Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method and means of producing itaconic acid based on the use of the mammalian Immune response gene 1 (Irg1) and variants to express an enzyme which converts cis-aconitic acid to itaconic acid. The method includes cultivation a host cell comprising the Igr1 gene or variants thereof and obtaining itaconic acid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to in vitro methods to predict the presence of inflammation, gene IRG1 or protein encoded by IRG1 in a subject by determining presence of itaconic acid in a biological sample isolated from the subject. The invention is also directed to methods to predict the ability of a subject to produce itaconic acid under inflammation by determining the presence IRG1 in a biological sample. The invention is also related to pharmaceutical composition to initiate production of itaconic acid in a subject for preventing or treating inflammation, or bacterial infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of general formula (I) below in which R1, R2 and R3 represent, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group or a (C1-C6 alkyl)carbonyl group, R4, R5, R6 and R7 represent a hydrogen or a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C1-C6 alkoxy group or a (C1-C6 alkyl)carbonyloxy group, and n is an integer between 8 and 20, or its pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, isomers, enantiomers and diastereoisomers, and also mixtures thereof. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and to the use thereof as a neurotrophic agent.