Disclosed are methods of inducing differentiation of stem into myogenic cells without gene manipulation and for inducing proliferation of satellite cells. The cells can be used as a source of cells for transplantation in a subject in need thereof. Also disclosed is a screening assay for screening test compounds using blastomere cultures.

The present invention provides a therapeutic device that comprises of mixture of cells secreting combination of therapeutic proteins, where cells producing therapeutic proteins are sealed in container which enables the exchange of nutrient and therapeutic proteins. The cells inside the therapeutic device produce and secrete certain amounts of therapeutic proteins. Cells are prepared by introducing genes encoding therapeutic proteins under the control of a constitutive or inducible promoter. The combination and concentration of therapeutic proteins is defined by the ratio of cells secreting different therapeutic proteins and/or by the gene expression ratio of the therapeutic proteins in the cells incorporated into the semi-permeable container. The therapeutic device can be used for treatments of various diseases and injuries for instance enhancement of wound healing and angiogenesis.

A novel NF-κB-inhibitor peptide is a component in a skin care composition comprising the NF-κB-inhibitor and a dermatologically acceptable carrier. The composition may also include at least one additional skin care active. Additionally, the composition may include a peptide that acts as a TGF-β1 mimic. Means for treating mature, languished skin with compositions comprising the peptide are also provided.

Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for enhancing targeting of therapeutic compounds to, inter alia, the CNS applied via intranasal administration while reducing non-target exposure are provided. In certain embodiments, at least one vasoconstrictor is provided intranasally prior to intranasal administration of at least one therapeutic compound. In other embodiments, the vasoconstrictor(s) and therapeutic compound(s) are combined in a pharmaceutical composition and delivered intranasally. The present invention substantially increases targeting of the therapeutic compound(s) to, inter alia, the CNS while substantially reducing unwanted and potentially harmful systemic exposure. The preferred administration of the invention applies the vasoconstrictor(s) and/or therapeutic compound(s) to the upper third of the nasal cavity, though application to the lower two-thirds of the nasal cavity is also within the scope of the invention.

Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for enhancing targeting of therapeutic compounds to, inter alia, the CNS applied via intranasal administration while reducing non-target exposure are provided. In certain embodiments, at least one vasoconstrictor is provided intranasally prior to intranasal administration of at least one therapeutic compound. In other embodiments, the vasoconstrictor(s) and therapeutic compound(s) are combined in a pharmaceutical composition and delivered intranasally. The present invention substantially increases targeting of the therapeutic compound(s) to, inter alia, the CNS while substantially reducing unwanted and potentially harmful systemic exposure. The preferred administration of the invention applies the vasoconstrictor(s) and/or therapeutic compound(s) to the upper third of the nasal cavity, though application to the lower two-thirds of the nasal cavity is also within the scope of the invention.

A problem of the present invention is to provide a skin collagen production-promoting agent without safety problems. Another problem of the present invention is to provide a skin collagen production-promoting food or drink product and a skin collagen production-promoting cosmetic product containing such a substance. TGF-β and/or a TGF-β degradation product, which is acquired by degrading TGF-β with a protease such as pepsin, pancreatin, etc., are used as a skin collagen production-promoting agent or the active ingredient of a skin collagen production-promoting food or drink product and a skin collagen production-promoting cosmetic product. The aforementioned TGF-β and/or TGF-β degradation product have an effect of increasing the collagen content of the skin.

The present invention relates to a formulation in which glycolipids and phospholipids, isolated from rice bran gum samples, were used in conjunction with gene carrying lipids to test its efficacy in delivering genes to cancer cells selectively. This formulation did not mediate efficient delivery of genes to non-cancerous cells, thus, showing potential use of this formulation to deliver anticancer therapeutics to cancer cells without eliciting treatment related toxicity to normal cells.

The present invention contemplates induction of immunological tolerance thereby providing permanent allograft acceptance. This method obviates the need for a lifelong regimen of immunosuppressive agents which can increase the risk of infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Immunological tolerance is thought to be mediated by regulatory T lymphocytes (T.sub.reg cells) with immunosuppressive capabilities. A therapeutically relevant platform comprising artificial constructs are contemplated comprising numerous soluble and surface bound T.sub.reg cell stimulating factors that may induce tolerance following allograft transplantation. Such artificial constructs, being the size of a cell, have surface bound monoclonal antibodies specific to regulatory T-cell surface moieties and encapsulated soluble regulatory T-cell modulating factors.

The present invention contemplates induction of immunological tolerance thereby providing permanent allograft acceptance. This method obviates the need for a lifelong regimen of immunosuppressive agents which can increase the risk of infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Immunological tolerance is thought to be mediated by regulatory T lymphocytes (T.sub.reg cells) with immunosuppressive capabilities. A therapeutically relevant platform comprising artificial constructs are contemplated comprising numerous soluble and surface bound T.sub.reg cell stimulating factors that may induce tolerance following allograft transplantation. Such artificial constructs, being the size of a cell, have surface bound monoclonal antibodies specific to regulatory T-cell surface moieties and encapsulated soluble regulatory T-cell modulating factors.

The present disclosure provides a composition comprising a bioactive fraction derived from a platelet concentrate, methods of making the bioactive fraction, and culture medium supplemented with the bioactive fraction. Preferred bioactive fractions have relatively low fibrinogen concentrations while retaining native growth factors in beneficial amounts and ratios.