Abstract: Methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of liver damage or disease in a subject in need thereof are provided. The methods involve providing the sulfated oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol-3-sulfate (25HC3S) to the subject e.g. by 1) administering 25HC3S to the subject; or 2) overexpressing, in the subject, the hydroxysterol sulfotransferase enzyme SULT2B1b, which catalyzes the sulfation of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC) to form 25HC3S.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient to improve liver functioning includes providing a drug composed of at least one of pharmaceutical 2-(4-morpholinoaniline)-6-cyclohexyl aminopurine and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and administering the drug to the patient in a manner and dosage effective to improve liver functioning. The 2-(4-morpholinoaniline)-6-cyclohexyl aminopurine can inhibit the activated hepatic stellate cells from synthesizing and expressing collagens and other extracellular matrix proteins including MMPs and TIMPs, and so it can inhibit liver fibrosis. In the liver, it can inhibit collagen synthesis and expression, and therefore reverse and treat hepatitis and liver cirrhosis effectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R is ethyl, propyl or allyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or amino acid conjugates thereof. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as FXR agonists.

Abstract: An adsorbent for an oral administration, comprising a surface-modified spherical activated carbon wherein an average diameter is 0.01 to 1 mm, a specific surface area determined by a BET method is 700 m2/g or more, a volume of pores having a pore diameter of 7.5 to 15000 nm is from 0.25 mL/g to 1.0 mL/g, a total amount of acidic groups is 0.30 to 1.20 meq/g, and a total amount of basic groups is 0.20 to 0.7 meq/g, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising docosapentaenoic acid and methods of reducing lipid parameters, such as triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, free fatty acids, and other lipids, comprising administration of omega-3 docosapentaenoic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising potassium binding polymers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of hyperkalemia, such as hyperkalemia caused by renal failure and/or the use of hyperkalemia causing drugs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for preventing and treating acetaminophen induced liver injury including the protein extracted from Porphyra yezoensis. The protein(s), separated and purified from hot water extracts of Porphyra yezoensis, having the molecular weight of 14 kDa measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, has an excellent effect for inhibiting the oxidative injury of liver tissue and cell apoptosis of liver cells induced by acetaminophen.

Abstract: An astrocyte-specific drug carrier containing a retinoid derivative and/or a vitamin A analog as a constituent; a drug delivery method with the use of the same; a drug containing the same; and a therapeutic method with the use of the drug. By binding a drug carrier to a retinoid derivative such as vitamin A or a vitamin A analog or encapsulating the same in the drug carrier, a drug for therapeutic use can be delivered specifically to astrocytes. As a result, an astrocyte-related disease can be efficiently and effectively inhibited or prevented while minimizing side effects. As the drug inhibiting the activity or growth of astrocytes, for example, a siRNA against HSP47 which is a collagen-specific molecule chaperone may be encapsulated in the drug carrier. Thus, the secretion of type I to type IV collagens can be inhibited at the same time and, in its turn, fibrosis can be effectively inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of an epigenetic relay pathway that controls hepatic stellate cell activation and the wound-healing response in fibrogenesis, including fibrogenesis of the injured liver. Methods of inhibiting fibrogenesis, including liver fibrogenesis and secondary disease states and conditions thereof, and in treating liver damage, including cirrhosis of the liver (which may be caused by viruses or chemicals, including alcohol), are aspects of the present invention. The methods utilize certain nucleoside compounds and/or antibodies which are optionally conjugated. Pharmaceutical compositions represent additional aspects of the invention.

Abstract: Reducing liver fibrosis in a subject having or being suspected of having a liver disease using an IL-20 antagonist, which can be an antibody that blocks a signaling pathway mediated by IL-20. Such antibodies include anti-IL-20 antibodies and anti-IL-20R antibodies that specifically block the IL-20 signaling pathway.

Abstract: An astrocyte-specific drug carrier containing a retinoid derivative and/or a vitamin A analog as a constituent; a drug delivery method with the use of the same; a drug containing the same; and a therapeutic method with the use of the drug. By binding a drug carrier to a retinoid derivative such as vitamin A or a vitamin A analog or encapsulating the same in the drug carrier, a drug for therapeutic use can be delivered specifically to astrocytes. As a result, an astrocyte-related disease can be efficiently and effectively inhibited or prevented while minimizing side effects. As the drug inhibiting the activity or growth of astrocytes, for example, a siRNA against HSP47 which is a collagen-specific molecule chaperone may be encapsulated in the drug carrier. Thus, the secretion of type I to type IV collagens can be inhibited at the same time and, in its turn, fibrosis can be effectively inhibited.

