Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel use of abietic acid or derivatives thereof for inhibiting the growth of a cancer cell or treating a cancer, preferably, reducing the tumor size of the cancer.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel antioxidant, kombic acid or a derivative thereof, obtained from crude kombo butter suitable for preventing oxidation of various organic materials. In particular, the invention relates to the use of kombic acid as an antioxidant in the treatment of cancer, the inhibition of proliferation of cells, and in lowering levels of cholesterol both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: A method of treating palmar and plantar fibromatosis is disclosed. The method includes administering to a patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising 13-cis-retinoic acid. Preferably, the treatment method includes administering to a patient of an initial dosage of a composition comprising 13-cis-retinoic acid for an initial treatment period, and thereafter administering a maintenance dosage of the composition.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel pharmaceutical compositions capable of comprising micelles containing at least a very lipophilic principle, enabling to enhance bioavailability of active principles insoluble in aqueous solvents called MIDDS® (Micellar Improved Drug Delivery Solutions).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising the triterpenes, dihydrobutyrospermol, dihydrolupeol and/or dihydroparkeol, the composition being applicable as a pharmaceutical, a dietary supplement or as a cosmetic. Further, the invention relates to the use of such compositions for the preparation of a medicament, a dietary supplement or a cosmetic for immunomodulating in a mammal such as suppression of viral infections, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, hypersensitivity and/or inflammatory reactions. The triterpenes may be in form of the free alcohol or derivatised, preferably with cinnamic acid, acetic acid or fatty acids. Furthermore, the triterpenes may be an extract obtainable from a natural source or synthetically made.

Abstract: A skin care product comprising from about 0.001% to about 10% of a retinoid, in combination with 0.0001% to about 50% of a combination of retinoid boosters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition for the treatment, care and/or protection of the skin. In particular, the present invention relates to a cosmetic composition which can be applied topically and which provides for prevention, reduction and regeneration of skin ageing.

Abstract: A novel antimicrobial composition is disclosed including from about 60 to 95% of a lipophilic polar solvent such as propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, or isopropanol and from about 0.5 to 5% of a mixture of C8 to C14 fatty acids. Other constituents of the present invention may include water, an alcohol (such as ethanol or propanol) or a mixture thereof. Also disclosed is a novel method of killing harmful microbes on the udder of a milk-producing animal using the above-mentioned composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of 9-cis retinoic acid and derivatives or precursors thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of T-helper cell type 1 mediated immune disease as well as to the use of said active substances for the treatment of such diseases, which diseases are eczematoid conditions in a human patient.

Abstract: An oral composition includes an oil extract of mastic and an antiphlogistic. An oral hygiene method includes brushing teeth with a dentifrice to which the oral composition has been added, and gargling with a mouth wash which includes at least one extract of crude drug selected from the group consisting of glycyrrhizae radix (glycyrrhiza), arecae semen (betel nut), myristicae semen (nutmeg) and leonuri herba (leonurus sibiricus).

Abstract: An antifungal composition suitable for parenteral administration to a mammal includes an amount of pimaricin or an antifungal derivative thereof that is effective to inhibit the growth of a fungal infection in a mammal; a pharmaceutically acceptable dipolar aprotic solvent; and a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous secondary solvent. The composition can be used in methods of preventing or treating a systemic fungal infection in a mammal. The composition can be prepared by dissolving pimaricin or an antifungal derivative thereof in the pharmaceutically acceptable dipolar aprotic solvent; adding to the solution a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous secondary solvent; and in a preferred method, by subsequently lypohilizing the composition, whereby a dry, shelf-stable composition is produced. This dry composition can be reconstituted into an aqueous solution suitable for parenteral administration.

Abstract: Improved drug compositions and methods useful in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction. An optimized mixture of the drugs phentolamine mesylate, papaverine hydrochloride, and alprostadil in a buffer containing L-arginine and glycine is to be injected into the penile tissue to produce an erection in otherwise impotent men.

