Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for modulating Phase II conjugating enzymes such as, for example, UGTs. Phase II conjugating enzymes such as UGTs function in concert with Phase I monooxygenase enzymes such as cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) to eliminate steroids and xenobiotics. Nuclear receptors SXR/PXR and CAR are xenosensors regulating expression of CYP genes such as CYP3A and 2B. The ability of this group of receptors to regulate expression of UGT in response to steroids and/or xenobiotics provides novel approaches for direct regulation/activation of a glucuronidation pathway, thereby providing methods to achieve physiologic homeostasis with respect to steroids and/or xenobiotics. SXR/PXR and CAR regulation/activation of UGT represents the first evidence of receptors that can transduce/transactivate both Phase I and Phase II adaptive hepatic response. In another aspect, the present invention also provides transgenic rodents expressing one or more of SXR, CAR or PXR.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating an estrogen responsive condition comprising administration of an agonist of an orphan nuclear receptor, wherein activation of the orphan nuclear receptor inhibits estrogen activity. The invention also provides a method of reducing the size of an estrogen responsive tumor comprising administration of an agonist of an orphan nuclear receptor, wherein activation of the orphan nuclear receptor inhibits estrogen activity. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an agonist of an orphan nuclear receptor and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, wherein activation of the orphan nuclear receptor inhibits estrogen activity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds and compositions including pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and associated methods that uncouple sugar-mediated coupling of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomaterials, and any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the compositions and associated methods have utility in vivo to reduce the deleterious effects of sugar-mediated coupling processes in an organism, when the organism is exposed to the compound or composition internally, by ingestion, transdermal application, or other means. In yet another embodiment, the compositions and associated methods are useful for the ex-vivo treatment of organs, cells and tissues and external treatment of hair, nails and skin to rejuvenate them by changing deformability and increase the tissue diffusion coefficient. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A novel nuclear receptor, termed the steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR), a broad-specificity sensing receptor that is a novel branch of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has been discovered. SXR forms a heterodimer with RXR that can bind to and induce transcription from response elements present in steroid-inducible cytochrome P450 genes in response to hundreds of natural and synthetic compounds with biological activity, including therapeutic steroids as well as dietary steroids and lipids. Instead of hundreds of receptors, one for each inducing compound, the invention SXR receptors monitor aggregate levels of inducers to trigger production of metabolizing enzymes in a coordinated metabolic pathway. Agonists and antagonists of SXR are administered to subjects to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals dependent upon modulating metabolism of one or more endogenous steroids or xenobiotics to establish homeostasis.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds and compositions including pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and associated methods that uncouple sugar-mediated coupling of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomaterials, and any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the compositions and associated methods have utility in vivo to reduce the deleterious effects of sugar-mediated coupling processes in an organism, when the organism is exposed to the compound or composition internally, by ingestion, transdermal application, or other means. In yet another embodiment, the compositions and associated methods are useful for the ex-vivo treatment of organs, cells and tissues and external treatment of hair, nails and skin to rejuvenate them by changing deformability and increase the tissue diffusion coefficient. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for modulating Phase II conjugating enzymes such as, for example, UGTs. Phase II conjugating enzymes such as UGTs function in concert with Phase I monooxygenase enzymes such as cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) to eliminate steroids and xenobiotics. Nuclear receptors SXR/PXR and CAR are xenosensors regulating expression of CYP genes such as CYP3A and 2B. The ability of this group of receptors to regulate expression of UGT in response to steroids and/or xenobiotics provides novel approaches for direct regulation/activation of a glucuronidation pathway, thereby providing methods to achieve physiologic homeostasis with respect to steroids and/or xenobiotics. SXR/PXR and CAR regulation/activation of UGT represents the first evidence of receptors that can transduce/transactivate both Phase I and Phase II adaptive hepatic response. In another aspect, the present invention also provides transgenic rodents expressing one or more of SXR, CAR or PXR.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds and compositions including pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and associated methods that uncouple sugar-mediated coupling of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomaterials, and any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the compositions and associated methods have utility in vivo to reduce the deleterious effects of sugar-mediated coupling processes in an organism, when the organism is exposed to the compound or composition internally, by ingestion, transdermal application, or other means. In yet another embodiment, the compositions and associated methods are useful for the ex-vivo treatment of organs, cells and tissues and external treatment of hair, nails and skin to rejuvenate them by changing deformability and increase the tissue diffusion coefficient. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implantable immune modulation device that is useful for modulating an immune response in mammals, comprising a plurality of fibers, within a porous shell. The fiber filling is loaded with single or multiple antigens, and optionally one or more biologically active compounds such as cytokines (e.g. lymphokines, chemokines etc.), attachment factors, genes, peptides, proteins, nucleotides, carbohydrates or cells depending on the application.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds and compositions including pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and associated methods that uncouple sugar-mediated coupling of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomaterials, and any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the compositions and associated methods have utility in vivo to reduce the deleterious effects of sugar-mediated coupling processes in an organism, when the organism is exposed to the compound or composition internally, by ingestion, transdermal application, or other means. In yet another embodiment, the compositions and associated methods are useful for the ex-vivo treatment of organs, cells and tissues and external treatment of hair, nails and skin to rejuvenate them by changing deformability and increase the tissue diffusion coefficient. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Complementary DNAs (cDNAs) encoding inducible nitric oxide synthase are isolated and purified from a cDNA library prepared from macrophage-like cells activated with interferon gamma and bacterial lipopolysaccharide. The full length cDNAs of at least two isoforms of the enzyme are identified and sequenced.