The present invention identifies AKR1C1 as the first lipedema-associated gene. The invention provides methods for diagnosing or assessing an individual's susceptibility to lipedema by the analysis of the AKR1C1 gene or the expression levels of its product and related metabolites. Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating a patient or methods for prophylactically treating an individual susceptible to lipedema.

Methods and compositions containing a phorbol ester or a derivative of a phorbol ester are provided for the treatment of chronic and acute conditions. Such conditions may be caused by disease, be symptoms or sequelae of disease. Chronic and acute conditions may be due to viral infections such as HIV and AIDS, neoplastic diseases stroke, kidney disease, urinary incontinence, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson's disease, prostate hypertrophy, aging, or the treatment of such diseases. Additional compositions and methods are provided which employ a phorbol ester or derivative compound in combination with at least one additional agent to yield more effective treatment tools against acute and chronic conditions in mammalian subjects.

Methods and compositions containing a phorbol ester or a derivative of a phorbol ester are provided for the treatment of chronic and acute conditions. Such conditions may be caused by disease, be symptoms or sequelae of disease. Chronic and acute conditions may be due to viral infections such as HIV and AIDS, neoplastic diseases stroke, kidney disease, urinary incontinence, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson's disease, prostate hypertrophy, aging, or the treatment of such diseases. Additional compositions and methods are provided which employ a phorbol ester or derivative compound in combination with at least one additional agent to yield more effective treatment tools against acute and chronic conditions in mammalian subjects.

An article of manufacture according to the present invention comprises a composition including a glycosaminoglycan, a local anesthetic, and a buffer packaged in a syringe or vial constructed from either glass or a plastic selected from the group consisting of cyclic olefin polymer, cyclic olefin copolymer, or high density non-nucleated polypropylene. The composition has unexpectedly improved stability on storage. The composition can be formulated for treatment of a urinary tract disease or condition, such as interstitial cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome or hypersensitive bladder syndrome.

An article of manufacture according to the present invention comprises a composition including a glycosaminoglycan, a local anesthetic, and a buffer packaged in a syringe or vial constructed from either glass or a plastic selected from the group consisting of cyclic olefin polymer, cyclic olefin copolymer, or high density non-nucleated polypropylene. The composition has unexpectedly improved stability on storage. The composition can be formulated for treatment of a urinary tract disease or condition, such as interstitial cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome or hypersensitive bladder syndrome.

This disclosure relates to compositions and methods for recruiting brown adipocytes in vitro and in vivo from brown adipocyte progenitor cells found in human skeletal muscle. Methods for treating metabolic disease are also provided. Additionally, methods for treating hypothermia are provided. In some embodiments, the brown adipocyte recruiter is a human protein or peptide. In other embodiments the brown adipocyte recruiter may be a non-human protein or peptide. In still other embodiments, the brown adipocyte recruiter is a small molecule or natural product.

The present invention relates to a method of reducing or preventing the symptoms associated with the intake of alcohol. The method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition prior to alcohol intake. The pharmaceutical composition comprises a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a H.sub.1-antihistamine.

The present invention relates to a method of reducing or preventing the symptoms associated with the intake of alcohol. The method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition prior to alcohol intake. The pharmaceutical composition comprises a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a H.sub.1-antihistamine.

The present invention relates to a method of reducing or preventing the symptoms associated with the intake of alcohol. The method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition prior to alcohol intake. The pharmaceutical composition comprises a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a H.sub.1-antihistamine.

The present invention relates to a method of reducing or preventing the symptoms associated with the intake of alcohol. The method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition prior to alcohol intake. The pharmaceutical composition comprises a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a H.sub.1-antihistamine.