Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating, preventing, or diagnosing disorders related to reproduction in male mammals, preferably humans, are provided. The methods generally involve modulation of the OST-PTP signaling pathway or the PTP-1B signaling pathway involving gamma-carboxylase and osteocalcin. Disorders amenable to treatment by the methods include, but are not limited to, male infertility, low sperm count, impaired sperm motility, impaired sperm viability, low testosterone levels, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, underdevelopment of testes, and excess apoptosis in testes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptide sequences, compositions and methods for controlling fish reproduction. More particularly, the invention provides novel Neurokinin B peptides NKF and NKB and analogues thereof that regulate reproduction in fish. The invention further provides preprohormone thereof comprising at least one of a first peptide fragment of the amino acid sequence X1-X2-X3-X4-X5-X6-Asp7-X8-Phe9-Val10-X11-Leu12-Met13 and a second peptide fragment of the amino acid sequence of Glu1-Met2-His3-Asp4-Ile5-Phe6-Val7-Gly8-Leu9-Met10 and variants thereof, nucleic acid sequences and novel fish NKB receptors.

Abstract: A gonadotropin is administered within a surprisingly effective narrow range for the purpose of treating chronic pain or other central sensitization sequelae. In one aspect, a recipient is provided with at least one of human chorionic gonodotropin (uHCG and/or rHCG), a pharmaceutically active HCG analogue, and a pharmaceutically active metabolite of the HCG or analogue at a dosage selected to provide, or be equivalent to, a human subcutaneous dosage of between 120 IU/day and 170 IU/day of HCG, and more preferably between 140 IU/day and 160 IU/day of HCG. A kit is also described, which includes a supply of the HCG-related drug, a delivery device, and a label that identifies chronic pain or central sensitization as an indication of the drug.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing an ovary-related syndrome associated with infertility in a subject in need thereof is provided. The method comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an active ingredient consisting of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, thereby treating or preventing the ovary-related syndrome associated with infertility in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for transdermal drug delivery comprising formulating a phosphatidylcholine carrier composition containing the drug and applying the composition to the skin.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating, preventing, or diagnosing disorders related to reproduction in male mammals, preferably humans, are provided. The methods generally involve modulation of the OST-PTP signaling pathway or the PTP-IB signaling pathway involving gamma-carboxylase and osteocalcin. Disorders amenable to treatment by the methods include, but are not limited to, male infertility, low sperm count, impaired sperm motility, impaired sperm viability, low testosterone levels, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, underdevelopment of testes, and excess apoptosis in testes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, zona pellucida binding peptides and polypeptides, and expression vectors for use in species-specific immunocontraception of animals, which include landscape bacteriophage. The disclosed compositions may include immunogenic compositions or vaccines.

Abstract: Methods are provided for stimulating ovarian preantral and antral follicles in a mammal.

Abstract: This invention relates to drug delivery and in particular to the delivery of biologically active agents in the form of dry powders for inhalation. The invention also relates to methods for preparing such dry powder formulations and methods for their use.

Abstract: The invention relates to fusion constructs, methods of using fusion constructs and methods of treating undesirable or aberrant cell proliferation or hyperproliferative disorders, such as tumors, cancers, neoplasia and malignancies.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and methods for the production thereof. The recombinant hCG can include ?2,3, ?2,6, and, optionally, ?2,8 sialylation. The recombinant hCG can be produced in a human cell line such as a PER.C6® cell line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a long acting biologically active luteinizing hormone (LH) compound comprising an LH agonist linked to a pharmaceutically acceptable molecule providing an in vivo plasma half-life of the LH agonist or LH compound which is increased substantially compared to the in vivo plasma half-life of an LH agonist administered in the same manner as the LH compound. The present invention relates to methods for controlled ovarian stimulation which can be used in conjunction with assisted reproduction technologies such as in vitro fertilisation, intra cytoplasmatic sperm injection, intra uterine insemination and in vitro maturation. In other aspects the invention relates to methods for inducing folliculogenesis and methods for providing luteal support for the corpora lutea.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biomarkers of preterm birth, biomarkers of term birth, and methods of use thereof. In particular, the present disclosure provides methods of determining whether a pregnant woman is at an increased risk for premature delivery. The present disclosure further provides methods for decreasing a pregnant woman's risk for premature delivery.