Abstract: Chronological aging of human skin can be delayed with the topical application of an MMP inhibitor, preferably a retinoid (an indirect MMP inhbitor); retinoids also normalize procollagen biosynthesis. Chronological aging, or natural aging, is evidenced in elderly (80+ years old) skin by increased MMP levels and decreased procollagen levels when compared with younger individuals. Prophylactic treatment of not yet chronologically-aged skin with a retinoid both inhibits degradation of dermal collagen and restores procollagen synthesis. Biopsied sections from elderly skin show that a single treatment of chronologically-aged skin with a retinoid can increase epidermal thickness, improve the dermal collagen density, and promote the formation of rete pegs and dermal papillae. Such benefits are helpful in preventing bruising, tearing, and ulceration of elderly skin. Accordingly, prophylactic treatment begun much earlier in life with an MMP inhibitor and/or a retinoid delays the onset of such symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations for reducing or eliminating toxicity of environmental hormone containing as detoxifying agent ursodeoxycholic acid, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved camptothecin composition for treating a patient having a disease associated with underised cell growth or proliferation, including for example cancer. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a composition comprising camptothecin or a camptothecin-related compound and a DNA polymerase sigma inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preventing, treating or ameliorating one or more symptoms of disorders in which modulation of a subject's immune system is beneficial utilizing a lymphoid tissue inducing agent and an immunomodulatory agent. In particular, the present invention provides methods of preventing, treating or ameliorating a proliferative disorder, an infectious disease, a cardiovascular disease, an autoimmune disorder, or an inflammatory disorder or one or more symptoms thereof comprising administering to a subject in need thereof one or more lymphoid tissue inducing agents and one or immunomodulatory agents. The present invention also provides compositions and articles of manufacture for use in preventing, treating or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated with disorders in which modulation of a subject's immune system is beneficial, including, but not limited to proliferative disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing differentiation of an embryonic stem cell into a differentiated neural cell. The present invention further provides a method for producing differentiated neural cells, and a population of cells comprising the differentiated neural cells. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for repopulating a spinal cord in a subject, and a method for treating nervous tissue degeneration in a subject in need of treatment. The present invention further provides neural progenitor cells, differentiated neural cells, and uses of same. Also provided is a transgenic non-human animal containing the differentiated neural cells. The present invention is further directed to a method for isolating a population of differentiated neural cells. Finally, the present invention provides a method for identifying an agent for use in treating a condition associated with neuron degeneration.

Abstract: The invention relates to trans carotenoid salt compounds, methods for making them, methods for solubilizing them and uses thereof. These compounds are useful in improving diffusivity of oxygen between red blood cells and body tissues in mammals including humans.

Abstract: A method of treating palmar and plantar fibromatosis is disclosed. The method includes administering to a patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising 13-cis-retinoic acid. Preferably, the treatment method includes administering to a patient of an initial dosage of a composition comprising 13-cis-retinoic acid for an initial treatment period, and thereafter administering a maintenance dosage of the composition.

Abstract: An improved platelet gel wound healant, and methods of preparation and use thereof for healing wounds are disclosed. The improved wound healant comprises a therapeutically effective amount of activated growth factors and ascorbic acid with optional one or more additional anti-oxidant such as vitamin A and/or E, and optional one or more antibiotics.

Abstract: The use of Bcl-2 transfected neurons and/or stem cells for the production of a pharmaceutical preparation for in vivo treatment of neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for treatment of neurological conditions, wherein Bcl-2 transfected neurons are transplanted to a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a compound of the retinoid type particularly retinoid acid for the preparation of a medicament capable of modulating in vivo the decoupling activity of decoupling proteins. These compounds can be used conveniently for the treatment of diseases associated to an increase or reduction of the activity of decoupling proteins. According to a preferred embodiment, the retinoid acid will be used for the treatment of disease associate to a reduction of the decoupling activity of the protein UCP2 such as for example obesity.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing intraocular damage caused by reactive oxygen metabolites is provided. The method includes identifying a subject presenting the symptoms of proliferative diabetic retinopathy; and administering to at least one eye of the subject a pharmaceutically acceptable solution containing an effective concentration of a compound effective to reduce the amount of ROM in an individual. The compounds effective to reduce the amount of ROM in an individual include histamine and histamine related compounds. The specific disease states characterized by intraocular damage caused by reactive oxygen metabolites include proliferative diabetic retinopathy, preproliferative diabetic retinopathy, proliferative retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and macular holes.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the treatment of age-related macular degeneration using regulation of pathogenic mechanisms similar to atherosclerosis. In further specific embodiments, reverse cholesterol transport components, such as transporters and HDL fractions, are utilized as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for age-related macular degeneration. In a specific embodiment, the lipid content of the retinal pigment epithelium, and/or Bruch's membrane is reduced.

