Abstract: Compounds represented by the following formula I: in which: R1 to R5 can have various meanings of which alkyl, substituted or non-substituted aryl, and m is equal to 0 or 1, X is selected from (CR6R7)n in which n=0 or 1, and CO are disclosed. These compounds are useful as anti-tumor drugs, especially with pro-oxidizing activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic methods for the production of both optically active and racemic 5,5-disubstituted-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; 5-[(4-aryl)-3-butynyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; 5-(2-arylthio)ethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; and 5-(2-aryloxy)ethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones. This invention further relates to the use of the above mentioned compounds as anti-inflammatory agents through their action as mixed inhibitors of lipid peroxidation, 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2. The invention further relates to the use of such compounds in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease wherein reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators are contributing deleterious factors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the level of oxidized glutathione, or the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione, in a biological sample utilizing the thiol scavenging reagent 1-methyl-2-vinylpyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate or another salt thereof at a level which rapidly scavenges reduced glutathione but does not interfere with the measurement of oxidized glutathione.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic methods for the production of both optically active and racemic 5,5-disubstituted-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; 5-[(4-aryl)-3-butynyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; 5-(2-arylthio)ethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; and 5-(2-aryloxy)ethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones. This invention further relates to the use of the above mentioned compounds as anti-inflammatory agents through their action as mixed inhibitors of lipid peroxidation, 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2. The invention further relates to the use of such compounds in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease wherein reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators are contributing deleterious factors.

Abstract: Protection of mitochondria from oxidative damage due to natural or disease processes as well as by the effects of exogenous factors such as incident sunlight, exposure via inhalation to oxidative environmental toxins, consumption of dietary oxidants, and oxidative-stress-inducing pharmaceuticals, exposure to radiation including radiation therapy, among others, is provided by a composition comprising L-ergothioneine. L-ergothioneine may be prepared in a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier to form an agent for topical application to the skin, and for orally or parenteral administration. Effective application and delivery of L-ergothioneine is enhanced by encapsulation in a liposome, a preferred embodiment. Diagnostic methods for determining exposure and susceptibility to radiation, radical, and reactive oxygen species in mammals is also provided.

Abstract: Formulations of racemic or optically active 3,4-dihydroxy-5-aryl-2(5H)-furanoncs are provided for topical administration to the skin for the inhibition and prevention of sunburn cell formation resulting from exposure to ultraviolet radiation and other sources of damage, and for the treatment of skin aging. The compounds may be formulated in combination with a sunscreen, and may be applied before, during, and/or after exposure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic methods for the production of both optically active and racemic 5,5-disubstituted-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; 5-[(4-aryl)-3-butynyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; 5-(2-arylthio)ethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones; and 5-(2-aryloxy)ethyl-3,4-dihydroxy-2(5H)-furanones. This invention further relates to the use of the above mentioned compounds as anti-inflammatory agents through their action as mixed inhibitors of lipid peroxidation, 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2. The invention further relates to the use of such compounds in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease wherein reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators are contributing deleterious factors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a topiramate immunoassay and reagents for use in the immunoassay. In particular, topiramate is derivatized at the sulfamate moiety or the 9-carbon or 10-carbon methyl group of topiramate to add a label bound directly or through a linking group for use as a tracer (competitive analyte analog) or to add a linking group bound to a carrier for use as an immunogen to induce anti-topiramate antibodies. Immunoassay methods and kits are also provided.

Abstract: A biologically persistent, water-soluble, substantially non-immunogenic, substantially non-antigenic conjugate of superoxide dismutase is prepared by coupling one to five strands of a polyalkylene glycol which is polyethylene glycol or polyethylene-polypropylene glycol copolymer, wherein said polyalkylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 35,000-1,000,000.