Abstract: The present invention relates to parasitic nematode transglutaminase proteins; to parasitic nematode transglutaminase nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such transglutaminase proteins; to antibodies raised against such transglutaminase proteins; and to compounds that inhibit parasitic nematode transglutaminase activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from diseases caused by parasitic nematodes.

Abstract: To optimize the delivery of all-trans retinoic acid to lung tissue, the potential of vehiculating this drug in liposomes and delivering it via aerosol was determined. Liposomes provide a means to prevent local irritation of lung tissue, reduce pulmonary toxicity, prolong therapeutic levels, and generate high drug concentrations at the tumor sites. Therefore, the delivery of ATRA to the lung tissue in mice was accomplished by nebulization of L-ATRA. The liposomes in the aerosol were uniform, stable, and retained the drug well. The drug was effectively delivered at high concentrations to the lungs of mice and was retained at least up to 96 h after a single exposure to L-ATRA aerosols. The aerosol-delivered ATRA was biologically active as demonstrated by its ability to induce the expression of tissue-type transglutaminase. Aerosol delivery of L-ATRA offers an effective way to deliver high levels of ATRA to the lung without apparent pulmonary toxic effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to parasitic nematode transglutaminase proteins; to parasitic nematode transglutaminase nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such transglutaminase proteins; to antibodies raised against such transglutaminase proteins; and to compounds that inhibit parasitic nematode transglutaminase activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from diseases caused by parasitic nematodes. This invention also relates to the surprising discovery that parasitic nematode transglutaminase proteins have protein disulfide isomerase activity. Accordingly, this invention relates further to inhibitors of the protein disulfide isomerase activity of said transglutaminases.

Abstract: A reduced-toxicity formulation of carotenoids is disclosed which is stable in an aqueous environment. The formulation includes a carotenoid, lipid arrier particles (such as liposomes), and an intercalation promoter agent (such as a triglyceride), which causes the carotenoid to be substantially uniformly distributed with the lipid in the lipid carrier particles. The molar ratio of carotenoid to lipid is greater than about 1:10. Also disclosed is a method of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, which comprises administering to a living subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition as described above.

Abstract: A reduced-toxicity formulation of carotenoids is disclosed which is stable in an aqueous environment. The formulation includes a carotenoid, lipid carrier particles (such as liposomes), and an intercalation promoter agent (such as a triglyceride), which causes the carotenoid to be substantially uniformly distributed with the lipid in the lipid carrier particles. The molar ratio of carotenoid to lipid is greater than about 1:10. Also disclosed is a method of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, which comprises administering to a living subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition as described above.

Abstract: A novel method of inhibiting production of two important mediators of cellular function, tumor necrosis factor and nitric oxide, and treating a pathophysiological state characterized by an undesirable production or level of tumor necrosis factor or nitric acid. The methods of the present invention employ retinoic acid compounds. The most preferred retinoic acid is all-trans-retinoic acid.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treatment of disseminated fungal infection in a mammal comprising the administration of a fungicidally effective amount of Amphotericin B encapsulated in a substantially sterol-free liposome to the infected mammal. Also provided is an agent for treatment of disseminated fungal infection in a mammal comprising Amphotericin B encapsulated in a liposome which consists essentially of lipids other than sterols.

Abstract: Method for treatment of disseminated fungal infection in a mammal comprising the administration of a fungicidally effective amount of Amphotericin B encapsulated in a substantially sterol-free liposome to the infected mammal. Also provided is an agent for treatment of disseminated fungal infection in a mammal comprising liposome-encapsulated Amphotericin B, said liposome being comprised of lipids other than sterols.