Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a fluorescent nucleic acid probe that can be cleaved by enzymatic and non-enzymatic means, and methods of using the same. Advantageously, the nucleic acid probe may be used to detect and quantify nucleic acid cleavage in vitro, in situ, ex vivo, and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for cytoprotection. In particular, it provides zinc chelate compositions comprising at least one zinc ion and at least one aminothiol ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a fluorescent nucleic acid probe that can be cleaved by enzymatic and non-enzymatic means, and methods of using the same. Advantageously, the nucleic acid probe may be used to detect and quantify nucleic acid cleavage in vitro, in situ, ex vivo, and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for cytoprotection. In particular, it provides zinc chelate compositions comprising at least one zinc ion and at least one aminothiol ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining whether an individual is at risk for atherosclerosis, comprising the step of measuring the level of cLDL and/or autoantibody to cLDL in a sample obtained from this individual. The invention further discloses a method of reducing carbamylation in an individual with a monomeric amino acid or other enzymatic or non-enzymatic inhibitors of carbamylation. The instant invention also provides a method to decrease the level of cLDL by direct elimination of cLDL from the blood or plasma of an individual. The invention also provides a method of treating or preventing atherosclerosis in an individual by inhibiting aggregation and/or deposition of cLDL in the individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for cytoprotection. In particular, it provides zinc chelate compositions comprising at least one zinc ion and at least one aminothiol ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining whether an individual is at risk for atherosclerosis, comprising the step of: measuring the level of carbamylated LDL in a sample obtained from said individual. Further provided is a method of reducing carbamylation in an individual in need of such reducing, comprising the step of: treating said individual with a monomeric amino acid or another enzymatic or non-enzymatic inhibitor of carbamylation. Also provided is a method of preventing carbamylation in an individual with normal renal function, comprising the step of: treating said individual with a monomeric amino acid. Further provided is a method of treating or preventing atherosclerosis in an individual in need of such reducing, comprising the step of: inhibiting aggregation and/or deposition of carbamylated LDL in said individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining whether an individual is at risk for atherosclerosis, comprising the step of: measuring the level of carbamylated LDL in a sample obtained from said individual. Further provided is a method of reducing carbamylation in an individual in need of such reducing, comprising the step of:treating said individual with a monomeric amino acid or another enzymatic or non-enzymatic inhibitor of carbamylation. Also provided is a method of preventing carbamylation in an individual with normal renal function, comprising the step of: treating said individual with a monomeric amino acid. Further provided is a method of treating or preventing atherosclerosis in an individual in need of such reducing, comprising the step of: inhibiting aggregation and/or deposition of carbamylated LDL in said individual.