The subject invention provides compositions and methods for treating human dermatological conditions by employing a microbiome-centered treatment approach. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and the methods of using the same, comprising a strain of Lactobacillus fermentum bacterium, or bioactive extracts thereof, derived from human microbiota and capable of growing in biofilm phenotype.

Provided is a screening method for a laminin 511 expression promoter, which takes the expression of laminin 511 as an indicator. Also provided is an agent for improving skin barrier function, elasticity, hydration and inflammation. This agent includes at least one extract selected from among a group consisting of brown algae, red algae and green algae.

Provided is a screening method for a laminin 511 expression promoter, which takes the expression of laminin 511 as an indicator. Also provided is an agent for improving skin barrier function, elasticity, hydration and inflammation. This agent includes at least one extract selected from among a group consisting of brown algae, red algae and green algae.

The present invention relates to pre-formulations comprising low viscosity, non-liquid crystalline, mixtures of: a) at least one neutral diacyl lipid and/or at least one tocopherol; b) at least one phospholipid; c) at least one biocompatible, oxygen containing, low viscosity organic solvent;
wherein at least one bioactive agent is dissolved or dispersed in the low viscosity mixture and wherein the pre-formulation forms, or is capable of forming, at least one liquid crystalline phase structure upon contact with an aqueous fluid. The preformulations are suitable for generating parenteral, non-parenteral and topical depot compositions for sustained release of active agents. The invention additionally relates to a method of delivery of an active agent comprising administration of a preformulation of the invention, a method of treatment comprising administration of a preformulation of the invention and the use of a preformulation of the invention in a method for the manufacture of a medicament.

In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a method for diagnosing fibrosis and/or fibrosis related diseases and to a method for screening a pharmaceutically active compound for the treatment of fibrosis and/or fibrosis related diseases. The present invention further relates to compositions for use in the treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of fibrosis. In certain embodiments, the compositions modulate the activity of a miRNA for the treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of fibrosis. In certain embodiments, the compositions inhibit the activity of miR-21 for the treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of fibrosis.

A compound of the following general formula [I]:

##STR00001##

wherein each symbol has the same meaning as defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a solvate thereof, and a pharmaceutical use of the same in treating organ transplant rejection, graft versus host reaction after transplantation, autoimmune disease, allergic disease and chronic myeloproliferative disease.

The present invention relates to methods of treating immune disorders and/or inflammation using certain modulator compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating an immune and inflammatory disorders disorder by administering a composition comprising a therapeutically effective dosage of an ascaroside compound, or a mixture of ascaroside compounds, or a mixture containing at least one ascaroside.

The present invention discloses compounds according to Formula I:

##STR00001##

Wherein R.sup.1a, R.sup.1b, R.sup.2, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6a, R.sup.6b, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, W, X, Cy, and the subscript a are as defined herein.

The present invention relates to compounds inhibiting autotaxin (NPP2 or ENPP2), methods for their production, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and methods of treatment using the same, for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases involving fibrotic diseases, proliferative diseases, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, dermatological disorders, and/or abnormal angiogenesis associated diseases by administering the compound of the invention.

Compositions and methods for inhibiting and interrupting biofilm formation, and for destabilizing established biofilms are provided, the novel compositions including polymeric resins and monomeric non-polymerizable and polymerizable resins. More particularly, the compositions and methods enable the protection and removal of biofilms from surfaces in the context of medical, consumer, domestic, food service, environmental and industrial applications, where the effects constitute beneficial and desirable biofilm attenuating activity.

The present invention is directed to methods for detecting a melanoma, methods for determining whether a melanoma is stable or progressive, methods for evaluating the extent of surgery resection in a subject having a melanoma, and methods for determining a response by a subject having a melanoma to a therapy.