Abstract: All neoplastic cells express a unique cell-surface ubiquinone (NADH) oxidase with protein disulfide-thiol isomerase with characteristic sensitivity to inhibition by capsaicin, sulfonylureas, adriamycin and certain other compounds. This neoplasia-specific protein is the translational expression production of a particular splice pattern: exon 4 is not translated to become part of the neoplasia-specific protein displayed on the surfaces of the cancer cells. Oligonucleotides which span the splice junctions of the cancer-specific mRNA can be used in RT-PCR assays, for example, having nucleotide sequences as given in SEQ ID NO:4 and in SEQ ID NO:5, which, when positive, are useful in the detection of neoplastic cells in the sample from which the mRNA was derived. Alternatively, transcriptase or real time polymerase chain reaction assays can produce amplification products of cancer-specific sizes.

Abstract: The invention described herein encompasses methods of preventing or treating disorders caused by oxidative damage by an aging-specific isoform of NADH oxidase (AR—NOX). The invention encompasses methods of assaying, screening, and identifying agents that inhibit AR—NOX, as well as methods using ubiquinone to inhibit the ability of AR—NOX to generate reactive oxygen species. These agents may be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions in the prevention and treatment of disorders caused by oxidative damage.

Abstract: The invention described herein encompasses methods and compositions of preventing or treating cancer comprising the administration of a combination of therapeutically effective amount of catechins, a group of polyphenols found in green tea, and Capsicum extracts. Compositions of catechins include but not limited to, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), epicatechin (EC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC). The unique compositions of the invention contain various combinations of the catechins and Capsicum extracts, in combination with each other or other therapeutic agents and are used to treat primary and metastatic cancers in humans. The invention also encompasses the varying modes of administration of the therapeutic compounds, including a formulation which may be used as a therapeutic compound for the treatment of cancer or as a dietary supplement for the prevention of cancer.

Abstract: The invention described herein encompasses a methods and compositions of treating cancer or solid tumors comprising the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of catechins, a group of polyphenols found in green tea, to a mammal in need of such therapy. Compositions of catechins include but not limited to, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), epicatechin (EC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC). The unique compositions of the invention contain various combinations of the catechins, alone or in combination with each other or other therapeutic agents and are used to treat primary and metastatic cancers in humans. The invention also encompasses the varying modes of administration of the therapeutic compounds.