Abstract: Vascular function and structure is maintained or improved by long term administration of physiologically acceptable compounds, namely L-arginine, L-lysine, physiologically acceptable salts thereof, and polypeptide precursors thereof, which enhance the level of endogenous nitric oxide or other intermediates in the NO induced relaxation pathway in the host. In or in combination, other compounds, such as B.sub.6, folate, B.sub.12, or an antioxidant, which provide for short term enhancement of nitric oxide, either directly or by physiological processes may be employed.

Abstract: A yeast expression system is provided for expressing novel protein sweeteners. The construct provides for secretion of the protein sweeters into a form which can be readily purified and isolated, providing an active product.

Abstract: The invention provides a human prostate-specific transcriptional regulatory sequence, polynucleotides comprising such regulatory regions, toxin gene constructs wherein a toxin gene is expressed under the transcriptional control of a human prostate-specific transcriptional regulatory sequence, and methods for treating prostate disease using such toxin gene contructs.

Abstract: Intraocular administration of drugs such as .alpha.-2a interferon is employed in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Intraocular administration obviates the side effects associated with systemic administration, concentrates the drug at the site of the disease, and, where microcapsules are employed, provides continuous, long-lasting treatment.

Abstract: Patients suffering from a pathological condition resulting in reduced intracellular cysteine levels are treated with a cysteine source capable of being transported to the cellular cytoplasm. Particularly, N-acetyl cysteine is employed in the treatment of AIDS patients.