Abstract: The invention relates generally to the use of anti-sense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA, and ribozymes to modulate expression of the human steroid 5?-reductase gene and thereby modulate levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Elevated levels of DHT are associated with various disorders including, but not limited to, skin diseases, hair loss, hirsuitism, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Abstract: Minoxidil has been shown to stimulate hair growth or inhibit the loss of hair in a number of patients beginning to develop androgenic alopecia. The mechanism by which minoxidil (2,4-pyrimidinediamine, 6-(1-piperidinyl)-3-oxide) alters the hair growth cycle is uncertain, but is thought to act by increasing vascular circulation to the hair follicle. Inhibitors of steroid metabolism, particularly those that inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, have shown effects on hair cycles, including inhibition of hair loss. One class of enzymes targeted by these inhibitors are the steroid 5-alpha reductases. Minoxidil used in conjunction with effectors of steroid metabolism, leads to enhanced hair growth and decreased rates of hair loss. This specification relates to the use of antisense oligonucleotides targeting 5-alpha reductases used in conjunction with other hair growth enhancers and/or hair loss inhibitors.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment and diagnosis of Candida infections. In accordance with preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides are provided which are specifically hybridizable with at least a portion of a Candida mRNA. Preferred targets are the mRNAs which encode .beta.-tubulin, aspartate protease, actin and chitin synthetase, as well as the mRNA's which encode the ribosomal L25 protein, translation elongation factors 1 and 2 (TEF1 and TEF2), the b subunit of ATPase, and cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14.alpha.-demethylase (L1A1). The oligonucleotides comprise nucleotide units sufficient in identity and number to effect said specific hybridization. In other preferred embodiments, the oligonucleotides are specifically hybridizable with a transcription initiation site, a translation initiation site, 5'-untranslated sequences, 3' untranslated sequences, 5' cap, and intron/exon junction of the mRNAs. Methods of treating animals suffering from Candida infection are disclosed.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotides complementary to human mRNAs or pre-mRNAs coding or VCAM-I are used in a therapeutic treatment of sepsis (sepsis, the sepsis syndrome, septic shock and all other manifestations of the sepsis disease, including but not inclusive of, adult respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure, or cardiovascular dysfunction).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment of septic shock d inflammatory complications of shock. A process for selectively inhibiting the expression of the human ELAM-I mRNA transcript using at least one oligonucleotide which is substantially complementary to at least a portion of the ELAM-I gene is disclosed, as are composition comprising the oligonucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment of septic shock and inflammatory complications of shock. A process for selectively inhibiting the expression of the human ICAM-I mRNA transcript using at least one oligonucleotide which is complementary to at least a portion of the human ICAM-I mRNA is disclosed, as are oligonucleotides which are complementary to portions of the ICAM-I mRNA and compositions comprising the oligonucleotides.