EP1583765A2

EP1583765A2 - Compositions for treating and/or preventing diseases characterized by the presence of metal ions

Info

Publication number: EP1583765A2
Application number: EP03796428A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Orrie Friedman; Ivan Correia; Toby Sommer; David Alan Kew
Original assignee: GrenPharma LLC
Current assignee: GrenPharma LLC
Priority date: 2002-11-18
Filing date: 2003-11-18
Publication date: 2005-10-12
Also published as: EP1583765A4

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to the treatment and/or prevention of Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegenerative diseases, and/or diseases characterized by the presence of certain metal ions, by using certain compositions including organosilicon compounds. A composition of the invention may be administered to a mammal, such as a human. In some cases, the composition may include a silanol, a silandiol, a silantriol, or a cyclic organosilane, and/or be able to form a silanol, a silandiol, or a silantriol upon exposure to physiological conditions such as are found in the blood, in the stomach and/or gastrointestinal tract, or in the brain or other organ. In certain cases, the organosilicon compound may be bound to a moiety able to be transported across the blood-brain barrier into the brain, for example, an amino acid, a peptide, a protein, a virus, etc. The organosilicon compound may also be labeled (e.g., fluorescently or radioactively) in certain instances. In some embodiments, the composition, or a portion thereof, may sequester aluminum or other ions, for example, by electrostatically binding to aluminum ions. The composition may also include other functionalities such as amines, certain alkyl and/or aryl moieties (including substituted alkyls and/or aryls), or hydrophobic moieties, for example, to facilitate transport of the organosilicon compound through the blood-brain barrier.

Description

COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING AND/OR PREVENTING DISEASES CHARACTERIZED BY THE PRESENCE OF METAL IONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention generally relates to the treatment and/or prevention of diseases characterized by the presence of metal ions, such as Alzheimer's disease and, in particular, to the treatment and/or prevention of such diseases using certain compositions comprising chelating agents and/or silicon compounds.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Many diseases can be characterized by an excess or an imbalance of metal ions within the body, for example, within an organ or a tissue. An excess of metal ions may, in some cases, affect protein structure or function, or lead to or facilitate certain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, various homeostatic diseases, cardiac arrhythmia, various central nervous system (CNS) disorders, blood plasma imbalances, dermatitis, Gerstmann-Staussler-Scheinker disorder, familial insomnia, Menkes's syndrome, lead poisoning and other heavy metal toxicities, or various prion diseases such as transmissible spongiform encephalopathy or Creutzfeld- akob disease. In some cases, an excess of metal ions may also interfere with ion channel function, protein structure or folding, or enzyme function, which can lead to disease states. For example, many proteins and enzymes use metal ions to stabilize their conformation at or as a reactive site.

Physiological removal or sequestration of metal ions may be useful in treating such diseases. However, very few biocompatible agents able to bind ions that can be delivered to a target site are known to exist. One example of a compound able to bind ions within the body is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ("EDTA"). The half-life of EDTA in the body, however, is relatively short. Typical doses of EDTA last for only about 1 hour in the body, limiting the effectiveness of this form of treatment.

One disease that can be characterized by an excess of metal ions is Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a common form of senile dementia. Some studies have suggested that 25-50% of all people in their eighties may have Alzheimer's disease. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include memory loss, loss of language or cognitive ability, declines in reasoning ability, and reduced use of speech. Behavioral disorders may also be present. Changes in brain physiology may also occur, for example, enlarged ventricles, narrow cortical gyri, or widened sulci. These changes have been attributed to neuronal loss. The deterioration in mental abilities and brain function appears to be irreversible, and may eventually lead to death.

