Abstract: The in vivo oxidation of lipids and lipid-containing molecules has been discovered to be initiated by the concurrent reaction of such lipid materials with reducing sugars such as glucose, advanced glycosylation endproducts such as AGE-peptides, or a compound which forms advanced glycosylation endproducts, to form materials or particles known as AGE-lipids. AGE-lipids have been implicated in the aging process, the abnormal formation of lipofuscin and in various disease states such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Methods of treating stroke, and especially inhibiting the infarct size of stroke, using agents which inhibit the formation of AGE-lipids are disclosed. Additionally, a method of screening for neuroprotective agents which can be used to reduce the size and severity of the infarct size is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compounds that block the movement of viral particles through the nuclear membrane and thereby prevent the productive infection of terminally differentiated cells by virus the life cycle of which includes such an importation step. The invention encompasses methods of use of such compounds. The use of the compounds to detect certain specific protein structures which are present in nuclear localization sequences is also taught.

Abstract: The present invention relates to advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGEs), and particularly to novel cyclopentenone aminoreductones, 3-alkylamino-2-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-2-cyclopenten-1-ones. Such AGEs can be used in various diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting and reversing nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises a thiazolium compound capable of inhibiting, and to some extent reversing, the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated. A novel immunoassay for detection of the reversal of the nonenzymatic crosslinking is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a population of blood borne mammalian cells that express a unique profile of surface markers that includes certain markers typical of connective tissue fibroblasts, and are referred to herein as "blood-borne mesenchymal cells." In particular, it relates to the isolation, characterization and uses of such blood-borne mesenchymal cells. The cells of the present invention can be distinguished from peripheral blood leukocytes by their distinct size, morphology, cell surface phenotype and biologic activities, and are likewise distinguishable from connective tissue fibroblasts by other surface phenotypic markers. These cells proliferate in culture, and in vivo, as demonstrated in animal models, are capable of migrating into wound sites from the blood.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compounds that block the movement of viral particles through the nuclear membrane and thereby prevent the productive infection of terminally differentiated cells by virus the life cycle of which includes such an importation step. The invention encompasses methods of use of such compounds. The use of the compounds to detect certain specific protein structures which are present in nuclear localization sequences is also taught.

Abstract: This invention concerns new methods and compositions that are useful in preventing and ameliorating cachexia, the clinical syndrome of poor nutritional status and bodily wasting associated with cancer and other chronic diseases. More particularly, the invention relates to aromatic guanylhydrazone (more properly termed amidinohydrazone) compositions and their use to inhibit the uptake of arginine by macrophages and/or its conversion to urea. These compositions and methods are also useful in preventing the generation of nitric oxide (NO) by cells, and so to prevent NO-mediated inflammation and other responses in persons in need of same. In another embodiment, the compounds can be used to inhibit arginine uptake in arginine-dependent tumors and infections.

Abstract: A compound according to the formula: ##STR1## wherein A=CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 and ##STR2## wherein X=NH.sub.2, CH.sub.2 or CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ; X'=CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ; Y=NH.sub.2, NHCH.sub.3, N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 ; and Z=H, CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ; or ##STR3## wherein Y' and Z', indepedently, = H, NH.sub.2, NHCH.sub.3, N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 or N.sup.+ (CH.sub.3).sub.3 ; and salts thereof.