Abstract: The methods for treatment using an adsorbent having a high adsorbability, and capable of adsorbing a large amount of toxins during a retention period in an intestine, and of remarkably increasing an adsorption amount of compounds having a large molecular weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising sodium-binding polymers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of hypertension, chronic heart failure, end stage renal disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal insufficiency, fluid overload, or sodium overload.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R is ethyl, propyl or allyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or amino acid conjugates thereof. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as FXR agonists.

Abstract: This invention is based on the experimental finding that HIP/PAP has mitogenic and antiapoptotic effects in vitro on hepatocytes in primary culture. Moreover, HIP/PAP is a mitogenic and anti-apoptotic molecule for hepatocytcs, in vivo, during liver failure and liver regeneration. The present invention is also based on the experimental finding that HIP/PAP administration has no adverse effects in mammals. This invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition for stimulating liver regeneration in vivo including after chronic/acute liver failure, comprising an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having 90% amino acid identity with the polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence starting at the amino acid residue (36) and ending at the amino acid residue (175) of sequence SEQ ID No 1, in combination with at least one physiologically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: An astrocyte-specific drug carrier containing a retinoid derivative and/or a vitamin A analog as a constituent; a drug delivery method with the use of the same; a drug containing the same; and a therapeutic method with the use of the drug. By binding a drug carrier to a retinoid derivative such as vitamin A or a vitamin A analog or encapsulating the same in the drug carrier, a drug for therapeutic use can be delivered specifically to astrocytes. As a result, an astrocyte-related disease can be efficiently and effectively inhibited or prevented while minimizing side effects. As the drug inhibiting the activity or growth of astrocytes, for example, a siRNA against HSP47 which is a collagen-specific molecule chaperone may be encapsulated in the drug carrier. Thus, the secretion of type I to type IV collagens can be inhibited at the same time and, in its turn, fibrosis can be effectively inhibited.

Abstract: An astrocyte-specific drug carrier containing a retinoid derivative and/or a vitamin A analog as a constituent; a drug delivery method with the use of the same; a drug containing the same; and a therapeutic method with the use of the drug. By binding a drug carrier to a retinoid derivative such as vitamin A or a vitamin A analog or encapsulating the same in the drug carrier, a drug for therapeutic use can be delivered specifically to astrocytes. As a result, an astrocyte-related disease can be efficiently and effectively inhibited or prevented while minimizing side effects. As the drug inhibiting the activity or growth of astrocytes, for example, a siRNA against HSP47 which is a collagen-specific molecule chaperone may be encapsulated in the drug carrier. Thus, the secretion of type I to type IV collagens can be inhibited at the same time and, in its turn, fibrosis can be effectively inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to opioid and opioid-like compounds, and pharmaceutical formulations thereof, and use thereof for prevention and treatment of disorders such as septic shock and organ damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R is ethyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or amino acid conjugates thereof. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as FXR agonists.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising sodium-binding polymers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of hypertension, chronic heart failure, end stage renal disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal insufficiency, fluid overload, or sodium overload.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition containing a water-soluble fraction of Graptopetalum and its use in treating a liver disease or condition, such as inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of interferon alpha 5 in the treatment of viral hepatopathies. The invention describes the reduced synthesis of IFN?5 in the livers of patients with hepatitis C in comparison to healthy livers. The sub-type of IFN expressed in said healthy livers corresponded only to the subtype alpha 5 in comparison with the different sub-types expressed in ill livers. The sequence SEQ ID NO:1 shows the partial sequence of cDNA corresponding to IFN?5. These significant differences between the expression patterns of some livers an others demonstrate the importance of the use of such interferon sub-type in the fabrication of compositions useful in the treatment of viral hepatopathies. The invention discloses in details such utilization in different forms and processes, including those which use the production of recombinant proteins from sequences of the type SEQ ID NO:1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to plant based formulations for improving liver health by protecting the liver from alcohol and chemical insults and/or by inducing phase II enzymes. Formulations according to the present invention include wasabi root fiber powder, artichoke leaf extract, asparagus dehydrate, kudzu root extract, oregano extract, schisandra berry extract, notoginseng (ethanol extract of Panax notoginseng root), sanchi (water extracts from Panax notoginseng root), Gegen root extract (Pueraria omeiensis), spinach dehydrate, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising Graptopetalum and uses thereof Graptopetalum can protect animals from liver diseases and medical conditions, such as inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis. In particular, Graptopetalum inhibits proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells, which play a pivotal role in liver fibrosis. Graptopetalum also has anti-fibrosis activities as well as inhibits proliferation of lung fibroblasts. Therefore, in addition to being a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for the liver, Graptopetalum is useful against fibrosis or inflammation of tissues or organs other than the liver, in particular lung, kidney, and bladder. Other plants in the family of Crassulaceae, particularly Echeveria, have similar effects as Graptopetalum.