Abstract: Aryl-substituted and aryl and (3-oxo-1-propenly)-substituted benzopyran, benzothiopyran, 1,2-dihydroquinoline, and 5,6-dihydronaphthalene derivatives have retinoid negative hormone and/or antagonist-like biological activities. The invented RAR antagonists can be administered to mammals, including humans, for the purpose of preventing or diminishing action of RAR agonists on the bound receptor sites. Specifically, the RAR agonists are administered or coadministered with retinoid drugs to prevent or ameliorate toxicity or side effects caused by retinoids or vitamin A or vitamin A precursors. The retinoid negative hormones can be used to potentiate the activities of other retinoids and nuclear receptor agonists. For example, the retinoid negative hormone called AGN 193109 effectively increased the effectiveness of other retinoids and steroid hormones in in vitro transactivation assays. Additionally, transactivation assays can be used to identify compounds having negative hormone activity.

Abstract: A polypeptide is identified as being functionally included in a signal transduction pathway having a biological effect. Contemplated polypeptides are different from a retinoic acid receptor, a retinoid X receptor, or a cellular retinoic acid binding protein; however, binding of the retinoid or retinoid metabolite leads to a modulation of the biological effect. In particularly contemplated methods, a retinoid or retinoid metabolite is administered to a cell or mammal in a concentration effective to modulate the biological effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating an animal, preferably a human, suffering from or predisposed to a physical disorder by administering an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one RAR antagonist, preferably an RAR&agr; antagonist, and at least one RXR agonist. The combination of an RXR agonist, which has no therapeutic effects alone, with an RAR antagonist allows the use of lower doses of the RAR antagonist than were previously thought to be efficacious; this approach obviates many of the undesirable physiological side-effects of treatment with RAR antagonists.

Abstract: Formulations and methods for prevention and treatment of preneoplasia or neoplasia of the aerodigestive tract and lung by means of inhaled aerosol of retinoids, and 13-cis RA in particular.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful for skin and/or hair care that contain a retinoid in which the retinoid remains stable over a sustained period of time.

Abstract: A topical composition for the treatment of acne and other dermatological conditions comprises a liposomal formulation of a retinoid and an antibiotic in which the retinoid is disposed in the lipid phase of the formulation, and the antibiotic is disposed in the aqueous phase. Lincosamides, such as clindamycin, are one group of antibiotics which may be used in the composition. Tretinoin is one preferred retinoid. Also disclosed are methods for making the compositions and methods for using the composition.

Abstract: Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin and often results in a discoloration or dyspigmentation of the infected skin. The present invention provides as a combination therapy an antifungal for treating the fungal infection and a retinoid for correcting the skin pigmentation. Preferred antifungal agents are those which are also CYP-26 inhibitors, which delay the natural enzymatic breakdown of retinoids in the skin. Alternatively, a non-CYP-26 inhibiting antifungal can be used in combination with a retinoid, with a CYP-26 inhibitor (antifungal or not) optionally added.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of arsenic compounds to treat a variety of leukemia, lymphoma and solid tumors. Further, the arsenic compounds may be used in combination with other therapeutic agents, such as a retinoid. The invention also provides a process for producing arsenic trioxide formulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of (−)(3-trihalomethylphenoxy)(4-halophenyl)acetic acid derivatives and compositions in the treatment of insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier base for the topical delivery of an active agent comprising a high viscosity chitosan biopolymer. The invention further relates to a method of controlling the release of an active agent from a carrier base, comprising as a carrier base a high viscosity chitosan; providing the active agent; and mixing the active agent and the chitosan. Preferably, the carrier base comprises a high viscosity chitosan having a molecular weight of at least about 100,000 Dalton, more preferably at least about 250,000 Dalton and most preferably at least about 300,000 Dalton. In other preferred embodiments the chitosan has a concentration of at least about 2 weight %.

Abstract: The instant invention is a series of novel mono- and disubstituted 3-propyl gamma aminobutyric acids of Formula I The compounds are useful as therapeutic agents in the treatment of epilepsy, faintness attacks, hypokinesia, cranial disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, depression, anxiety, panic, pain, neuropathological disorders, arthritis, sleep disorders, IBS, and gastric damage. Methods of preparing the compounds and useful intermediates are also part of the invention.

Abstract: There are provided methods of enhancing the appearance of human skin comprising applying a composition having (i) phytol in an amount about 0.0001 wt % to about 50 wt % based on the total weight of the composition, and (ii) at least one retinoid in an amount about 0.001 wt % to about 1.5 wt % based on the total weight of the composition. Alternatively, the composition used in the method for enhancing the appearance of human skin may have phytol and perilla oil.

