Abstract:
This invention relates to a test for detecting a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis or TB) infection in a patient or subject, specifically a diagnostic test, including a breath test, whereby patients are provided a small dose of an isotopically labeled TB drug, Isoniazid (INH) orally or directly to the lungs of the patient or subject. If TB is present, a TB enzyme mycobacterial peroxidase KatG oxidizes the INH; and KatG specific metabolites, in particular, isotopically labeled nitric oxide (NO), nitrites, nitrates, carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide converted from carbon monoxide of INH cleavage are measured. Other embodiments relate to a diagnostic breath test for detecting TB utilizing isotopically labeled urea (preferably, carbon-13 labeled urea), alone or in combination with isotopically labeled isoniazid (preferably, nitrogen-15 labeled isoniazid), wherein M. tuberculosis organism, if present in the patient or subject's lungs (or other tissues), will metabolize the isotopically labeled urea to isotopically labeled carbon dioxide (CO2) such that a determination of the residence of M. tuberculosis, including residence of an isoniazid resistant strain of M. tuberculosis, may be made.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the use of isotopically labeled derivatives of isoniazid, ethionamide and related compounds as effective therapy for the treatment of mycobacterial diseases, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Abstract:
Inhibiting the enzymic action of tyrosinase in the melanocyte prior to, during, or after ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, including over-exposure causing erythema, or sunburn, prevents the production of melanin and thereby melanoma. Melanoma can be prevented by using a tyrosinase inhibitor agent that inhibits the enzymic action of tyrosinase to prevent damage and/or death of melanocytes. The inhibitor agent can be applied to the skin or ingested.