Abstract: Peptidomimetic compounds capable of inhibiting zinc-dependent metalloproteinases to treat pathological conditions associated with activation of endogenous metalloproteinases in mammals.

Abstract: Uridine is a therapeutic agent active as a growth promoter for treatment of neuron degenerative diseases deriving from pathological ageing or selective destruction, in particular Uridine shows the same biological effects as NGF, when added at low doses to the culture medium, so that uridine may replace NGF as therapeutic agent in neural diseases and it may be also associated with other growth factors that allow differentiation of neurons, or with anti-cancer and anti-virus drugs that cause neuron damage. In addition uridine shows important trophic properties on various types of cultured cells, stimulating cell reproduction when used at rather high dose levels.

Abstract: A method for determining the therapeutic potential of peptidomimetic compounds as inhibitors of zinc-dependent metalloproteinase activity associated with pathological conditions of humans and animals.

Abstract: 3-indolepyruvic acid is an active agent in preventing cerebral damage caused by stress and ageing and induced by an excessive presence in the blood of glucocorticoids, secreted by the adrenal gland.

Abstract: 3-indolepyruvic acid derivatives substituted on the benzene moiety show good antagonizing activity on excitatory aminoacids and on free radicals, for which reason they are therapeutic agents in cerebral and peripheral degenerative pathologies. Their method of production by passage through the corresponding substituted triptophane.

Abstract: Uridine is used to treat the peripheral complications of diabetes, such as neuropathy, retinopathy and vasculopathy, thanks to its characteristics of promotor of glycogen endocellular biosynthesis. 40 diabetic patients were treated for six months with uridine or with placebo in a double-blind clinical teat.

Abstract: Compounds of peptide nature presenting a sequence of three aminoacids, in particular with PYR and TRP as terminal groups, are found to be active as immunomodulating agents.

Abstract: A description is given of the cosmetic use of 3-indolepyruvic acid for the protection of the skin from damage caused by oxygen, by the sun and by aging.

Abstract: Indolepyruvic acid shows an inhibitory activity with respect to the degenerative action by oxygen free radical which are responsible for a number of pathologic conditions in various peripheral tissues. The compound can find application in miocardiopathies, inflammations, circulatory shock, arteriosclerosis, and cardiac ischemia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to 3-indolepyruvic acid derivatives, compositions and methods of treating central nervous system disturbances due to the presence of an excessive amount of excitatory amino acids.

Abstract: Disorders due to an altered balance of dopamine release by the cerebral dopaminergic system, such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease, can be treated by administration of uridine which is a specific agent for the protection of the cholecystokinin level in the brain tissue.

Abstract: Tryptophan and esters thereof, and other indoleaminoacids, can be easily transformed into respective alpha-ketoacids through a coupling reaction with aromatic aldehydes, in the presence of a dehydrating agent.

Abstract: Thirteen new tripeptides made from levorotatory amino acids are described, corresponding to the formulap--GLU--X--TRPX is a specific amino acid different from p-GLU and TRP, as well as a process for the preparation of these compounds, pharmaceutical formulations containing them and the use of these formulations as hypotensive and analgesic agents.

Abstract: The process for the biosynthesis of 3-indolpyruvic acid involves the reaction of tryptophan with purified enzyme aspartate aminotransferase obtained from the mytochondria of slaughterhouse animals. When administered orally in rats, 3-indolpyruvic acid leads to a considerable increase in cerebral serotonin levels, and so may be used in all the pathological conditions of the central nervous system involving deficiencies of this neurotransmitter, such as depressions, insomnia, lack of appetite, neuroendocrin imbalances, etc.