Alzheimer's disease is actually a family of related neurodegenerative diseases. One feature of Alzheimer's disease and other such neurodegenerative diseases is the appearance and accumulation of fibrous proteinaceous structures, commonly known as neurofibrillary tangles or senile plaques. Neurofilament (NF) protein is one constituent of neurofibrillary tangles. NF proteins may form filaments that can give rise to neurofibrillary tangles, for example, when the NF protein is hyperphosphorylated. Beta- amyloid, a protein containing about 42 amino acids, is one important component of certain senile plaques.

Causes of Alzheimer's disease include, genetic factors (for instance, certain genes on chromosomes 1, 14, 19, and 21 have been implicated in increased susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease), or environmental factors, especially greater than normal aluminum concentrations. Some studies have shown that increased aluminum concentrations within the brain may be associated with neurofibrillary tangles or senile plaques. Aluminum may appear, for example, complexed with beta-amyloid or neurofilament protein. Certain studies have suggested a link between the aluminum found in water supplies and the incidence of Alzheimer's disease. Aluminum may also arise from pharmaceuticals or other compounds, such as antacid tablets. Aluminum may be found in the body complexed to other species such as organic species, or dissolved in solution (e.g., within the blood or the cerebrospinal fluid). For example, the aluminum may be present as Al³⁺, Al(OH)₃, Al₂O₃, or A1₂(S0₄)₃, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to the treatment and/or prevention of diseases characterized by the presence of metal ions, such as Alzheimer's disease. The subject matter of this invention involves, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem and/or a plurality of different uses of one or more systems and/or articles. In one aspect, the invention includes a composition. In one set of embodiments, the composition, or at least a portion thereof, is able to enter an organ, e.g., the brain through transport across the blood-brain barrier. In some cases, the composition also includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In certain embodiments, the composition includes at least one of a silanol, a silandiol, a silantriol, and/or a compound able to form at least one of a silanol, silandiol, or a silantriol, e.g., upon exposure to physiological conditions. Such compounds may include, for example, a halogenated organosilicon compound or a cyclic organosilicon compound. In some cases, the compound is unable to significantly polymerize in solution. In another set of embodiments, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 90%, at least 95%o, at least 97%, or at least 99%> of the compound is able to retain a monorneric structure in vivo.

In one set of embodiments, the composition includes a compound having a structure:

or a salt thereof, where each of Z¹ and Z² independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. Each of Y¹ and Y² is an moiety interconnecting Si and an N (for example, an alkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, a cyclic moiety, etc.). Each of J¹⁰, J¹¹, J¹², and J¹³ independently is H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In one embodiment, each of J¹⁰, J¹¹, J¹², and J¹³ is independently hydrogen, an alkyl, or an aryl. In another embodiment, at least one of J¹⁰, Sⁿ, J¹², and J¹³ is an alkyl having no more than three or four carbon atoms. In yet another embodiment, at least one of Y¹ and Y²has a structure:

where Y may include a hydrogen or a non-hydrogen atom. In still another embodiment, Y³ comprises a hydrophobic moiety. As used herein in reference to various chemical

structures, the symbol indicates where a chemical structure is attached to a parent chemical structure, as is readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. For

example, in the above structure, for at least one of Y¹ and Y², the two 5 symbols indicate where the above structure respectively attaches to N and Si in the parent chemical structure immediately preceding the above structure.

In another set of embodiments, the composition includes a silicon compound comprising an aminoalkyl moiety. In one embodiment, the compound has a structure:

or a salt thereof, where each of Z¹, Z², and Z³ is independently one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, and R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom. Each J independently is H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom, and Y is a moiety interconnecting Si and N (for example, an alkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, a cyclic moiety, etc.).

In still another set of embodiments, a composition of the invention includes a compound having a structure:

or a salt thereof, where each of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. The compound may include at least one carbon atom, i.e., at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ comprises at least one carbon atom. In certain embodiments, Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ are not all, simultaneously, one of H or R; and Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ are not all simultaneously acetate. In another set of embodiments, the compound may have a structure such as:

or a salt thereof, where each of Z¹ and Z² independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprismg at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In this structure, A is a moiety including at least one of a carbon atom and a silicon atom. Each of E¹ and E² (where applicable) independently is either (a) one of O and NJ³, or (b) absent such that Si is covalently bonded to moiety A. J³ is H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In certain instances, E¹ and E² (where applicable) are not both absent.