Abstract: A method of modulating cytokine mediated hepatic injury by administering compound-D SEQ ID NO:1 to a mammal. A concentration of the compound in the range of about 0.5 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg in a physiologically acceptable formulation blocks a cytokine cascade. A therapeutic method of modulating cytokine mediated acute inflammatory, trauma induced and toxin induced hepatic injury, particularly via tumor necrosis factor modulation, is thus disclosed.

Abstract: A hepatic disorder suppressant comprising extracts having hepatic disorder suppressing effect as effective ingredients, wherein the extracts is obtained by extracting an avocado plant and/or a processed product thereof with an organic solvent is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for preventing and treating disseminating cancers. Inhibition metastases of a primary tumor to a liver tissue is carried out by directly contacting a liver tissue with Taurolidine.

Abstract: A hepatic disorder suppressant comprising extracts having hepatic disorder suppressing effect as effective ingredients, wherein the extracts is obtained by extracting an avocado plant and/or a processed product thereof with an organic solvent is disclosed.

Abstract: A hepatic disorder suppressant comprising extracts having hepatic disorder suppressing effect as effective ingredients, wherein the extracts is obtained by extracting an avocado plant and/or a processed product thereof with an organic solvent is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions comprising antioxidants useful for reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, and treating chronic liver disease, chronic hepatitis C virus infection and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In particular, the invention relates to the preparation and oral administration of compositions comprising glycyrrhizin, schisandra, ascorbic acid, L-glutathione, silymarin, lipoic acid, and d-alpha-tocopherol. The invention also relates to the preparation and parenteral administration of compositions comprising glycyrrhizin, ascorbic acid, L-glutathione, and vitamin B-complex, preferably by infusion or intravenous injection. The invention further relates to methods of using the antioxidants, oral compositions and parenteral compositions.

Abstract: Immune stimulatory amounts of hematopoietic colony stimulating factors are administered to patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The factors include G-CSF and GM-CSF. These factors induce and maintain remission of the disease and its manifestations, whether within the intestine or without.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of interferon alpha 5 in the treatment of viral hepatopathies. The invention describes the reduced synthesis of IFN?5 in the livers of patients with hepatitis C in comparison to healthy livers. The sub-type of IFN expressed in said healthy livers corresponded only to the subtype alpha 5 in comparison with the different sub-types expressed in ill livers. The sequence SEQ ID NO:1 shows the partial sequence of cDNA corresponding to IFN?5. These significant differences between the expression patterns of some livers an others demonstrate the importance of the use of such interferon sub-type in the fabrication of compositions useful in the treatment of viral hepatopathies. The invention discloses in details such utilization in different forms and processes, including those which use the production of recombinant proteins from sequences of the type SEQ ID NO:1.

Abstract: A process of isolation of pure Acteoside of high hepatoprotection from plant Colerbrookea oppositifolia, said process comprising steps of drying aerial parts of the plant, grounding the dried parts into powder, percolating the powder with water or ethanol for 3-4 times to obtain an extract, filtering the extract for clearing of suspended particles to obtain supernatant, drying the supernatant at about 45 to 55° C.

Abstract: A hepatic disorder suppressant comprising extracts having hepatic disorder suppressing effect as effective ingredients, wherein the extracts is obtained by extracting an avocado plant and/or a processed product thereof with an organic solvent is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of modulating cytokine mediated hepatic injury by administering compound-D SEQ ID NO:1 to a mammal. A concentration of the compound in the range of about 0.5 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg in a physiologically acceptable formulation blocks a cytokine cascade. A therapeutic method of modulating cytokine mediated acute inflammatory, trauma induced and toxin induced hepatic injury, particularly via tumor necrosis factor modulation, is thus disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions without added iron and methods for prophylactic nutritional supplementation and therapeutic nutritional supplementation. Specifically, the method involves administering to an individual a composition comprising carotenoids, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, pantothenic acid, cobalamin, magnesium, manganese, zinc, selenium, chromium, copper, alpha lipoic acid, and lutein, wherein the composition is free of added iron.