Abstract: The objetive of the present invention was to enhance the skin whitening effects and blackening prevention effects and supply safe and stable topical agents for dermatological use. For that purpose 4-Hydroxyphenyl-&agr;-D-glucopyranoside was combined with auxiliary agents such as ascorbic acid and its derivatives, crude drugs and its extracts, hydroxycarboxylic acid and its salts, oil soluble glycyrrhiza extract, gentian extract, phenol derivatives and their salts, placenta extract, kojic acid and its derivative, glucosamine and its derivatives, azelaic acid and its derivatives, retinol and its derivatives, pyridoxin and its derivatives, tocopherol and its derivatives, chitosan and its decomposition products, caffeic acid derivatives, hydroxycinnamate and its derivatives, Umbelliferae plant extracts, mycelial cultures and their extracts, plant leaves and their extracts.

Abstract: A method of using peracid/acid compositions, where the mole ratio of acid to peracid is less than about 3:1, to treat field or greenhouse grown plant tissue, seeds, fruits, and growing media and containers is described. The peracid/acid system can lower the natural, plant pathogen and human pathogenic microbial load resulting in less waste to molding, spoilage, and destruction because of pathogenic poisons.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to manipulate differentiation of a neuroblastoma cell line (IMR-32) such that predominant Nav expression is either Nav1.3 in IMR-32 cells exposed to retinoic acid or Nav1.7 in cells grown under non-differentiating conditions. The cells of the present invention are useful for the discovery of new compounds that modulate the function of either Nav1.3 and/or Nav1.7.

Abstract: Combination therapy comprising RXR modulators and glucose reabsorption inhibitors useful for the treatment of diabetes and Syndrome X are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods to cause tissue, such as mucosal cells, to express increased amounts of bactericidal permeability increasing protein (BPI) are described. The BPI inducing agents include, for example, lipoxin compounds.

Abstract: A method for treating tissue of a patient comprising, in combination, mixing a drug with a solidifiable biological material, chemically treating the drug with the biological material with a crosslinking agent, loading the solidifiable drug-containing biological material onto a medical device, solidifying the drug-containing biological material; and delivering the medical device to a target tissue for treating the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing and treating loss of, or impairments to, the sense of balance. Specifically, the invention provides methods for preserving the sensory hair cells and neurons of the inner ear vestibular apparatus by preventing or reducing the damaging effects of oxidative stress by administering an effective amount of the following therapeutic agents: antioxidants; compounds utilized by inner ear cells for synthesis of glutathione; antioxidant enzyme inducers; trophic factors; mitochondrial biogenesis factors; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An implant device is provided which incorporates a retinoid for improving the biocompatibility of the device in tissue. The device may be bioerodible for the purpose of systemically or locally releasing a therapeutic agent in tissue or it may be a permanent implant which includes a surface treated with a retinoid for increasing the biocompatibility thereof.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing an epidermal or dermal disorder, e.g., psoriasis, using a CD2-binding agent, e.g., an inhibitor of the CD2/LFA-3 interaction (e.g., an LFA-3/IgG fusion polypeptide), in combination with an auxiliary agent, e.g., UVB irradiation, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the prevention or inhibition of angiogenesis. The method is accomplished by the administration of an effective amount of 15-epi-16-(para-fluoro)-phenoxy-lipoxin A4, LXA4, 15-epi-LXA4 or 15-R/S-methyl, LXA4 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides, carboxylic acids, or prodrugs thereof, to a subject in need thereof. As a consequence of the action of the therapeutic agent, angiogenesis is prevented or inhibited in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of (−) (3-trihalomethylphenoxy) (4-halophenyl) acetic acid derivatives and compositions in the treatment of insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia. It further provides (−) (3-trihalomethylphenoxy) (4-halophenyl) acetic acid derivatives that are useful for the treatment of insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating leukemia in a patient. The method comprises administering to the patient a substance that increases expression of folate receptor &bgr; on leukemia cells in the patient, called a FR-&bgr; inducer, and administering a folate-conjugated therapeutic that targets the leukemia cells in the patient. The invention also comprises pharmaceutical compositions containing one or both of a FR-&bgr; inducer and a folate-conjugated therapeutic.

Abstract: The invention features compositions containing an antioxidant and/or a gingkolide compound to reduce inflammation. Combination drug therapy using antioxidant and/or a gingkolide compound with an anti-inflammatory agent reduces adverse side effects associated with many known anti-inflammatory agents.

Abstract: Dermatological/cosmetic gel compositions suited for preventing or treating cell differentiation and/or proliferation and/or keratinization disorders, including preventing or treating common acne, comprise (i) at least one retinoid, (ii) dispersed benzoyl peroxide and (iii) at least one pH-independent gelling agent, formulated into (iv) a physiologically acceptable medium therefor.