In yet another set of embodiments, a composition of the invention includes cyclic organosilicon compound, i.e., a cyclic organic compound containing at least one silicon atom. For example, the cyclic organosilicon compound may have a structure such as:

In these structures, each A independently is a moiety having at least one of a carbon atom and a silicon atom, and each Z independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ^!J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In some cases, the composition may include a salt of any of the above-described structures.

In still another set of embodiments, a composition of the invention comprises a compound having at least two silicon atoms. In one embodiment, the compound has a structure: or a salt thereof, where each of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, Z⁵, and Z⁶ independently is one of H, X, R,

OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In another embodiment, the composition includes a polymer having a repeat unit comprising at least one silicon atom. In yet another embodiment, the compound may have a structure such as:

or a salt thereof, where each of Y, Y¹ and Y² independently is an interconnecting moiety comprising at least one carbon atom (for example, an alkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, a cyclic moiety, etc.), and each of Z^!, Z², Z³, Z⁴, Z⁵, and Z⁶ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or J¹!², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. Each of E¹, E², E³, and E⁴ independently is either (a) one of O and NJ³, or (b) absent such that a Si is covalently bonded to a Y moiety. J³ can be H or comprise at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. Typically, at least one E moiety is present within the structure. In another set of embodiments, a compound of the invention includes a chelating agent able to bind to aluminum or another metal ion (or is able to form a chelating agent able to bond to aluminum or another metal ion). In one embodiment, a compound of the invention has a structure: x — Y or x — Y, where X is a chelating agent able to bond to aluminum or another metal ion, or is able to form a chelating agent able to bond to aluminum or another metal ion. Additionally, Y is a structure able to facilitate transport of the compound (or a portion thereof) across the blood brain-barrier, the structure X^~X comprises at least one chemical bond, and the structure — is a moiety that can be hydrolyzed under physiological conditions, e.g., within the brain or within the bloodstream, for example, to OH. In some cases, the chelating agent may be any agent able to bind or otherwise immobilize an ion, for example, so that it becomes complexed or otherwise bound to the chelating agent instead of remaining free in solution. In another aspect, the invention is a method. In one set of embodiments, the method includes administering, to a subject, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising at least one of a silanol compound, a silandiol compound, a silantriol compound, a cyclic organosilicon compound, and/or a compound able to be hydrolyzed within the subject to at least one of a silanol compound, a silandiol compound, or a silantriol compound. In another set of embodiments, the method includes administering, to a subject, one or more of the compounds described above. In some cases, the subject is susceptible to or exhibits symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. In other cases, the subject is susceptible to or exhibits symptoms of a disease characterized by an excess of an ion such as a metal ion. In certain cases, the subject is not otherwise indicated for treatment with the composition. For example, the subject may not be indicated as having a disease treatable by the inhibition of leukocyte elastase.

In some embodiments, a compound of the invention is able to bind to (or otherwise interact with) aluminum and/or other metal ions such as divalent or trivalent metal ions, and/or is able to be hydrolyzed within the subject to form a compound able to bind to aluminum and/or other metal ions. In certain embodiments, the organosilicon compound, or at least a portion thereof, is able to enter an organ, e.g., the brain through transport across the blood-brain barrier. In other embodiments, however, the organosilicon compound is not able to enter an organ such as the brain, but instead, remains in circulation in the bloodstream, for example, to remove or sequester aluminum or other ions within the blood before they enter the brain or other organs. The composition may also include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in certain cases.

