Abstract: A method of treating or preventing restenosis by administering to an individual an effective amount of an active ingredient comprising a bisphosphonate particle or a bisphosphonate particulate. The bisphosphonate may be encapsulated, embedded or adsorbed within the particle, dispersed uniformly in the polymer matrix, adsorbed on the particle surface, or in combination of any of these forms. The particles include liposomes or inert polymeric particles, such as microcapsules, nanocapsules, nanoparticles, nanospheres, or microparticles. The particulates include any suspended or dispersed form of the bisphosphonate which is not encapsulated, entrapped, or adsorbed within a polymeric particle. The particulates include suspended or dispersed colloids, aggregates, flocculates, insoluble salts and insoluble complexes of the active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions useful for the treatment and/or prevention of damage to diarthrodial (synovial) joints and, in particular, traumatic synovitis, inflammation of the synovial membrane, and damage to the articular cartilage of the joint. Specifically, provided are compositions specially formulated for intra-articular and/or parenteral use in the treatment and/or prevention of traumaticsynovitis and/or damage to articular cartilage. Compositions adapted specifically for post surgical joint lavage or treatment and/or prevention of inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) and/or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are also provided. Compositions adapted for intra-articular and/or systemic administration comprised of therapeutic amounts of: chondroitin sulfate; N-acetyl D-glucosamine; and hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) are provided.

Abstract: Methods of using pomegranate extracts of the present invention for treating patients with atherosclerosis, or increased intima-media thickness of an artery, are provided. The methods comprise the step of administering to the patient a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an extract from pomegranate. The methods of the present invention may also be used to decrease the incidence of stroke or heart attack in a patient.

Abstract: Vanadium compounds for inhibiting angiogenesis useful for treating or preventing diabetic retinopathy, hemangiomas, cancers with abnormal blood vessel supply, restenosis following vascular injury, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a catechin compound, ascorbic acid, proline and lysine. The present invention also relates to a method for treating neoplastic disease using a composition comprising a catechin compound, ascorbic acid, proline and lysine.

Abstract: A herbal therapeutic composition is provided which enhances cardiac function comprising hawthorn berry, turmeric root and cayenne pepper. Other herbal substituents which further enhance this novel composition are disclosed including motherwort, bilberry, fresh dandelion root, and ginger root.

Abstract: Delivery of bioactive molecules such as nucleic acid molecules encoding a protein can be significantly enhanced by immobilization of the bioactive molecule in a polymeric material adjacent to the cells where delivery is desired, where the bioactive molecule is encapsulated in a vehicle such as liposomes which facilitates transfer of the bioactive molecules into the targeted tissue. Targeting of the bioactive molecules can also be achieved by selection of an encapsulating medium of an appropriate size whereby the medium serves to deliver the molecules to a particular target. For example, encapsulation of nucleic acid molecules or biologically active proteins within biodegradable, biocompatible polymeric microparticles which are appropriate sized to infiltrate, but remain trapped within, the capillary beds and alveoli of the lungs can be used for targeted delivery to these regions of the body following administration to a patient by infusion or injection.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinations of cardiovascular therapeutic compounds for the prophylaxis or treatment of cardiovascular disease including hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, or hyperlipidemia. Combinations disclosed include a nicotinic acid derivative combined with a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique approach for the diagnosis and management of infections by Chlamydia species, particularly C. pneumoniae. The invention is based, in part, upon the discovery that a combination of agents directed toward the various stages of the chlamydial life cycle is effective in substantially reducing infection. Products comprising combination of antichlamydial agents, novel compositions and pharmaceutical packs are also described.

Abstract: Vanadium compounds useful to prevent and/or inhibit adhesion, migration, and invasion of proliferative cells into surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions without added iron and methods for prophylactic nutritional supplementation and therapeutic nutritional supplementation. Specifically, the method involves administering to an individual a composition comprising carotenoids, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, pantothenic acid, cobalamin, magnesium, manganese, zinc, selenium, chromium, copper, alpha lipoic acid, and lutein, wherein the composition is free of added iron.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical uses of glycine betaine, such as for the treatment of thromboses not induced by hyperhomocystenemia or homocystinuria, of blood disorders, such as blood coagulation, thrombi formation.

