Abstract: This invention is in the field of medicinal chemistry. In particular, the invention relates to a new class of small-molecules having a dimethyl-nonatetraenyl-trimethyl-cyclohexyl structure useful as therapeutics for the treatment of subjects suffering from disorders characterized by abnormal proliferation and/or abnormal differentiation of cells, in particular of cells of which the growth and differentiation is sensitive to the actions of retinoids.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medicinal chemistry. In particular, the invention relates to a new class of small-molecules having a dimethyl-nonatetraenyl-trimethyl-cyclohexyl structure useful as therapeutics for the treatment of subjects suffering from disorders characterized by abnormal proliferation and/or abnormal differentiation of cells, in particular of cells of which the growth and differentiation is sensitive to the actions of retinoids.

Abstract: A skin augmentation composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a gingerol and a curcumin and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods for enhancing the repair of damaged skin and the prevention of developing wounds in a subject having damaged skin comprises administering to a portion of damaged skin, a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a gingerol and a curcumin and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed are high affinity antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof, which bind an epitope that lies within the C terminal region of oncofetal antigen (OFA)/immature laminin receptor protein (iLRP), and which do not substantially cross-react with mature OFA/LRP. The antibodies may be conjugated to cytotoxic moieties to enhance their therapeutic efficacy. Methods of making the antibodies and therapeutic and diagnostic uses thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are high affinity antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof, which bind an epitope that lies within the C-terminal region of oncofetal antigen (OFA)/immature laminin receptor protein (iLRP), and which do not substantially cross-react with mature OFA/LRP. The antibodies may be conjugated to cytotoxic moieties to enhance their therapeutic efficacy. Methods of making the antibodies and therapeutic and diagnostic uses thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A skin augmentation composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a gingerol and a curcumin and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods for enhancing the repair of damaged skin and the prevention of developing wounds in a subject having damaged skin comprises administering to a portion of damaged skin, a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a gingerol and a curcumin and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A skin augmentation composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a gingerol and a curcumin and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods for enhancing the repair of damaged skin and the prevention of developing wounds in a subject having damaged skin comprises administering to a portion of damaged skin, a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a gingerol and a curcumin and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Chronological aging of human skin can be delayed with the topical application of an MMP inhibitor, preferably a retinoid (an indirect MMP inhbitor); retinoids also normalize procollagen biosynthesis. Chronological aging, or natural aging, is evidenced in elderly (80+ years old) skin by increased MMP levels and decreased procollagen levels when compared with younger individuals. Prophylactic treatment of not yet chronologically-aged skin with a retinoid both inhibits degradation of dermal collagen and restores procollagen synthesis. Biopsied sections from elderly skin show that a single treatment of chronologically-aged skin with a retinoid can increase epidermal thickness, improve the dermal collagen density, and promote the formation of rete pegs and dermal papillae. Such benefits are helpful in preventing bruising, tearing, and ulceration of elderly skin. Accordingly, prophylactic treatment begun much earlier in life with an MMP inhibitor and/or a retinoid delays the onset of such symptoms.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for ameliorating various effects of UVA and UVB radiation, especially from the sun. The compositions include an ingredient that prevents photoaging from MED and subMED radiation, namely an MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) inhibitor, especially formulated for oral administration, and more especially formulated for controlled-release so as to provide the MMP inhibitor when MMP induction (including upstream signalling molecules like c-JUN, and/or MMPs like stromelysin) is most prevalent.

Abstract: Erb inhibitors used in combination with retinoids are effective to prevent skin injury otherwise caused by retinoids alone.

Abstract: Chronological aging of human skin can be delayed with the topical application of an MMP inhibitor, preferably a retinoid (an indirect MMP inhbitor); retinoids also normalize procollagen biosynthesis. Chronological aging, or natural aging, is evidenced in elderly (80+ years old) skin by increased MMP levels and decreased procollagen levels when compared with younger individuals. Prophylactic treatment of not yet chronologically-aged skin with a retinoid both inhibits degradation of dermal collagen and restores procollagen synthesis. Biopsied sections from elderly skin show that a single treatment of chronologically-aged skin with a retinoid can increase epidermal thickness, improve the dermal collagen density, and promote the formation of rete pegs and dermal papillae. Such benefits are helpful in preventing bruising, tearing, and ulceration of elderly skin. Accordingly, prophylactic treatment begun much earlier in life with an MMP inhibitor and/or a retinoid delays the onset of such symptoms.