In another set of embodiments, the method includes administering, to a subject, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound having a structure:

or a salt thereof, where each of Z¹, Z², and Z³ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. For clarity, in any of the chemical structures described herein, such as in the above-described chemical structures, not all of the atoms bonded to silicon are drawn. In some cases, the subject is susceptible to or exhibits symptoms of Alzheimer's

disease or other disease characterized by an excess of metal ions. The structure v_ indicates a portion of the compound that can be positively charged when the compound is located within the subject, for example, in an active site. In one embodiment, the subject is not otherwise indicated for treatment with the composition. In another

embodiment, the structure Xx is a portion of the compound that has a structure that allows the compound, or at least a portion thereof, to enter into an organ, or cross the blood-brain barrier. In one set of embodiments, the method includes administering to a subject a composition that includes a compound able to be converted, within the subject, into a form able to bind aluminum and/or other metal ions such as divalent or trivalent metal ions, e.g., through hydrolysis. In another set of embodiments, the method includes administering, to a subject, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including a compound able to cross the blood-brain barrier and/or bind aluminum and/or other metal ions.

In another set of embodiments, the method includes administering, to a subject, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound comprising, within the molecular structure of the compound, at least two silicon atoms. In one embodiment, the compound can have a molecular weight of at least about 100 g/mol, at least about 200 g/mol, at least about 300 g/mol, at least about 400 g/mol, at least about 500 g/mol, at least about 600 g/mol, at least about 700 g/mol, at least about 800 g/mol, at least about 900 g/mol, at least about 1000 g/mol, or more in some cases. In another embodiment, the compound is a salt. In yet another set of embodiments, the method includes administering, to a subject, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound having, within the molecular structure of the compound, a silicon atom and a nitrogen atom.

In still another set of embodiments, the method is a method of chelating metals in vivo. In one embodiment, the method includes administering, to a subject, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a silicon polymer and, in some cases, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some instances, the silicon polymer may be hydroxylated and/or halogenated.

In another set of embodiments, the method is a method of facilitating the reversion of a protein having a non-functional or a dysfunctional conformation (i.e., functioning at a less than physiologically normal level) to a functional conformation. The method, in one embodiment, includes the step of introducing a compound comprising silicon into a subject, where the subject has, or is suspected of having, a disease or condition characterized by having a protein, a lipid, or a sugar bound to one or more metal atoms. The protein, lipid, or sugar may have a non-functional or a dysfunctional conformation when so bound to the one or more metal atoms. The method can also include allowing at least some of the metal atoms to be transferred from the protein, lipid, or sugar to the silicon compound. In some cases, the silicon polymer may be hydroxylated and/or halogenated.

In yet another set of embodiments, the method includes administering, to a neurological system of a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound having a silicon atom. In one embodiment, the composition includes a compound having a structure:

or a salt thereof, where each of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In some cases, one, two, three, or four of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ may each be OH and/or acetate. In another embodiment, the composition includes a silicate, such as sodium silicate, and/or a metasilicate, such as sodium metasilicate, or the like. In yet another embodiment, the composition includes a silicon salt.

In another aspect, the invention includes the use of a composition in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease characterized by the presence of metal ions. In one set of embodiments, the composition comprises one or more of the compounds described above. It should be understood that everywhere a method of treating a subject with a composition is described herein, the invention also involves, in another aspect, the use of that composition in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of the subject. In still another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of making any of the embodiments described herein. In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of using any of the embodiments described herein. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of promoting any of the embodiments described herein. Other advantages, novel features, and objects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are schematic and which are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures typically is represented by a single numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, nor is every component of each embodiment of the invention shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention. In cases where the present specification and a document incorporated by reference include conflicting disclosure, the present specification shall control.

