Abstract: An extract of Chinese blackberry (Rubus suavissimus) has been found to inhibit angiogenesis, and two active fractions isolated. Gallic acid was shown to be one of the active anti-angiogenic compounds by an in vitro human angiogenesis model. Aqueous extracts from other plants either known or found to have gallic acid were also found to have anti-angiogenic activity. Various derivatives of gallic acid were found to inhibit angiogenesis. The extract from Chinese blackberry also slowed the growth of a pancreatic tumor and of corneal neovascularization in rats. Extracts from pomegranate were shown to inhibit angiogenesis in fat tissue. Extracts from Rubus spp, and other plants with gallic acid, and gallic acid and its derivatives will be useful for treating various diseases associated with neovascularization, including diabetic retinopathy, psoriasis, tumors, obesity, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Abstract: Apolipoprotein A-I-rich Lhigh-density Lipoprotein 2 (HDL2) and Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) was discovered to inhibit angiogenesis in an in vitro human angiogenesis model, the human placental vein angiogenesis model. Apolipoprotein A-I was able to destroy a pre-existing angiogenic response as well as prevent the development of new vessels. Application of Apolipoprotein A-I will be effective in inhibiting tumor growth dependent on angiogenesis, and in decreasing existing blood vessels formed by tumors. It will also be effective in treating non-cancerous diseases which symptoms include an increase in angiogenesis, e.g., psoriasis, retinopathy of prematurity, neovascular glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, obesity, and psoriasis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a warm-blooded animal, especially a human, having hyperparathyroidism comprising administering to said animal a therapeutically effective amount of an epothilone derivative of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A one-step procedure for sentinel lymph node identification and biopsy using a single compound, a radiolabeled, low molecular weight dye (e.g., 125I-labeled methylene blue). This radiolabled dye is mixed with an unlabeled, similar molecular weight dye (e.g., isosulfan or methylene blue). The mixture is injected at the time of surgery, and rapidly migrates to reach the lymph nodes in less than 20 min, more preferably in less than 15 min and most preferably in less than 10 min. Using rabbits, rapid transit of 125I-methylene blue to regional lymph nodes with limited systemic biodistribution has been confirmed. By admixing small amounts of radiolabeled dye with a large amount of unlabeled dye, the sentinel lymph node identification was similar to that for the prior two-step dual mapping process, but with enhanced SLN localization because of the lower energy gamma emission of 125I as compared with 99mTc.

Abstract: A surgical marking system has been developed that can be easily used during surgery to mark an area of the body, e.g., the margins of a tumor resection cavity, for post-operative radiation therapy or subsequent evaluation by CT, MRI, or radiography. This marker system is formed as a semi-liquid solution that is expelled into the resection margins as a stream that quickly polymerizes in situ into a solid or semi-solid strand that adheres to the surrounding tissue. Several of these strands may be placed to outline the cavity surface. One or more of the polymerizing agents contain one or more imageable markers for post-operative imaging or therapy. The method allows a surgeon to outline the margins of a surgical site in all directions. In addition, radioactive isotopes or therapeutic drugs can be added to the marker strands for in situ therapy.

Abstract: An in vitro tissue angiogenesis and vasculogenesis system is disclosed that allows the outgrowth of microvessels from a three-dimensional tissue fragment implanted in a matrix. The matrix may, for example, be a fibrin- or collagen-based matrix fed by a growth medium, for example, a mixture of tissue culture medium, serum, or a layer of growth medium containing a defined mixture of growth factors. This system, which may be used with human or other mammalian or animal tissues, may be used in assaying tumor angiogenic potential, or in promoting angiogenesis in other tissues, e.g., promoting angiogenesis prior to transplantation of a tissue. The angiogenic potential of a tissue can be determined by measuring the growth of microvessels into the matrix. The three-dimensional structure of the tumor or other tissue is maintained in the matrix, including blood vessels.