Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is an antimicrobial agent including at least one of Bacillus subtilis and a culture of Bacillus subtilis, the Bacillus subtilis showing a peak at at least one mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) selected from the group consisting of a range of 3045.5±0.58 (m/z), a range of 6942.5±0.58 (m/z), and a range of 9140.5±0.58 (m/z) in mass analysis by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

Abstract: Provided is a method for activating an oxygenase-containing composition, characterized by dissolving or dispersing a composition containing oxygenase in an aqueous medium containing oxygen in an amount that exceeds the saturated dissolved oxygen concentration in an atmospheric environment at normal temperature and normal pressure.

Abstract: Provided is a polychlorinated biphenyl-decomposing composition obtained according to a method comprising respectively culturing at least one main microbial strain belonging to Comamonas species and having biphenyl dioxygenase, and at least one complementary microbial strain selected from the group consisting of Pseudomonas species, Achromobacter species, Rhodococcus species and Stenotrophomonas species and having biphenyl dioxygenase, and mixing at least two types of microbial cells recovered from each of the culture media. A composition containing these compounded microorganisms is useful for efficiently decomposing or detoxifying comparatively low concentrations of PCBs present in large amounts in waste products contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a screening method which can select a substance having an influence on the binding between thioredoxin and MIF.

Abstract: Disclosed is a screening method which can select a substance having an influence on the binding between thioredoxin and MIF.

Abstract: The present invention provides a preventive or therapeutic agent being effective for disorders induced by macrophage migration inhibitory factor and vascular system disorders, and having fewer side effects. In particular, the present agent is characterized by containing anti TRX antibody polypeptide as an active ingredient to inhibit adherence of leukocyte to vascular endothelial cell and a cell internalization of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor.

Abstract: Preventive or therapeutic agents for controlling various disorders induced by toxic substances in smoke produced by the combustion of fibers such as tobacco are disclosed. A polypeptide of the thioredoxin family (TRX) prevents toxic substances in smoke, produced by the combustion of fibers such as tobacco, from inducing inflammatory reactions and tissue fibrosis. Accordingly, TRX is effective for controlling of a wide range of disorders caused by toxic substances contained in smoke produced by combustion of fibers. The object of the present invention is to provide the preventive or therapeutic agents for disorders caused by toxic substances contained in smoke produced by combustion of fibers comprising an effective amount of polypeptide of thioredoxin family and/or one or more of its inducers.