Abstract: Means for improving the success rate of pregnancy on the basis of blastocyst transfer is disclosed. The means comprises an agent for promoting pregnancy in blastocyst transfer comprising the supernatant of the culture which is obtained by culturing a human embryo in a medium until the embryo develops into a blastocyst. Also disclosed are a method for production of the agent, as well as a method for promoting pregnancy comprising; culturing a human embryo in a medium until the human embryo develops into a blastocyst, injecting a composition comprising the supernatant of the culture into the uterine cavity of a patient who is to undergo blastocyst transfer, and then transferring the blastocyst to the recipient.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper2) are disclosed. The CatSper2 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper2 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper2 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper2, methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper2-mediated disorders, including infertility, as well as methods of doing business related to CatSper2-mediated disorders.

Abstract: A genetically modified livestock animal comprising a genome that comprises inactivation of a neuroendocrine gene selective for sexual maturation, with the inactivation of the gene preventing the animal from becoming sexually mature. Methods of using, and processes of making, the animals are taught.

Abstract: Preparations including poly (ethylene glycol) modified recombinant hCG(rhCG).

Abstract: A gonadotropin is administered within a surprisingly effective narrow range for the purpose of treating chronic pain or other central sensitization sequelae. In one aspect, a recipient is provided with at least one of human chorionic gonadotropin (uHCG and/or rHCG), a pharmaceutically active HCG analogue, and a pharmaceutically active metabolite of the HCG or analogue at a dosage selected to provide, or be equivalent to, a human subcutaneous dosage of between 120 IU/day and 170 IU/day of HCG, and more preferably between 140 IU/day and 160 IU/day of HCG. A kit is also described, which includes a supply of the HCG-related drug, a delivery device, and a label that identifies chronic pain or central sensitization as an indication of the drug.

Abstract: A method for preparing polymer microparticles with a reduced initial burst, and the polymer microparticles prepared thereby, the method including: contacting polymer microparticles with an alcohol aqueous solution, the polymer microparticles prepared thereby, and use for drug delivery of the polymer microparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral pharmaceutical dosage form comprising micronized progesterone, an edible oil, a disintegrant, and a hydrophilic excipient. Particularly, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical dosage form wherein the dosage form is in a powder form and is contained in a pharmaceutically acceptable capsule. The present invention is also directed toward methods of making the dosage form, methods of using the dosage form, and kits comprising the dosage form.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid pharmaceutical formulations of luteinizing hormone (LH) for single- or multi-dose administration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a container, made of an inorganic additive containing plastic material, for reducing physical/chemical interaction between the container and an oil, fat and/or wax containing formulation contained therein.

Abstract: A method of delivering a drug composition comprises providing a carrier having a phosphatidylcholine component and a drug entrapped therein, and applying the composition to the skin for transdermal delivery of the drug, wherein the composition is stable at room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for transdermal drug delivery comprising formulating a phosphatidylcholine carrier composition containing the drug and applying the composition to the skin.

Abstract: Those provided here are an Activin A-containing solution for making inhibitory neuron progenitors proliferate, a method for culturing the inhibitory neuron progenitors using this solution, a method for separating the inhibitory neuron progenitors and the inhibitory neurons using an Activin A receptor Acvr1 expression as an index, a method for transplanting thus separated cells to the brain surface, and a method for screening a factor for making the inhibitory neuron progenitors proliferate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of modulating apoptosis of a granulosa cell. The method includes one or more of the following steps: (i) modulating the concentration and/or activity of BMP-15 and/or BMP-6 that the granulosa cell is exposed to; (ii) modulating activity of a BMP-15 dependent signalling pathway in the granulosa cell; and (iii) modulating activity of a BMP-6 dependent signalling pathway in a granulosa cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing biologically active recombinant bFSH and methods of increasing reproduction in mammals, particularly bovine, using recombinant bFSH. Also provided are methods of producing single chain recombinant bFSH. The recombinant bFSH of the present invention increases superovulation, embryo development, and reproductive efficiency in cattle and other ungulates.

Abstract: A gonadotropin is administered within a surprisingly effective narrow range for the purpose of treating chronic pain or other central sensitization sequelae. In one aspect, a recipient is provided with at least one of human chorionic gonadotropin (uHCG and/or rHCG), a pharmaceutically active HCG analogue, and a pharmaceutically active metabolite of the HCG or analogue at a dosage selected to provide, or be equivalent to, a human subcutaneous dosage of between 120 IU/day and 170 IU/day of HCG, and more preferably between 140 IU/day and 160 IU/day of HCG. A kit is also described, which includes a supply of the HCG-related drug, a delivery device, and a label that identifies chronic pain or central sensitization as an indication of the drug.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, zona pellucida binding peptides and polypeptides, and expression vectors for use in species-specific immunocontraception of animals. The disclosed compositions may include immunogenic compositions or vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for the prevention of spontaneous abortion or implantation failure during assisted reproduction. The compositions, kits and methods provide an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor to prevent spontaneous abortion or implantation failure of an embryo. The present invention also provides compositions, kits and methods for the treatment or prevention of preeclampsia and preterm labor.

