for their production and intermediates in their production.

Abstract: A method is provided for healing chronic wounds in a subject, particularly wounds which exhibit poor vascularization and sensory loss. The treatment method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of .beta.-NGF to the subject to heal the wound. Compositions containing .beta.-NGF for use in the wound healing methods are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an analogue of a pharmaceutical active whose molecular weight is less than 25,000 Daltons, the analogue comprising a pharmaceutical active whose molecular weight is less than 25,000 Daltons covalently linked to a pendant molecular group wherein as a result of the administration of the composition to the human or animal body an active complex having a molecular weight of 25,000 Daltons or greater is present in the human or animal circulatory system. The analogue is hepatoselective when administered to the circulatory system. Preferably the analogue is an insulin analogue comprising an insulin or functional equivalent thereof covalently linked to the pendant molecular group wherein the active complex is an insulin complex. Such an insulin analogue may be used in a method of insulin replacement therapy.

Abstract: Novel macromolecular drug complexes containing a drug, like insulin, and a polymer having a plurality of acid moieties, like carboxyl moieties or phosphonic acid moieties, are disclosed. Compositions containing the macromolecular complexes are administered to individuals suffering from a disease, and the complexes release the drug, in vivo, to treat the disease, and to reduce, eliminate, or reverse complications associated with the disease.

Abstract: A medical food for diabetics is disclosed which comprises as characterizing active ingredients .gamma.-linolenic acid and at least one alkanoyl-L-carnitine, e.g. acetyl-L-carnitine and/or propionyl-L-carnitine.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are provided for regulating serum glucose levels in patients by non-parenteral administration of a pharmaceutical in which a primary active ingredient is a cholerically active or other amphiphilic compound. In preferred embodiments the non-parenteral route involves transmucosal administration, and the active substance comprises a salt of a bile acid, bile acid derivative or bile acid analog. In still more preferred embodiments, the transmucosal administration comprises administration to a nasal membrane.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## and the pharmaceutically tolerated salts thereof, are described. A process for their preparation and their use as medicaments in cardiovascular diseases are also described.