Abstract: The deleterious effects of the passage of time on human skin (i.e., chronological aging of human skin) can be prevented and treated with the topical application of a retinoid, preferably retinol. We have found that some of the same pathways (namely the stress-activated pathways, SAPs) activated in photoaging of human skin (i.e., sun-induced premature skin aging) are similarly elevated in the skin of elderly people. We have also found that other pathways (namely the mitogen-activated ERK pathway) is depressed in the same skin. Treatment of chronologically-aged skin with a non-retinoid MMP inhibitor and optionally a retinoid both inhibits degradation of dermal collagen and promotes procollagen synthesis. Biopsied sections from skin of elderly (80+ years old) show that a single treatment can increase epidermal thickness, improve the dermal collagen density, and promote the formation of rete pegs and dermal papillae (see FIG.

Abstract: Erb inhibitors used in combination with retinoids are effective to prevent skin injury otherwise caused by retinoids alone.

Abstract: The invention is based on selective inhibition of the enzyme (MMP-1), which causes the dermal matrix damage in humans, while sparing the enzyme(s) (MMP-9 and perhaps MMP-2) which not only do not cause the damage (based on extrapolation from our in vitro collagen gel system to real skin) but actually “clear away” the damage produced by MMP-1 to restore normal function to the skin. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1; fibroblast collagenase) is induced by UV radiation from the sun and is naturally elevated in old age. Human fibroblasts exposed to the degradation products of MMP-1 contract collagen, but when this debris is removed from their environment, the fibroblasts behave normally. Inhibiting MMP-1 but sparing enzymes that remove the debris improves human skin after onslaught from solar UV radiation, old age, and acne.

Abstract: The deleterious effects of the passage of time on human skin (i.e., chronological aging of human skin) can be prevented and treated with the topical application of a retinoid, preferably retinol. We have found that some of the same pathways (namely the stress-activated pathways, SAPs) activated in photoaging of human skin (i.e., sun-induced premature skin aging) are similarly elevated in the skin of elderly people. We have also found that other pathways (namely the mitogen-activated ERK pathway) is depressed in the same skin. Treatment of chronologically-aged skin with a retinoid both inhibits degradation of dermal collagen and promotes procollagen synthesis. Biopsied sections from skin of elderly (80+ years old) show that a single treatment can increase epidermal thickness, improve the dermal collagen density, and promote the formation of rete pegs and dermal papillae (see FIG. 13), and can decrease the amount of c-Jun and increase the amounts of Types I and III procollagen (see FIG. 18).

Abstract: A microcarrier bead system for culturing anchorage-dependent cells is formed of a polystyrene core with a coating of collagen fixed thereover. In certain embodiments, the coating is a protein, such as laminin or fibronectin. The microcarrier bead is of low density, illustratively 1.02 g/cc, and therefore requires less agitation of the nutrient media to maintain suspension. This reduced stirring causes lower shear forces to impinge upon the cells, thereby improving the attachment and proliferation of the cells being cultured. The microcarrier bead of the present invention exhibits surprising advantages with respect to cell attachment and harvesting over beads formed entirely of collagen, or of DEAE-dextran coated with collagen. During harvesting, contamination of the product resulting from dissolved collagen, particularly when proteolytic enzymes are used, is minimized. Additionally, adsorption of toxins and product by the subject microcarrier beads is minimized.

Abstract: An insert for a roller bottle of the type used in cell culture for vaccine manufacture is formed of a polymeric resilient material whereby it can be bent or rolled so that it can pass through the opening of the roller bottle. Once the insert is inside the bottle, it is released so that its resilient characteristic causes it to unbend or unroll. The insert is wider than the diameter of the roller bottle, and therefore it is urged against the interior wall of the roller bottle. Apertures and/or notches are provided in the insert to increase the turbulence of a fluid and to decrease the fluidic shear forces in the roller bottle as it is rotated in conventional operation. A significant increase in productivity is achieved because particles, which may be microcarrier beads, are maintained in suspension, and prevented from sinking to the bottom of the fluid medium where cells cannot grow. The roller bottle system is thereby transformed into a microcarrier suspension culture system.