Abstract: Levels of thyroid hormone can be decreased in a mammal to increase healing of heart wounds. The increased wound healing includes rapid re-epithelialization and recovery of normal architecture and function relative to mammals who have not been treated according to the invention.

Abstract: New pharmacological activities of Curcuma Longa extracts as antiproliferative and photosensitivisation agents and their use in proliferative diseases such as psoriasis, as reducers of plasmatic fibrinogen and the Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-I quotient, without altering other coagulation parameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aliphatic compound represented by the following formula (I) or pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof: where n denotes an integer of 1 to 11, and 1 denotes an integer of 1 to 16, the aliphatic compound being an optical isomer of the (2R,3S,2′S) configuration when the 8-position thereof is a double bond, or an optical isomer of the (2S,3R,2′RS) configuration when the 8-position is a single bond; methods for producing the compound or pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof; and uses of the compound in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (e.g. arteriosclerosis, cardiac diseases), cancer, rheumatism, diabetic retinopathy, and respiratory diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the cell protection which comprises the administration of a combination of the extracts of the plants Vitis vinifera and Lycopersicon esculentum with the vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and optionally selenium. Said combination can be used in the prevention of phatological conditions related in part to an overproduction of free radicals like aging, arteriosclerosis and cancer.

Abstract: This invention provides 3&bgr;-hydroxy-5,7,9-estratriene-17-one and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of its 3-sulfate ester, which is useful as an estrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preventing or treating a disease caused by oxidation in vivo by administering a pharmacologically effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: (1) 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(&bgr;-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychromane; and (2) 2,7, 8-trimethyl-2-(&bgr;-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychromane. Further, it provides use of a compound selected from the group consisting of (3) &agr;-tocopherol, (4) &agr;-tocotrienol, (5) &ggr;-tocopherol and (6) &ggr;-tocotrienol for generation in vivo of any of the above compounds (1) and (2) to treat a disease caused by oxidated low density lipoprotein (LDL).

Abstract: The present invention provides a liposomal composition for treating dislipidemias in human subjects, a method of using a liposomal composition, and devices and modes of operation of the devices and of the compositions, and kits related thereto. The invention provides for the reverse transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver in a warm blood mammal while controlling plasma atherogenic lipoprotein concentrations, including LDL concentrations. A method described above and mode of operation of the devices includes the stop of administering an effective amount of a multiplicity of acceptors comprised of phospholipids substantially free of sterol. A method described above optionally includes the stop of periodically assaying atherogenic lipoprotein concentrations with an assay during the treatment period to assess atherogenic lipoprotein concentrations and obtain an atherogenic lipoprotein profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel angiogenesis inhibitor, more particularly, arsenolite (solid As4O6) and composition containing the same. The arsenolite of the present invention inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation so that it can be used for medication of various angiogenic diseases.

Abstract: Niacin and niacin prodrugs are topically administered as suitable formulations to device for impoving the lipid profiles of subjects, preferably humans.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for screening therapeutic agents, defined as SCAP antagonists, for use in combating diseases associated with elevated lipid levels, said method comprising detecting or assaying the extent or result of transcriptional activity or binding between a control SCAP antagonist and SCAP, in the presence of and absence of said agent. Also claimed are therapeuic agents which are antagonists of SCAP, identified by such a method and their use in combating diseases associated with elevated lipid levels.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing atherosclerosis in a mammalian subject comprises: (a) extracting the aliquot of blood from the subject; (b) treating the aliquot of blood ex vivo with at least one stressor selected from the group consisting of an oxidizing agent, ultraviolet radiation and elevated temperature; and (c) administering the aliquot of blood treated in step (b) to the subject. Preferably, the aliquot has a volume of from about 0.01 ml to about 400 ml and is treated simultaneously by ozone gas and ultraviolet radiation at a temperature of from 37-55° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the isolation of a novel oligospirostanoside structurally constructed as 3-0-[&agr;-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-&agr;-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-0-&bgr;-D-glucopyranosyl]-25(S)-5&bgr; spirostan-3&bgr;-ol isolated from Asparagus racemosus and biologically evaluated as a potent immunomodulatory agent.

