Abstract: The invention relates to fungal cells and spores, as well as extracts of either, for use, in particular, in prevention or treatment of Chlamydia, or Helicobacter pylori or other infections, inflammation, inflammatory, lysosomal, acidic, SOD- or IgG or other immunoglobulin—peroxidases or hydrogen peroxide induced or other forms of oxidative damage, atherosclerosis, heart disease, stomach, intestinal and liver inflammatory conditions and their complications, promoting or stimulating regeneration or healing of wounds, burns, ulcers, or other forms of damaged or aged tissues, or in reducing elevated cholesterol and/or triglycerides levels In a preferred instance, the fungal cells or spores are those used in the manufacture of fungal fermented cheeses or other food stuff or beverages, particular fungal blue or white cheeses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting or measuring trans-Resveratrol (tRV) in a sample, comprising: contacting a sample to be tested with an antibody against tRV, or an antigen binding fragment of such an antibody; and detecting or measuring any tRV bound by the antibody or antibody fragment. The invention also provides an antibody against trans-Resveratrol.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with food products comprising one or more cocoa bean products and a carotenoid compound, particularly with food products which are, or comprise, chocolate. The products of the invention may be used in reducing elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides and inflammatory damage, as well as improving tissue microcirculation and tissue oxygenation.

Abstract: This invention relates to the incorporation of bioactive cargo molecules into particles with carotenoids, such as lycopene. The incorporation of a cargo molecule into a carotenoid particle may for example increase the bioavailability of the cargo molecule in the bloodstream compared to other delivery systems. Carotenoid particles as described herein may be useful in the formulation of therapeutic and nutritional compounds for oral administration to individuals.

Abstract: This invention relates to the finding that lipid oxidising abzymes damage Chlamydia antigens in a sample and the extent of damage provides a measure of the level or activity of the abzymes in the sample. Lipid oxidising abzymes may be measured or detected, for example, by abrogating or abolishing abzyme mediated lipid oxidation activity in a sample, and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to a Chlamydia antigen relative to controls. Such methods may be useful in the assessment of cardiovascular conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of metabolic dysfunction and disorders associated with metabolic dysfunction using lycopene compounds. Methods of treatment and uses of lycopene compounds in such methods are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to assays for Chlamydia which include the step of inactivating lipid oxidation activity in a biological sample, such as a blood or serum sample. This inactivation improves the detection of Chlamydia antigens or anti-Chlamydia antibodies. Methods and materials for the detection of Chlamydia and Chlamydial infection are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the formulations of isoflavones with soluble carrier proteins, for example whey proteins. The formulations display increased lipid modulating activity without increased estrogenic activity, relative to isoflavone alone and may be useful, for example in therapeutic applications, such as the treatment of metabolic dysfunction, cancer and skin conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of metabolic dysfunction and disorders associated with metabolic dysfunction using lycopene compounds. Methods of treatment and uses of lycopene compounds in such methods are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of lipid oxidising antibodies as a key pathogenic factor in atherosclerotic disorders. These disorders may be treated by inhibiting this antibody mediated lipid oxidation and methods and means for identifying and producing inhibitory agents are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of CJD and other spongiform encephalopathies by increasing the level and/or activity of hydrogen peroxide degrading enzymes, such as catalase and glutathione peroxidase, in order to deplete hydrogen peroxide and prevent the build up of gaseous oxygen in the brains of patients. Various aspects are provided, including screening methods for agents for the treatment of spongiform encephalopathy.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of pathogens, in particular persistent forms of obligate intracellular or membrane associated microorganisms such as Chlamydia, Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species, in blood samples, in particular in plasma and serum samples. Methods and kits of the invention may be useful in detecting pathogen infections and assessing pathogen-associated disease conditions and also for development and screening of new anti-microbial drugs, products and therapies.

Abstract: This invention relates to assays for Chlamydia which include the step of inactivating lipid oxidation activity in a biological sample, such as a blood or serum sample. This inactivation improves the detection of Chlamydia antigens or anti-Chlamydia antibodies. Methods and materials for the detection of Chlamydia and Chlamydial infection are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the finding that lipid oxidising abzymes damage Chlamydia antigens in a sample and the extent of damage provides a measure of the level or activity of the abzymes in the sample. Lipid oxidising abzymes may be measured or detected, for example, by abrogating or abolishing abzyme mediated lipid oxidation activity in a sample, and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to a Chlamydia antigen relative to controls. Such methods may be useful in the assessment of cardiovascular conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of lipid oxidizing abzymes as a key pathogenic factor in atherosclerotic disorders. Methods and means for the reduction of abzyme mediated lipid oxidation in the vascular system are provided as therapeutic approaches for the treatment of atherosclerotic disorders. Methods are provide for determining the efficacy of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of spongiform encephalopathy by exposing an individual to a hyperbaric environment having a pressure which is sufficiently increased above atmospheric pressure to dissolve gas in the brain of the individual, thereby reducing the level of gaseous oxygen within the brain of the individual.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of atherosclerotic conditions through the inhibition of lipid oxidising abzymes by altering the composition of the intestinal microbial flora, for example by administering a bacterial composition to the individual. Suitable bacterial compositions may comprise, for example enteric bacteria such as lactobacilli spp, bifidobacteria spp, streptococcal spp and E. coli.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of formulations comprising an amphipathic or lipophilic anti-oxidant, such as lycopene, and a solubilising agent, such as whey protein, in the treatment of atherosclerotic disorders. Methods and materials for the treatment of atherosclerotic disorders using such formulations are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modulation of lipid metabolism, in particular reductions in the levels of total cholesterol and apo-lipoprotein, of an individual. This modulation is achieved by combined administration of both anti-microbial and metal-chelator compounds. Various therapeutic applications of this lipid modulation are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of lipid oxidising antibodies as a key pathogenic factor in atherosclerotic disorders. The presence of such antibodies is a important marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of such disorders and methods and means for the assessment of athersclerotic conditions are provided herein.