Wake Forest University

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Carlos M Ferrario

Joel L Berry

Patricia Gallagher

Richard H Dean

Virginia S Newman

E Ann Tallant

Sarfaraz Ahmad

Jasmina Varagic

Robson A Santos

Kay B Brosnihan

The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies to angiotensin-(1-12) as well as compositions comprising the same and methods of using the same.

Monoclonal antibodies to angiotensin-(1-12), compositions including the same, and methods of use thereof

The present invention describes the use of angiotensin-(1-7) peptide as an anti-cancer therapeutic. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention comprises a composition to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in an individual comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of an agonist for the angiotensin-(1-7) receptor to inhibit cancer cell growth or proliferation. Application of a pharmaceutically effective amount of angiotensin-(1-7) or angiotensin-(1-7) receptor agonist is associated with an increase in the expression of genes involved in tumor suppression, apoptosis, and/or cell cycle inhibition, and a decrease the expression of known oncogenes, protein kinases, and/or cell cycle progression genes. Cancers treated using the methods and compositions described herein include cancers having an angiotensin-(1-7) receptor, including, but not limited to, breast and lung cancer.

Angiotensin-(1-7) and angiotensin-(1-7) agonists for inhibition of cancer cell growth

An expandable, intraluminal stent is provided which can be inserted into a body passage, and is capable of supporting an intact vascular graft. The stent is a thin-walled, generally tubular member having a plurality of rigid support tabs spaced uniformly around the perimeter of the two ends of the stent. A plurality of spacer bars span longitudinally between the rigid support tabs at one end of the stent and corresponding rigid support tabs at the other end. The spacer bars serve as struts to prevent longitudinal expansion or contraction of the stent so that the length of the stent is maintained. Plastically deformable connecting links interconnect adjacent rigid support tabs around each end of the stent to enable the stent to be expanded to an enlarged diameter. The stent can be expanded with a delivery system which applies a radially, outwardly extending force from the exterior of the stent. Alternatively, the stent can be expanded using an angioplasty balloon.

Expandable intraluminal stents

Expandable, intraluminal stents

The present invention is directed to a process for treating hypertension in mammals through the administration of an effective amount of a Z-Pro-prolinal (ZPP) composition. In addition, the present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition for treating hypertension in mammals comprised of an active ingredient, Z-Pro-prolinal (ZPP). It has recently been discovered that Z-Pro-prolinal (ZPP) is a useful inhibitor to the biosynthetic formation of Ang(1-7), a previously unknown biologically active hypertensive agent in the reninangiotensin system (RAS). By administering an effective amount of Z-Pro-prolinal (ZPP), Ang-(1-7) formation may be reduced, resulting in a significant decrease in blood pressure without notable changes in heart rate and other circulatory functions.

Process and composition for treating hypertension

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Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America

Carlos M Ferrario