The present invention provides compositions and methods for identifying, monitoring, and/or treating tissue inflammation caused by diseases or injury. Inflammatory mediators from the Nourin family are provided as diagnostic markers to detect or monitor a disease or injury that results in inflammation. In addition, the Nourin family antagonist, Nourexin-4 is provided as a therapy to treat diseases or injury. Further, cyclocreatine is provided as an inhibitor of Nourin formation, which can be used as a therapy to treat injury and inflammation.