BRIEF DESCRD7TION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a neurofilament sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1);

Figs. 2A-2U illustrate various chemical structures useful in the invention; Figs. 3 A-3D illustrate the effect of sodium metasilicate hydrate on the neurofilament of Fig. 1, as indicated by circular dichroism (CD) data plotted as ellipticity vs. wavelength; Figs. 4A-4E illustrate the effect of sodium orthosilicate on the neurofilament of Fig. 1, as indicated by CD data;

Figs. 5A-5F illustrate the effect of 3-aminopropylsilantriol on the neurofilament of Fig. 1, as indicated by CD data; Figs. 6A-6D illustrate comparative CD data for sodium orthosilicate versus 3- aminopropylsilantriol;

Figs. 7A-7D illustrate the effect of 3-cyanopropyltrichlorosilane on the neurofilament of Fig. 1, as indicated by CD data;

Figs. 8A-8D illustrate the effect of hexylmethyldichlorosilane on the neurofilament of Fig. 1, as indicated by CD data;

Figs. 9A-9D illustrate the effect of methylphenyldichlorosilane on the neurofilament of Fig., 1, as indicated by CD data;

Figs. 10A-10D illustrate the effect of dichlorodiethylsilane on the neurofilament of Fig. 1, as indicated by CD data; Figs. 11 A-l IE illustrate the effect of dichlorodiisopropylsilane on the neurofilament of Fig. 1, as indicated by CD data;

Figs. 12A-12E illustrate the effect of (dichloro)methylsilylbutyiOiιitrile on the neurofilament of Fig. 1, as indicated by CD data;

Fig. 13 illustrates the effect of aluminum on human amyloid beta-protein, as illustrated by CD data;

Fig. 14 illustrates the effect of 3-cyanopropyltrichlorosilane on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data;

Fig. 15 illustrates the effect of dichlorodiethylsilane on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data; Fig. 16 illustrates the effect of dichlorodiisopropylsilane on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data;

Fig. 17 illustrates the effect of (dichloro)ethylmethylsilane on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data;

Fig. 18 illustrates the effect of hexylmethyldichlorosilane on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data;

Fig. 19 illustrates the effect of (dichloro)methylsilylbutyronitrile on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data; Fig. 20 illustrates the effect of dichlorosilacyclobutane on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data;

Fig. 21 illustrates the effect of l,7-dioxa-6-sila-spiro[5.5]undecane on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data; Fig. 22 illustrates the effect of sodium orthosilicate on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data;

Fig. 23 illustrates the effect of triethoxysilylbutyronitrile on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data;

Fig. 24 illustrates the effect of triethoxysilylpropionitrile on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data;

Fig. 25 illustrates the effect of trihydroxysilylpropylmethyl phosphonate on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data;

Fig. 26 illustrates the effect of triethylsilanol on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data; and Fig. 27 illustrates the effect of tetrakis(dimethylamino)silane on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data;

Fig. 28 illustrates the effect of tetraacetooxysilane on the amyloid protein, as illustrated by CD data;

Figs. 29A-29B illustrate fransport of certain organosilicon compounds of the invention across Caco-2 cells; and

Fig. 30 illustrates molecular transport of certain organosilicon compounds of the invention across bMNEC cells.

DETAILED DESCRD?TIOΝ The present invention generally relates to the treatment and/or prevention of

Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegenerative diseases, and/or diseases characterized by the presence of certain metal ions, by using certain compositions including organosilicon compounds. A composition of the invention may be administered to a mammal, such as a human. In some cases, the composition may include a silanol, a silandiol, a silantriol, or a cyclic organosilane, and/or be able to form a silanol, a silandiol, or a silantriol upon exposure to physiological conditions such as are found in the blood, in the stomach and/or gastrointestinal tract, or in the brain or other organ. In certain cases, the organosilicon compound may be bound to a moiety able to be transported across the blood-brain barrier into the brain, for example, an amino acid, a peptide, a protein, a virus, etc. The organosilicon compound may also be labeled (e.g., fiuorescently or radioactively) in certain instances. In some embodiments, the composition, or a portion thereof, may sequester aluminum or other ions, for example, by electrostatically binding to aluminum ions. The composition may also include other functionalities such as amines, certain alkyl and/or aryl moieties (including substituted alkyls and/or aryls), or hydrophobic moieties, for example, to facilitate transport of the organosilicon compound through the blood-brain barrier. The following applications are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent No.

