Abstract: A method of preventing or inhibiting L-cystine crystallization using the compounds of formula I is disclosed. wherein A, L, R1a, R1b, and m are as described herein. The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are causally related to L-cystine crystallization, such as comprising (but not limited to) kidney stones.

Abstract: A method of preventing or inhibiting L-cystine crystallization using the compounds of formula I is disclosed. R1a—O-(-A-L-)m-A-O—R1b??I, wherein A, L, R1a, R1b, and m are as described herein. The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are causally related to L-cystine crystallization, such as comprising (but not limited to) kidney stones.

Abstract: Conditions such as kidney stones, which are characterized by undesired absorption of oxalate from the intestinal tract are conveniently treated using nontoxic salts of rare earth metal ions.

Abstract: Provided in a phosphate ion adsorbent containing a weakly basic anion exchange resin as an active ingredient which aims at providing preventives and/or remedies for hyperphosphatemia having a high selectivity for the adsorption of phosphate ion and showing an effect of lowering blood phosphorus level and another effect of suppressing phosphorus excretion into the urine.

Abstract: Methods of controlling calcium intake and phosphate metabolism and metabolic acidosis in patients suffering from renal failure and associated hyperphosphatemia or patients predisposed to development of a hyperphosphatemic condition are provided. The method in accordance with this invention comprises administering to a patient a calcium glutarate compound. Therapeutic benefit can be realized in accordance with such method by administering the compound orally to a patient to increase available calcium and contact and bind with ingested phosphate in the patient's digestive tract, and thereby prevent its intestinal absorption.

Abstract: Methods and devices for at least reducing the mass of, if not dissolving, renal calculi in situ are provided. In the subject methods, a renal calculus is contacted, e.g. flushed, with an acidic dissolution solution in situ, where the acidic dissolution solution is a solution of a strong, inorganic acid, e.g. hydrochloric acid. In many embodiments, the renal calculus is first enclosed in an isolated local environment of a device prior contact with the dissolution solution. Also provided are novel devices and kits for practicing the subject invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of (−) (3-trihalomethylphenoxy) (4-halophenyl) acetic acid derivatives and compositions in the treatment of insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia.

Abstract: Oxalate-degrading enzymes and bacteria were encapsulated for both enteric and intraperitoneal administration. We have shown that via alginate microencapsulation of Oxalobacter formigenes, enzymatic activity was retained for several months. A new process was developed which strengthened the alginate microcapsules and their tolerance to citrate treatment. Much smaller (30-50 &mgr;m) alginate microcapsules were made for injection as means of implantation. For oral administration, multi-encapsulated microspheres of cellulose acetate phthalate in poly-2-vinylpyridine (pKa=3.5) were prepared to protect the enzymes from gastric juices.

Abstract: Oxalate-degrading enzymes and bacteria were encapsulated for both enteric and intraperitoneal administration. We have shown that via alginate microencapsulation of Oxalobacter formigenes, enzymatic activity was retained for several months. A new process was developed which strengthened the aliginate microcapsules and their tolerance to citrate treatment. Much smaller (30-50 .mu.m) aliginate microcapsules were made for injection as means of impantation. For oral administration, multi-encapsulated microspheres of cellulose acetate phthalate in poly-2-vinylpyridine (pKa=3.5) were prepared to protect the enzymes from gastric juices.

Abstract: A method of treating interstitial cystitis comprising contacting the transitional epithelium lining the urinary bladder and associated structures in a mammal having interstitial cystitis with a solution containing hyaluronic acid having a average molecular weight of not less than 2.times.10.sup.5 Daltons in a concentration effective to treat the interstitial cystitis.

Abstract: Dicitrate cyclic diester (dicitrate) is a novel compound which is found in patients who do not exhibit symptoms or predisposition to idiopathic renal calculous disease. Kits are provided for the detection of dicitrate cyclic diester.

