Abstract: Compounds containing two aromatic systems covalently linked through a linker containing one or more atoms, or "linker" defined as including a covalent bond per se so as to space the aromatic systems at a distance 1.5-15.ANG., are effective in treating conditions associated with bone deficits. The compounds can be administered to vertebrate subjects alone or in combination with additional agents that promote bone growth or that inhibit bone resorption. They can be screened for activity prior to administration by assessing their ability to effect the transcription of a reporter gene coupled to a promoter associated with a bone morphogenetic protein and/or their ability to stimulate calvarial growth in model animal systems.

Abstract: Compounds containing two aromatic systems covalently linked through a linker containing one or more atoms, or "linker" defined as including a covalent bond per se so as to space the aromatic systems at a distance 1.5-15 .ANG., are effective in treating conditions associated with bone deficits. The compounds can be administered to vertebrate subjects alone or in combination with additional agents that promote bone growth or that inhibit bone resorption. They can be screened for activity prior to administration by assessing their ability to effect the transcription of a reporter gene coupled to a promoter associated with a bone morphogenetic protein and/or their ability to stimulate calvarial growth in model animal systems.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## or of the formula ##STR2## or the amides, esters or salts thereof, wherein: S.sup.x is S.dbd.O, O.dbd.S.dbd.O, S.dbd.NH, HN.dbd.S.dbd.O, Se.dbd.O, O.dbd.Se.dbd.O, Se.dbd.NH, HN.dbd.Se.dbd.O, S.sup.+ R.sup.3 wherein R.sup.3 is alkyl (1-6C) or O--C.dbd.O or HN--C.dbd.O;each R of R.sup.1, and R.sup.2 is independently H or a noninterfering substituent;wherein (conj) represents a conjugated system capable of transmitting electrons;n is 0 or 1;YCO is selected from the group consisting of .gamma.-Glu, .gamma.-Glu-Gly, Glu, Glu-Gly, .beta.Asp, .beta.-Asp-Gly, Asp and Asp-Gly;AA.sub.C is an amino acid linked through a peptide bond to the remainder of said compound of Formula 1; andN(Z) represents a reduced nitrogen-containing leaving group and L represents an electron-withdrawing leaving group,are useful as prodrugs and to generate active components released by the activity of glutathione S-transferase.

Abstract: Invented are methods of inhibiting the production of cytokines, particularly inhibiting the production of interleukin-1 and inhibiting the production of tumor necrosis factor in a mammal in need thereof which comprises administering to such mammal an effective amount of an azaspirane derivative.

Abstract: Inhibitors of the Maillard reaction are useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of amyloidosis-based disease, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Particular examples include aminoguanidine and amphotericin B.