Abstract: The present invention concerns alkyl aryl carbonyl compounds that possess anti-infective activity. The compounds of the invention can be used to target specific nuclear localization signal, thereby blocking importation of specific proteins or molecular complex into the nucleus of a cell. The invention encompasses methods of use of such compounds for treatment or prevention of infectious diseases, such as parasitic and viral diseases, including, for example, malaria and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. 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 compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to substituted naphthothiazolium, aromatic guanylhydrazones, and other compounds and compositions with anti-malarial activity useful for the treatment and prophylaxis of malaria. The compounds are provided for the treatment of malaria or the sequelae of malarial infection, for depolymerizing malaria pigment (hemozoin), and for ameliorating the adverse effects of hemozoin on host cells.

Abstract: A method and composition for the treatment of hair, nail, ex-vivo organ, ex-vivo cell or ex-vivo tissue to improve the biomechanical and diffusional characteristics comprising an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula (I): 1

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for reversing advanced glycosylation end product-mediated cross-linking and protein aging. Accordingly, compositions are described which comprise thiazolium compounds substituted with heterocyclic groups which are capable of reversing the formation of advanced glycosylation end product cross-links. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are disclosed, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated. Such compounds have particular application in the treatment of protein aging such as is responsible for the complications of aging and diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices that allow for linear, sustained-release of solutes with adjustable initial-release kinetics. In particular, the present invention relates to devices for delivering substances to the body of an animal. The present invention also relates to methods for delivering solutes in a constant, sustained-release fashion using the devices of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, devices and agents for the removal of nucleophilic toxins present in tobacco and tobacco smoke. The filter element of a tobacco smoking device or an air filtration device used in conjunction with a tobacco smoking device may comprise chemical moieties reactive with nucleophilic compounds, or agents that trap nucleophilic compounds may be incorporated into the filter element of tobacco smoking device such as a cigarette, cigar, pipe, or in a separate filter through which tobacco smoke passes before entering the mouth. The agents may also be incorporated into air filters for removing tobacco combustion product toxins from room air. The agents may also be incorporated into smoking or smokeless tobacco to remove toxins.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for protecting or enhancing erythropoietin-responsive cell, tissue, organ and bodily part function and viability in vivo, in situ or ex vivo in mammals including human beings by systemic or local administration of an erythropoietin receptor activity modulator, such as an erythropoietin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implantable immune modulation device that is useful for modulating an immune response in mammals, comprising a plurality of fibers, within a porous shell. The fiber filling is loaded with single or multiple antigens, and optionally one or more biologically active compounds such as cytokines (e.g. lymphokines, chemokines etc.), attachment factors, genes, peptides, proteins, nucleotides, carbohydrates or cells depending on the application.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for protecting or enhancing an erythropoietin-responsive cell, tissue, organ or body part function or viability in vivo, in situ or ex vivo in mammals, including human beings, by systemic or local administration of an erythropoietin receptor activity modulator, such as an erythropoietin or a modified erythropoietin.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses assays to identify compounds that inhibit the enzymatic activity of MIF which catalyzes the tautomerization of MIF-substrates, such as D-dopachrome to DHICA. In general, the assay is conducted in vitro by adding, mixing or combining MIF and a suitable substrate in the presence or absence of a test compound, and measuring the tautomerization of the substrate. The test compounds that inhibit tautomerization in the assay are identified as MIF inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions #involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices that allow for linear, sustained-release of solutes with adjustable initial-release kinetics. In particular, the present invention relates to devices for delivering substances to the body of an animal. The present invention also relates to methods for delivering solutes in a constant, sustained-release fashion using the devices of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for protecting or enhancing erythropoietin-responsive cell, tissue, organ and bodily part function and viability in vivo, in situ or ex vivo in mammals including human beings by systemic or local administration of an erythropoietin receptor activity modulator, such as an erythropoietin:

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting and reversing nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, compositions are disclosed which comprise an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins, and which additionally reverse pre-formed crosslinks in the advanced glycosylation endproducts by cleaving alpha-dicarbonyl-based protein crosslinks present in the advanced glycosylation endproducts. Certain agents useful are thiazolium salts. 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: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds and compositions including pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and associated methods that uncouple sugar-mediated coupling of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomaterials, and any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the compositions and associated methods have utility in vivo to reduce the deleterious effects of sugar-mediated coupling processes in an organism, when the organism is exposed to the compound or composition internally, by ingestion, transdermal application, or other means. In yet another embodiment, the compositions and associated methods are useful for the ex-vivo treatment of organs, cells and tissues and external treatment of hair, nails and skin to rejuvenate them by changing deformability and increase the tissue diffusion coefficient. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A method and composition for the treatment of hair, nail, ex-vivo organ, ex-vivo cell or ex-vivo tissue to improve the biomechanical and diffusional characteristics comprising an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula 1

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for reversing advanced glycosylation end product-mediated cross-linking and protein aging. Accordingly, compositions are described which comprise thiazolium compounds substituted with heterocyclic groups which are capable of reversing the formation of advanced glycosylation end product cross-links. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are disclosed, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated. Such compounds have particular application in the treatment of protein aging such as is responsible for the complications of aging and diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting and reversing nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, compositions are disclosed which comprise an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins, and which additionally reverse pre-formed crosslinks in the advanced glycosylation endproducts by cleaving alpha-dicarbonyl-based protein crosslinks present in the advanced glycosylation endproducts. Certain agents useful are thiazolium salts. 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 immunoassay for detection of the reversal of the nonenzymatic crosslinking is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inhibiting protein aging. Accordingly, methods are disclosed for treating an animal to inhibit the formation of advanced glycosylation end products of target proteins with the animal by adminstering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an agent capable of reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product, whereby the subsequent cross-linking of the early glycosylation product is inhibited. Agents of the present invention comprise aminoguanidine, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and mixtures thereof.