Method and use of alpha-amino-beta-mercapto-ethane derivatives as dicarbonyl scavengers for treatment of conditions resulting from protein, lipid, and DNA damage

Abstract

Methods of inhibiting damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA by the use of penicillamines and other α-amino-β,β-mercapto-β,β-dimethyl-ethane compounds as dicarbonyl scavengers is disclosed.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A process for inhibiting production of advanced glycosylation end products in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a α-amino-β,β-mercapto-β,β-dimethyl-ethane derivative.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the α-amino-β,β-mercapto-β,β-dimethyl-ethane derivative is selected from the group consisting of D-penicillamine, L-penicillamine, and D,L penicillamine.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the α-amino-β,β-mercapto-β,β-dimethyl-ethane derivative is D-penicillamine.  
     
     
         4 . A method for inhibiting photoaging of skin in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of a α-amino-β,β-mercapto-β,β-dimethyl-ethane derivative to the subject.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the α-amino-β,β-mercapto-β,β-dimethyl-ethane derivative is selected from the group consisting of D-penicillamine, L-penicillamine, and D, L-penicillamine.  
     
     
         6 . A method of reducing photoxicity to cellular DNA comprising administering an effective amount of a α-amino-β,β-mercapto-β,β-dimethyl-ethane derivative to the subject.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the α-amino-β,β-mercapto-β,β-dimethyl-ethane derivative is selected from the group consisting of D-penicillamine, L-penicillamine and D,L-penicillamine.