Abstract: A method of treating interstitial cystitis comprising contacting the internal bladder and associated structures in a mammal having interstitial cystitis with a solution containing hyaluronic acid having a molecular weight of not less than approximately 2.times.10.sup.5 Daltons in a concentration effective to treat the interstitial cystitis.

Abstract: The present invention provides metal ion/bisphosphonate complexes that are useful for the treatment and diagnosis of urinary calculi. Preferred bisphosphonates include etidronate, pamidronate (APD), methylene diphosphonate (MDP), and imidodiphosphonate (IDP). The metal ion is preferably a quadrivalent metal ion such as Sn.sup.+4.

Abstract: An aspartic acid rich protein isolated from human urine, as well as proteins having substantial homology thereto and active portions of the foregoing are effective modulators of mineralization in mammals. These proteins and peptides are useful as therapeutic agents, such as in the treatment of kidney stone disease. Hybridoma cell lines capable of producing monoclonal antibodies to these proteins and peptides and monoclonal antibodies produced by these hybridomas are disclosed. These monoclonal antibodies are also useful as therapeutic agents, such as in the treatment of osteoporosis, and further have utility as diagnostic agents. Other uses are also described.

Abstract: A method for treatment of cystinuria which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of bucillamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: Dietetic formulations for oral use are described, made up of tablets formed from dense granules of mixtures of keto- or hydroxy-amino acid analogs, possibly coated by protective films, which are dissolved in the gastrointestinal juices. The process for obtaining dense granules includes a coordinated increase in pressure being maintained for a substantial period of time and subsequent tableting and possible coating by immersion or spraying of the granular material.

Abstract: An extract for the treatment of calcium oxalate kidney stone disease which can be extracted and purified from leaves of the plant Eriobotrya japonica is disclosed. The extract has the following characteristics: inhibits calcium oxalate crystal growth in vitro, inhibits renal calcium oxalate crystal deposition in rats which are fed ethylene glycol, causes rats which are fed ethylene glycol and said extract to excrete less oxalate in their urine as compared to rats which are fed ethylene glycol without said extract, shows little or no loss in activity when exposed to an aqueous solution of pH 1.5 for 14 hours, shows increased activity when exposed to an aqueous solution of pH 12.7 for 15 hours, is polyanionic, is stable when heated in an aqueous solution (at pH of extract) at 98.degree. C. for 3 hours, water-soluble, insoluble in heptane, hexane, chloroform/methanol mix, diethyl ether, and ethanol/aqueous mix, binds to DEAE-A-25 Sephadex at pH 8.6 and is eluted from the DEAE-A-25 Sephadex with 2 M NaCl.

Abstract: A method of reducing serum uric acid and/or increasing renal clearance of uric acid in a mammal in need thereof comprising administering to such mammal a uricosuric effective amount of a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, a thromboxane receptor antagonist, or both in a combined uricosuric effective amount is disclosed. Compositions having one or more of the foregoing in combination with one or more known uricosurics are also set forth.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for the treatment and prophylaxis of calcium renal stones in persons with hypocitraturia or undergoing allopurinol therapy are disclosed. The methods involve administering potassium citrate compositions to persons afflicted with or susceptible to calcium renal stone formations. A typical dosage scheme involves administering about 30 to 120 meq potassium citrate per day in divided doses. Such treatments are effective in dissolving existing calcium stones and preventing formation of new calcium stones. Moreover, the results of a comparative clinical assay indicate the potassium citrate is superior to sodium citrate in the treatment of uric acid lithiasis. Potassium citrate therapy averts calcium renal stone formation, a complication which is often associated with sodium citrate or sodium bicarbonate alkalinization therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preventing and/or treating gout and hyperuricemia which comprises administering a uricosuric effective amount of a quinazoline derivative of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each is a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a human being in need thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for the treatment and prophylaxis of calcium renal stones are disclosed. The methods involve administering potassium citrate compositions to persons afflicted with or susceptible to calcium renal stone formations. A typical dosage scheme involves administering about 30 to 120 meq potassium citrate per day in divided doses. Such treatments are effective in dissolving existing calcium stones and preventing formation of new calcium stones. Moreover, the results of a comparative clinical assay indicate the potassium citrate is superior to sodium citrate in the treatment of uric acid lithiasis. Potassium citrate therapy averts calcium renal stone formation, a complication which is often associated with sodium citrate or sodium bicarbonate alkalinization therapy.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method in the treatment of hypercalcitriolemic disease states which comprises administering an effective amount of 25S,26-dihydroxycholecalciferol to a host in need of such treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for inhibiting the formation of urinary calculus by the administration of 24,25-dihydroxycholecarciferol.