Abstract: The invention concerns liposome vectors, in powder form, of active principles, and more particularly active principles sensitive to digestive and/or plasmatic degradation, such as proteins, and their application as medicine. Said liposome vectors of active principles consist of a powder composition essentially constituted of unilamellar liposomes comprising an external lipid phase consisting of class 4 lipids (phospholipids), optionally associated with class 2 substances, class 3 substances and/or class 5 substances and an internal aqueous nucleus consisting of a mixture M of at least two different non-polymerisable gelling agents (G1 and G2) whereof the gel-sol phase transition is not less than 37° C.

Abstract: Methods are provided for delivering nitric oxide to the vascular tissue of a patient to inhibit or prevent restenosis or improve vascular function following various surgical procedures or associated with various NO-related conditions. The disclosed methods comprise contacting the vascular tissue of a patient with a medical device coated with a coating comprising nitric oxide associated with and releaseable from a polyurea network formed from the reaction on said medical device of a polyisocyanate; an amine donor and/or hydroxyl donor; an isocyanatosilane adduct having terminal isocyanate groups and at least one hydrolyzable alkoxy group bonded to silicon; and optionally a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: Ketoconazole and related substances which are inhibitors of cortisol synthesis can be administered to prophylactically treat cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease, artiosclerotic manifestations, and stroke.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plant-derived flavonol-containing dry composition suitable for human consumption, wherein at least 25% of the plant-derived material in the composition comprises polyphenols, together with uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods of using pomegranate extracts of the present invention for treating patients with atherosclerosis, or increased intima-media thickness of an artery, are provided. The methods comprise the step of administering to the patient a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an extract from pomegranate. The methods of the present invention may also be used to decrease the incidence of stroke or heart attack in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinations of cardiovascular therapeutic compounds for the prophylaxis or treatment of cardiovascular disease including hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, or hyperlipidemia. Combinations disclosed include an ileal bile acid transport inhibitor combined with a fibric acid derivative.

Abstract: The use of diaryl acid derivatives of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, N-oxides, hydrates or solvates thereof, wherein the variables shown are defined in the disclosure, and their pharmaceutical compositions as PPAR ligand receptor binders. The PPAR ligand receptor binders of this invention are useful as agonists or antagonists of the PPAR receptor.

Abstract: A method of decreasing atherosclerosis and its complications including but not limited to myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease comprising administering to a human or animal an amount of dutasteride sufficient to decrease atherosclerosis and its complications.

Abstract: A method is provided for slowing the progression of atherosclerosis in hypertensive or normotensive patients and reducing or eliminating atherosclerotic lesions in such patients by administering a combination of a cholesterol lowering drug such as pravastatin, and an ACE inhibitor, especially one containing a mercapto moiety, such as captopril or zofenopril.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of vascular restenosis, the methods comprising administering to individuals in need thereof, an effective amount of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug alone or in combination with other conventional therapies to induce apoptosis, reduce proliferation, induce quiescence, inhibit cell migration, or influence cell differentiation of the cells in the vascular wall and or/induce hypolipidemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing bile acids from a patient and certain polymers of use in the method. The method comprises the step of administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a polymer composition which includes a a poly(diallylamine) polymer which is substituted with hydrophobic groups. The hydrophobic groups can be a substituted or unsubstituted, straight chain or branched C3-C24-alkyl group, an aralkyl group or an aryl group.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising as its active ingredients one or more drugs selected from the group consisting of angiotensin II receptor antagonists and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and one or more insulin resistance improving agents exhibits excellent arteriosclerotic progress inhibitory effects, and is useful as a drug, particularly as a drug for the prevention or treatment of arteriosclerosis. The invention also provides a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of arteriosclerosis by administering in combination (i) at least one of said angiotensin II receptor antagonists or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and (ii) one or more insulin resistance improving agents to a mammal suffering from or susceptible to arteriosclerosis.