Abstract: Methods and kits for preventing or reducing the likelihood of implantation failure or miscarriage in a recipient of artificial insemination are provided. The methods include administering into a recipient of artificial insemination in need of such treatment an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF).

Abstract: Peptides are provided having leptin receptor agonist activity. The peptides are useful for treating obesity, insulin resistance, lipodystrophy and hypothalamic amenorrhea, anorexia-related infertility, among other diseases and conditions related to leptin deficiency and/or leptin resistance.

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.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to protein signalling. In particular, compounds that inhibit the Wnt protein signalling pathway are disclosed. Such compounds may be used in the treatment of Wnt protein signalling-related diseases and conditions such as cancer, degenerative diseases, type II diabetes and osteopetrosis.

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: The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disorders or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which is useful for elevating blood thyroid hormone levels in avian species (especially poultry species such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, quail, etc.) by implantation, injection, or supplementation of feed or water with thyroid hormones or thyroid-active substances (e.g., L-thyroxine, triiodothyronine, defatted and dessicated thyroid) to induce molting in order to extend egg production.

Abstract: The transdermal delivery system for treating infertility in a patient comprises an apparatus (10) for facilitating transdermal delivery of a drug (5a) through an area of the apparatus (10) comprises an ablator that is configured to generate a microporation in the area of the skin of the patient, and comprises a drug (5a), wherein the drug effects at least one of the biological regulation of at least one oocyte containing follicle, stimulation of follicle growth, induction of ovulation, promotion of gestational status, maintenance of conceptus, maintenance of pregnancy.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for decreasing FSH levels in a patient. The patient may, for example, be diagnosed with an FSH-related disorder or desire to delay or inhibit germ cell maturation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating, preventing, or diagnosing disorders related to reproduction in male mammals, preferably humans, are provided. The methods generally involve modulation of the OST-PTP signaling pathway or the PTP-IB signaling pathway involving gamma-carboxylase and osteocalcin. Disorders amenable to treatment by the methods include, but are not limited to, male infertility, low sperm count, impaired sperm motility, impaired sperm viability, low testosterone levels, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, underdevelopment of testes, and excess apoptosis in testes.

Abstract: Preparations including recombinant hCG (r hCG).

Abstract: Methods and kits for preventing or reducing the likelihood of implantation failure or spontaneous abortion in a recipient of FET, ICSI, GIFT or ZIFT are provided. The methods include administering into a recipient of FET, ICSI, GIFT or ZIFT in need of such treatment an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF).

Abstract: Antagonistic peptides of GnRH having improved water solubility are disclosed. These peptides are capable of suppressing serum testosterone levels in vivo to chemical castration levels of ?0.5 ng/ml. Stable, filter sterilizable, non-gelling solutions containing the GnRH antagonists at least at levels typically used in sustained release formulations also are disclosed, as is a method of increasing the solubility of GnRH antagonist in a polymer containing dispersed phase, which method comprises addition of an acid to the dispersed phase.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for treating or ameliorating the following disorders, in male, with help of prolactin are disclosed: a) erectile dysfunction (ED), also from aging, of pituitary/hypothalamic origin; b) premature ejaculation (PE), of pituitary/hypothalamic origin. Said methods, compositions and kits comprise prolactin, variants, analogs, agonists and functional fragments of prolactin, also in combination with conventional therapies and drugs (eg testosterone/androgens and/or gonadotropins).

Abstract: A gonadotropin is administered within a surprisingly effective narrow range for the purpose of treating chronic pain or other central sensitization sequelae. In one aspect, a recipient is provided with at least one of human chorionic gonadotropin (uHCG and/or rHCG), a pharmaceutically active HCG analogue, and a pharmaceutically active metabolite of the HCG or analogue at a dosage selected to provide, or be equivalent to, a human subcutaneous dosage of between 120 IU/day and 170 IU/day of HCG, and more preferably between 140 IU/day and 160 IU/day of HCG. A kit is also described, which includes a supply of the HCG-related drug, a delivery device, and a label that identifies chronic pain or central sensitization as an indication of the drug.

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: A formulation of a diluted amino acid segment is prepared by mixing an amino acid segment and a diluting agent to form a mixture. The mixture is serially diluted to produce a diluted formulation. The amino acid segment includes a peptide sequence that is the same as a portion of a longer peptide sequence found in a naturally occurring material. A homeopathic remedy can be prepared using the formulation.

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 peptides 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.

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: A therapeutic agent for ovulation disorder of the present invention is characterized in comprising Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; and that the ovulation disorder is caused by Luteinized Unruptured Follicle.