Abstract: The invention provides new isoflavonoid and triterpenoid compounds isolated from a soybean phytochemical concentrate. The new compounds have exhibited cytotoxic activity against selected tumor cell lines. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the new compounds and methods for use thereof are provided by the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS) that utilizes both L-arginine and arginine-rich peptides, oligopeptides or proteins, e.g., bradykinin (BK), as substrates in the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). Also provided are methods of controlling, regulating or modulating NO synthesis in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS) that utilizes both L-arginine and arginine-rich peptides, oligopeptides or proteins, e.g., bradykinin (BK), as substrates in the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). Also provided are methods of controlling, regulating or modulating NO synthesis in a subject.

Abstract: Incubations with Nocardia sp., NRRL 5646 were conducted to produce new derivatives of the abietane-diterpene chemoprotectant and antioxidant, carnosic acid. Reduction of the C-20 carboxylic acid functional group followed by methylation at the C-12 phenol afforded the novel compound 11,20-dihydroxy-12-methoxy-abiet-8,11,13-triene. Oxidative cyclization of carnosic acid to carnosol followed by dihydroxylation at the isopropyl moiety afforded the novel compound 11,12,16,17-tetrahydroxy-7-10-(epoxymethano)-abiet-8,11,13-triene-20-one. The metabolites are new carnosic acid derivatives whose structures were confirmed by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopic analysis. The radical quenching properties of the new metabolites using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging assay showed activities improved over that of mixed tocopherols and carnosic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides new isoflavonoid and triterpenoid compounds isolated from a soybean phytochemical concentrate. The new compounds have exhibited cytotoxic activity against selected tumor cell lines. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the new compounds and methods for use thereof are provided by the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS) that utilizes both L-arginine and arginine-rich peptides, oligopeptides or proteins, e.g., bradykinin (BK), as substrates in the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). Also provided are methods of controlling, regulating or modulating NO synthesis in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel, biologically-derived carboxylic acid reductase, also referred to herein as an aryl-aldehyde oxidoreductase, that has been isolated and purified from Nocardia sp. strain NRRL 5646, and to methods of using the carboxylic acid reductase as a biocatalyst for the reduction of carboxylic acids or their derivatives to the corresponding useful product(s). In a preferred embodiment, the invention is directed to biochemically-produced vanillin, and to the methods of its production by the biocatalytic reduction of vanillic acid, or a precursor or derivative thereof, in a reaction comprising the substantially purified, biologically-derived carboxylic acid reductase.

Abstract: A nitric oxide synthase (NOS) protein is obtained from rat brain and purified to a specific activity at least 6,360-fold that of a crude tissue preparation. The NOS protein has a denatured MW of 105 kD determined by SDS-PAGE, a dimeric MW of 230 kD determined by gel filtration and requires FAD, FMN, Ca.sup.2+ and tetrahydropterin for the production of nitric oxide from L-arginine or an arginine-rich peptide, oligopeptide or protein substrate.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that hydrolyzes, by the action of an epoxide hydrolase of Diplodia gossipina (alternatively named Diplodia gossypina) ATCC 16391 or ATCC 10936, the undesired enantiomer of racemic indene oxide, an epoxide of indan.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel, biologically-derived carboxylic acid reductase, also referred to herein as an aryl-aldehyde oxidoreductase, that has been isolated and purified from Nocardia sp. strain NRRL 5646, and to methods of using the carboxylic acid reductase as a biocatalyst for the reduction of carboxylic acids or their derivatives to the corresponding useful product(s). In a preferred embodiment, the invention is directed to biochemically-produced vanillin, and to the methods of its production by the biocatalytic reduction of vanillic acid, or a precursor or derivative thereof, in a reaction comprising the substantially purified, biologically-derived carboxylic acid reductase.