Abstract: It has been newly found out that ascochlorin, which is a publicly known fat-soluble antibiotic, and its homologues serve as a ligand of retinoid X receptor and react in vivo with the amino group of serum protein to form Schiff bases without showing any side effect of retinoid. Ascochlorin and its homologues are usable in treating and/or preventing a disease or condition which can be relieved by the retinoid X receptor ligand-dependent gene transcriptional regulation (for example, diseases caused by the expression of insulin resistance, hypertension, cerebrovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease, Ca metabolic disorder, complication of diabetes, arteriosclerosis, etc.). Moreover, they can inhibit denaturation and/or necrosis of pancreatic Langerhans islet &bgr;-cells and, therefore, are usable in making these cells to sustain the insulin productivity.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a class of compounds which are capable of modulating processes mediated by peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-&ggr;). The identification of such compounds makes it possible to intervene in PPAR-&ggr; mediated pathways.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating or ameliorating hypertension in an animal comprising administering an effective amount of a compound of formula I:

Abstract: Nutritional or therapeutic compositions containing glutamic acid, cystine, glycine and a selenium precursor and methods for their utilization to increase glutathione synthesis and thereby enhance the immune system are described.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods related to the administration of red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, and chromium, with or without inositol hexanicotinate, selenium, and mixed tocopherols to reduce or control blood cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, or increasing or controlling high density lipoproteins in a mammal, to reduce arterial plaque build-up, atherosclerosis, in a mammal which may be associated with cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular, or intestinal vascular disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinations of cardiovascular therapeutic compounds for the prophylaxis or treatment of cardiovascular disease including hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Combinations disclosed include an cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor combined with a bile acid sequestrant.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinations of cardiovascular therapeutic compounds for the prophylaxis or treatment of cardiovascular disease including hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, or hyperlipidemia. Combinations disclosed include an ileal bile acid transport inhibitor combined with a bile acid sequestrant.

Abstract: A method prevents or treats diseases associated with high plasma cholesterol levels. In addition, this method reduces plasma cholesterol levels. The method comprises administering a lipase inhibitor, e.g. orlistat, and a pharmaceutically acceptable bile acid sequestrant.

Abstract: Described herein are catechin multimers, and particularly substituted catechin multimers, and their use as carrier moieties for the delivery of nucleophilic and cationic bioactive therapeutic agents to target sites in vivo. For example, substituted catechin multimers of the present invention may be administered alone, for the treatment of stenotic vascular diseases and disorders, such as atherosclerosis (also known as arteriosclerosis) and coronary heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease).

Abstract: An emulsion of perfluoroorganic compounds (PFOC) comprises a rapidly eliminable perfluorocarbon (PFC) and a slowly eliminable perfluorinated cyclic tertiary amine, perfluoro-N-4-(methylcyclohexyl)-piperidine and additionally comprises not less then three rapidly eliminable and three slowly eliminable PFOC admixtures with the critical temperature of dissolution in hexane (CTDH) close to that of main PFOC. The PFOC emulsion is stabilized with a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer having low viscosity to provide high dynamic oxygen capacity and enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues. To prepare the emulsion the stabilizing agent is heated up to 75° C., all components are saturated with carbon dioxide gas to minimize the reactogenicity in intravessel injection as a means of compensation for mass blood loses, perfusion of organs cut of blood flow, treating air-and fat embolism, obliterating vascular injuries of extremities and preventing toxic injuries caused by various xenobiotics.

Abstract: 0A method for treating or preventing an elevated blood lipid level-related disease in a mammal, which comprises administering thereto an effective amount of rutin, quercetin or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a vascular or cardiovascular condition or acute coronary syndromes comprises administering an effective amount of a flavone 8-carboxylic acid to a mammal suffering from a vascular or cardiovascular condition or acute coronary syndromes. The flavone 8-carboxylic acid is typically flavone 8-acetic acid. The flavone 8-carboxylic acid can be administered alone or in combination with another agent such as a thrombolytic agent, an antithrombotic agent, an anticoagulant, or an antiplatelet agent. The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions formulated for the treatment of a vascular or cardiovascular condition or acute coronary syndromes.

Abstract: Modifications to RANTES can result in the modified polypeptide acting as a RANTES or MIP-1&agr; antagonist. Such antagonists can be used in therapy to reduce inflammation. They are also useful in studying the properties of RANTES or of MIP-1&agr;.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for inhibiting diseases associated with chronic rejection after organ transplantation, such as transplanted heart-accelerated coronary arteriosclerosis, containing as an active ingredient N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl)anthranilic acid represented by formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which has an inhibitory effect on vascular thickening in transplanted hearts.