Abstract: Amino-acid-based compositions, suitable in therapy for the healing of wounds and lesions, in particular for application in the ophthalmic field, comprising: proline, glycine and lysine, up to 80 wt % on the total of all the amino acids or active ingredients envisaged; one or more of the amino acids selected in the group comprising leucine, isoleucine and threonine, in an overall quantity of between 2 wt % and 60 wt % on the total of all the amino acids or active ingredients envisaged. Preferably envisaged are also other essential amino acids, in particular methionine, phenyl alanine, histidine, tryptophan, and non-essential amino acids, in particular tyrosine and cyst(e)ine (i.e., cystine and cysteine). Other amino acids can be added, provided that their sum is a percentage lower than 20 wt % with respect to the sum of the other active ingredients, and less than 10 wt % for each individual amino acid.

Abstract: Compositions based on amino acids are described, for improving the myocardial ventricular function in patients suffering from diabetes, particularly but not exclusively II type diabetes. The compositions according to the invention comprise up to 75% of the branched chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine, as active ingredients. Preferably, the compositions also comprise, as further active ingredients, up to 50% of threonine and lysine. Other essential amino acids are preferably also provided, in particular methionine, phenylalanine, histidine, tryphtophan, as well as non essential amino acids, in particular tyrosine and/or cyst(e)ine (i.e., cystine and cysteine). Other amino acids can be added, provided that their sum is in a percentage being lower than 20% with respect to the other active ingredients, and less than 10% for each single amino acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a protein that regulates programmed cell death and, in particular, to the pro-apoptotic protein, Bax, which forms channels in lipid membranes. The invention further relates to methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of Bax channel formation and/or activity and thereby agents that can be used therapeutically to promote or inhibit cell death.

Abstract: Saccharide copolymers having antibacterial activity obtained by copolymerization of an oligosaccharide or polysaccharide with a nitrogen containing vinyl derivative, quaternarization of the obtained copolymer followed by oxidation of the oligosaccharide or polysaccharide monomer unit with formation of the corresponding dialdehyde.

Abstract: Cationized derivatives of natural polysaccharides having a polyglucoside structure with 50-5000 monomer units and one or more side chains bonded to the glucoside nucleus by a nitrogen or oxygen atom or an amide group, said side chains having one or more quaternary nitrogen atoms so that each monomer unit has a cation charge density exceeding two. The new compounds are particularly active as hypocholesterolemic agents.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium salts of polysaccharides possessing hypochlolesterolemic activity and having the following general formula: ##STR1## in which A represents the monomer unit of a natural polysaccharide, m is a whole number between 100 and 1000, n is a whole number between 0 and 4, B is O or S or NH or NR, R is a linear alkyl radical of 1-4 carbon atoms, and X.sup.(-) is an anion such as Cl.sup.-, Br.sup.-, I.sup.-, HSO.sub.4.sup.-, CH.sub.3 O--SO.sub.3.sup.-.Said salts are prepared by reacting a pretreated natural polysaccharide with a a quaternary ammonium salt functionalized at one of its ends with an epoxy group.

Abstract: Methylated chitosans are used for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions having improved laxative properties over commonly used laxative.Said products are advantageouisly employed also in the preparation of ophtalmic solutions.

Abstract: Chitosan derivatives in the form of coordinated complexes with ferrous ions in which coordinated bonds are established between the ferrous ion and the amino group and hydroxyl group present respectively in position 2 and position 3 of the chitosanglucosamine ring.Said chitosan derivatives are soluble in an aqueous medium and are able to release iron into the gastrointestinal tract in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Novel stereoisomers of 1-(1'-benzyl-2'pyrryl)-2-di-sec.-butylaminoethanol of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is fluoro or trifluoromethyl and the non-toxic therapeutically acceptable salts thereof; including pharmaceutical compositions comprising same. The said products and compositions have utility as analgesics.