5,523,295, issued June 4, 1996, entitled "Method for Treating and Preventing Alzheimer's Disease," by G. D. Fasman; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/427,203, filed November 18, 2002, entitled "Compositions for Treating and Preventing Alzheimer's Disease," by O. Friedman, et al U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/427, 105, filed November 18, 2002, entitled "Compositions for Treating and Preventing Alzheimer's Disease," by O. Friedman, et al. ; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/427,104, filed November 18, 2002, entitled "Compositions for Treating and Preventing Alzheimer's Disease," by O. Friedman, et al; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/427,201, filed November 18, 2002, entitled "Chelating Agents," by O. Friedman, et al and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/456,345, filed March 20, 2003, entitled "Compositions for Treating and or Preventing Diseases Characterized by the Presence of Metal Ions," by O. Friedman, et al.

The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

As used herein, "or" is understood to mean inclusively, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but including more than one, of a number or a list of elements. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "exclusively" or "exactly one of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements.

The term "determining," as used herein, generally refers to the analysis of a species, for example, quantitatively or qualitatively, and/or the detection of the presence or absence of the species. "Determining" may also refer to the analysis of an interaction between two or more species, for example, quantitatively or qualitatively, and/or by detecting the presence or absence of the interaction.

As used herein, a material is "able to cross the blood-brain barrier" if it is capable of being transported (passively or actively) from the blood to the brain or central nervous system in vivo under physiological conditions using endogenously available transport processes such as diffusion or certain endogenous transport systems. For example, a composition of the invention (or a portion thereof) may include a sugar or a peptide, and/or be able to be substituted as a substrate (i.e., a mimic) in a sugar and/or a peptide transport system of the blood-brain barrier (e.g., endogenous transport proteins), thus allowing transport of the composition across the blood-brain barrier to occur. As used herein, the "blood-brain barrier" is given its ordinary meaning as used in the art, i.e., the cellular barrier separating the bloodstream from the "neurological system," i.e., the brain and central nervous system, including the spinal cord. "Treatment of Alzheimer's disease," as used herein, includes preventing, arresting, altering, and/or reversing formation of neurofibrillary tangles and/or senile plaques within the brain, and may be performed on subjects "in need of such treatment," i.e., a subject that exhibits symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a subject susceptible to or otherwise at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease, or a subject not exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer' s disease, but for whom it is desired to decrease the risk of Alzheimer' s disease (e.g., a vaccination or a prophylactic treatment). The term "patient" or "subject" as used herein includes mammals such as humans, as well as non-human mammals such as non-human primates, cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, or rodents such as mice or rats. It should be understood that any of the compositions or methods described herein in reference to Alzheimer's disease can also be used, in some cases, to treat other diseases characterized by an excess of metal ions. As used herein, a disease "characterized by an excess of an ion" includes any disease where an excess of an ion (e.g., a metal ion) within an organ or a system of the body may lead to health-related problems. Examples of such ions include, but are not limited to, iron, lead, aluminum, magnesium, calcium, mercury, strontium, beryllium, cobalt, zinc, nickel, arsenic, etc. The ions may be divalent or trivalent (i.e., having a net charge of ±2 or ±3, respectively) in certain instances. In some cases, the disease may result in misfolded proteins, due to the presence of excess ions. As one example, Alzheimer's disease can be characterized by an excess of aluminum ions in the brain. Other brain diseases which may be characterized by an excess of ions include, for example, certain prion diseases such as transmissible spongiform encephalopathy or Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease. Other diseases where an excess of ions such as metal ions has been implicated include Parkinson's disease, various homeostatic diseases, cardiac arrhythmia, various central nervous system (CNS) disorders, blood plasma imbalances, dermatitis, Gerstmann-Staussler- Scheinker disorder, familial insomnia, Menkes's syndrome, or heavy metal toxicity or poisoning. In some cases, the disease may be created by environmental factors, for example, an excess of ions such as aluminum, lead or iron from the environment. In other cases, the disease ions may be created through diet, drinking water, on the like. The organ or system may be any organ or system in the body, for example, within the bloodstream, within the brain, liver, kidneys, skin, fatty tissue, etc. Other diseases characterized by an excess of ions may be readily identified by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