Abstract: Amino acid chelates having a ligand to divalent metal mole ratio of at least 2:1 and having a molecular weight of not more than 1500 and preferably not more than 1000 and also having a stability constant of between about 10 and 10 are formulated for delivery to one or more specific tissue sites within a mammal. The ligand utilized in formulating the amino acid chelate is a naturally occuring amino acid or a dipeptide, tripeptide or quadrapeptide thereof. The selection of an appropriate ligand with which to form the chelate provides a product that, when entering the bloodstream of the mammal, either by mean of oral ingestion or injection, has a propensity to migrate to one or more targeted tissue sites within the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a composition of matter consisting essentially of citric acid and one or more calcium compounds selected from the group consisting of calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate and calcium oxide. The composition of matter is preferably a substantially dry mixture which may be used, for example, as a powder for making an "instant" beverage of potable liquid. A preferred calcium compound/citric acid molar ratio in the composition of matter of the present invention is between about 0.6 and about 1.5.In a most preferred embodiment, the composition of matter of the present invention consists essentially of calcium hydroxide and citric acid having a calcium compound/citric acid or calcium hydroxide/citric acid molar ratio of about 1.25.The composition of matter of the present invention has a utility demostrated by dissolution in water to form a liquid dietary calcium supplement comprising soluble calcium citrate.

Abstract: A method of treating nephro-urological disorders, such as kidney stones, phosphate renal calculi formulation, infections connected with urease formation, and abnormal calcium or phosphate excretion is disclosed. The method comprises administration of L-cysteine, or its acid addition salts, in effective amounts to patients suffering from said disorders. In addition, compositions containing the effective compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved composition for dissolution of renal calculi is disclosed. The composition includes citric acid, preferably at about 10 to about 15% by weight, and an effective amount of a pharmacologically acceptable chelating agent such as EDTA in a sterile aqueous solution having a pH between about 3 and about 4.5. In vivo irrigation with the improved formulation, optionally in combination with incident ultrasound therapy promotes rapid stone dissolution with minimal complications for the patient.

Abstract: A calcium citrate composition having a bulk density greater than about 1.1 g/cc. Citric acid and a calcium compound are mixed to produce a mixture having a calcium compound/citric acid molar ratio of about 1.5. A hydrated mixture percent is produced by agitatively adding water to the mixture, although when desired the calcium compound, citric acid and water mayBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA portion of the development of the present invention was supported by Grant No. P01-AM 20543 from the United States Government, National Institutes of Health.

Abstract: Urinary calculi commonly known as kidney stones are eliminated by the oral administration of triglycine or other suitable chelating agent in amounts appropriate to either the solubilization of preformed urinary calculi and/or to the prevention of the precipitation of alkaline earth compounds in the urinary tract, which comprise an estimated 85% of such calculi.

Abstract: A process for dietary calcium supplementation. Oral dosage of a composition comprising calcium citrate is utilized to provide an efficiently absorbable chemical form of calcium, while raising urinary level of citrate. Because of improved absorption of calcium, osteoporosis development is precluded. Since citrate retards precipitation of stone-forming calcium stones, the risk of calcium nephrolithiasis (resulting from calcium supplementation) is reduced.