Abstract: Adverse inflammatory reactions can be treated by administrating to an organism a composition having diglucosylamine as the active ingredient. The preferred compound is di-Beta-D-glucopyranosylamine. A simple method for making diglucosylamine in high purity is obtained by reacting glucose, a nitrogen containing base, and either methanol or ethanol to form the diglucosylamine and then recovering the diglucosylamine preferably with the use of charcoal. The preferred diglucosylamine, di-Beta-D-glucopyranosylamine, has extraordinary anti-inflammatory activity. It can be formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to make pharmaceutical compositions which are effective in treating inflammations. This pharmaceutical composition can also be used to treat adverse inflammatory reactions that are the result of the disruptions of a dynamic network of cellular mechanisms in organisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for preventing and treating disseminating cancers. Inhibition metastases of a primary tumor to a liver tissue is carried out by directly contacting a liver tissue with Taurolidine.

Abstract: Disclosed is the surprising discovery that CXC chemokines function to induce rapid hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration after injury. The invention thus provides a range of compositions and methods for use in treating liver injury, including those suitable for treating acetaminophen overdose outside the therapeutic window for N-acetyl-cysteine treatment, and those that limit the hepatotoxic side-effects of gene therapy regimens.

Abstract: The hepatoprotective effect of IL-10 is described, in particular, the use of interleukin-10 in the treatment of liver damage (e.g. fibrosis or cirrhosis) in a difficult-to-treat patient afflicted with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who has failed to respond to, or achieve a sustained virologic response to an anti-HCV therapy(e.g., interferon-&agr; in combination with ribavirin).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating adverse physiological effects associated with depressed reticuloendothelial system function comprising administering to a subject suffering from depressed reticuloendothelial system function an effective amount of a BPI protein product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition useful for hepatoprotection, said composition comprising polar extract of plant Cryptolepis Buchanani and/or fractions of the said extract, and optionally pharmaceutically acceptable additives and a method of producing said composition and also a method of treating a subject using said composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating or preventing certain medical conditions with isoflavones. More specifically, the invention provides a method of treating or preventing one or more of the following medical conditions: hepatic steatosis, steatohepatitis, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, syndrome X, abnormal platelet function, or abnormal vascular reactivity, with compositions containing isoflavones.

Abstract: A triterpene derivative useful for the treatment of hepatic disorders is disclosed. This compound comprises as an active ingredient a triterpene derivative represented by the following formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein R1 represents a hydroxyl group, arylmethyloxy, lower alkoxy, or lower alkanoyloxy, R2 represents lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, —CH2OR5, formyl, —COOR6, or —CH2N(R7)R8, or R1 and R2 may combine with each other to form —O—C(R9)R10—O—CH2—, R3 and R4, which may be the same or different represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, aryl, hydroxymethyl, —N(R11)R12, formyl, —COOR6, or —OR13, or R3 and R4 may combine with each other to form oxo, hydroxyimino, or alkylidene and X represents O, CH2, or NH.

Abstract: An agent protective against drug-induced hepatopathy containing Lentinus edodes mycelium extract.

Abstract: A health food/dietary supplement is disclosed, endowed with a protective action on liver function against exogenous and endogenous hepatoxic agents, the characterizing components of which are isovaleryl L-carnitine and/or propionyl L-carnitine and an extract of Silybum marianum (milk thistle) standardized to a least 70 percent by weight of silymarin.

Abstract: The present invention provides stable galactose injection solutions, which contain 1 to 50% by weight of galactose, 0.01 to 1 M of a buffer solution, and 0.01 to 5% of an antioxidant. The preferred buffer solution is citrate buffer. The preferred anti-oxidant is sodium bisulfite. The galactose injection solution of the present invention has a pH between 4.0 and 9.0 and is stable at 80° C. for at least 2 weeks.

Abstract: A nutritional composition made from conventional food mixed on-site in a blender and treating patients with hepatic disorders.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for use in inhibiting egg production by parasitic trematode worms comprising administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of an agent which transiently inhibits the influx of calcium through a cell membrane calcium channel. Inhibition of egg production in the worms ameliorates many of the symptoms and pathology related to infection by trematode related diseases, including Schistosomiasis. The methods can also effect disease transmission by reducing the number of eggs released into the environment available to continue the worm life cycle.

Abstract: Immune stimulatory amounts of hematopoietic colony stimulating factors are administered to patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The factors include G-CSF and GM-CSF. These factors induce and maintain remission of the disease and its manifestations, whether within the intestine or without.