Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to agents that mimic calorie restriction (CR) to extend life span, especially agents that lower the level of cytosolic NADH and increase the level of cytosolic NAD+ (relative to NADH) required to mimic calorie restriction that results in life span extension, at least in part by inhibition by NADH of SIR2, which is a key regulator of life span in both yeast and animals. NADH is a competitive inhibitor of SIR2, an NAD-requiring NAD-dependent histone deacetylase required for chromatin silencing and life-span extension. An overall reduction in NADH activates SIR2 and extends life span. The use of fluorescence measurements of NADH levels in a 96-well plate assay utilizing Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as a model to screen for agents and supplements that lower NADH levels is disclosed herein. A caloric restriction mimetic contains 1 part Mg2+ malate, 1 part turmeric and 98 parts dehydrated potato skins.

Abstract: Provided is an age-related apolipoprotein B oxidase (apoBNOX) found tightly associated with the low-density lipoprotein particles and believed to be responsible for oxidizing lipoprotein particles and initiating atherogenesis. It causes damage by directly oxidizing the apolipoprotein B protein and indirectly oxidizing the lipids in the particles due to superoxide formation by the apoBNOX and its conversion into hydrogen peroxide. apoBNOX activity is inhibited by tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol and components of white wine, important components of French and Mediterranean diets, which seem to be a very good source of inhibitors of the apolipoprotein B oxidase. Agents comprising at least one naturally-occurring apoBNOX inhibitor and compositions lessen, ameliorate or treat disorders and complications resulting from cell damage caused by oxidation of apolipoprotein B.

Abstract: All neoplastic cells express one or more members of a unique family of cell surface ubiquinone (NADH) oxidase proteins with protein disulfide-thiol interchange activity (ECTO-NOX proteins) that are characteristically inhibited by quinone site inhibitors with anti-cancer activity. Cancers of different cellular or tissue origins express different tNOX cancer isoforms or combinations of isoforms and shed these proteins into the circulation. Herein are disclosed methods both for cancer detection and diagnosis of particular origin, based on the patterns and molecular weights of the isoforms which allow the identification of the cell type and or tissue of origin of the neoplasm. Relative tNOX amounts are proportional to tumor burden and provide a reliable measure of response to therapy and disease progression.

Abstract: The present Specification describes compositions and methods for production of a recombinant single chain variable region (ScFv) antibody useful for the detection of members of the ECTO-NOX family of cell surface proteins on Western blots. This single chain antibody is especially useful in the detection, diagnosis and monitoring of neoplastic disorders. A linker sequence required to appropriately combine the light and heavy chain variable region fragments to form the functional recombinant single chain antibodies is also provided. The resultant ScFv is a pan ECTO-NOX antibody for detection on Western blots of most if not all tNOX isoforms.