Abstract:
Provided are novel cancer markers for the diagnosis of cancer in humans and non-human mammalian subjects, specifically a cancer marker comprising a negatively-charged molecule with a mass/charge (m/z) ratio of about 991. The cancer marker of the invention may be used to determine the presence of one or more cancerous cells or tumors in a biological sample by assaying the sample for a reduced level of said cancer marker.
Abstract:
Sulfated oligosaccharides, wherein the oligosaccharide has the general formula (I): R1-(Rx)n-R2, wherein R1 and R2 and each Rx represents a monosaccharide unit, all of which may be the same or different, adjacent monosaccharide units being linked by 1}2, 1}3, 1}4 and/or 1}6 glycosidic bonds and n is an integer of from 1 to 6, and use thereof as anti-angiogenic, anti-metastatic and/or anti-inflammatory agents.
Abstract:
A method of anti-inflammatory and/or immunosuppressive treatment of an animal or human patient comprises administration to the patient of an effective amount of at least one phosphosugar or derivative thereof, or a phosphosugar-containing oligosaccharide or polysaccharide or derivative thereof.
Abstract:
A method of anti-metastatic and/or anti-inflammatory treatment of an animal or human patient comprises administration to the patient of an effective amount of at least one sulphated polysaccharide which blocks or inhibits endoglycosidase, particularly heparanase, activity. Suitable sulphated polysaccharides include heparin and modified heparin, fucoidan, pentosan sulphate, dextran sulphate and carrageenan lambda.
Abstract:
This invention relates to the use of Nod factors and derivatives thereof for the modulation of blood vessel growth and development as well as compositions for modulating angiogenesis.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting oxidative damage of islet beta cells in vivo in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of heparan sulfate capable of protecting islet beta cells from reactive oxygen species or in vitro by exposing isolated islet beta cells, prior to transplantation, to a concentration of heparan sulfate that protects them from reactive oxygen species.
Abstract:
This application realtes to a method of inhibiting the degradation of an extracellular matrix associated with islet beta cells, said method comprising contacting said extracellular matrix with an effective amount of a heparanase inhibitor.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a mass spectrometry-based method of identifying a cancer marker in sera and uses of said cancer marker in diagnosing cancer in human and non-human subjects. The invention further provides isolated cancer markers.
Abstract:
A method of anti-inflammatory and/or immunosuppressive treatment of an animal or human patient comprises administration to the patient of an effective amount of castanospermine.
Abstract:
The invention provides a composition for modulating immunity by the in vivo targeting of an antigen to dendritic cells. The composition comprises: a preparation of antigen-containing membrane vesicles or antigen-containing liposomes which have on their surfaces a plurality of metal chelating groups; and, a ligand for a receptor on the dendritic cells, the ligand being linked to a metal chelating group via a metal affinity tag on the ligand. The composition further includes an immunomodulatory factor. A process for preparing the composition is also provided. The invention further provides a method of modulating an immune disorder, and methods of treating tumours and infections.