As used herein, an "amino acid" is given its ordinary meaning as used in the field of biochemistry. An amino acid typically has a structure:

H H₂N C COOH

R In this structure, R may be any suitable moiety; for example, R may be a hydrogen atom, a methyl, or an isopropyl. A series of amino acids can be connected to form a peptide or a protein, by reaction of the NH₂ of one amino acid with the COOH of the next amino acid to form a peptide (-NH-C(O)) bond. The amino acid may be a natural amino acid or an unnatural amino acid. As used herein, the "natural amino acids" are the 20 amino acids commonly found in nature, i.e., alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalaine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine. Conversely, an "unnatural amino acid" is an amino acid corresponding to the above structure, where the R moiety does not correspond to one of the 20 natural amino acids. In some cases, the amino acid may also be derivatized in some fashion. For example, the amino acid may be amidated, esterified, side moieties may be attached to the amino acid, etc. Other amino acid derivatization reactions will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, an "alkyl" is given its ordinary meaning as used in the field of organic chemistry. Alkyl or aliphatic moieties may contain a number of carbon atoms. The moieties may include, for example, between 1 and 15 carbon atoms, between 1 and 10 carbon atoms, or between 1 and 5 carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, the alkyl moiety will have less than 10 carbon atoms, less than 6 carbon atoms, less than 5 carbon atoms, less than 4 carbon atoms, or less than 3 carbon atoms. In some embodiments of the invention, alkyl chains having a certain size may be used to control the hydrophobicity of the composition. The carbon atoms may be arranged in an appropriate configuration within the alkyl moiety, for example, as a straight chain (i.e., an rc-alkyl such as methyl "(Me"), ethyl ("Et"), propyl ("Pr"), butyl ("Bu"), pentyl ("Pe"), or hexyl ("Hx")) or a branched chain (e.g., a tert-butyl moiety, or an isoalkyl moiety such as an isopropyl moiety). The alkyl moiety may contain zero or one or more double or triple bonds within its structure, for example, as in an alkene, an alkyne, an alkadiene, an alkadiyne, an alkynene, etc. The alkyl moiety may also contain substituents in some cases. For example, the alkyl moiety may contain a halogen, an alkoxy (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, or propoxy), an amine (e.g., a primary, secondary, tertiary, or quaternary amine), an ether, a carbonyl (e.g., an acetyl ("Ac") moiety) or a hydroxide as a substituent (i.e., a "substituted alkyl"). If more than one substituent is present, then the substituents may each be the same or different. In some cases, the alkyl moiety includes only carbon and hydrogen atoms; however, in other cases, the atoms within the alkyl moiety may also include nitrogen atoms, oxygen atoms, sulfur atoms, silicon atoms, or any other suitable atom. Similarly, a "cyclic" moiety, as used herein, is given its ordinary definition as used in the field of organic chemistry, i.e., a moiety that contains at least one ring of atoms, and may contain more than one ring of atoms. That is, a cyclic moiety has at least one chain of atoms that does not have a terminal end. The chain may have, for example, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten or more atoms arranged in a ring. In some embodiments, the cyclic moiety has a maximum size of at most ten atoms, at most eight atoms, or at most seven atoms. In some cases, the cyclic moiety includes only carbon atoms within the ring of the cyclic moiety; however, in other cases, the atoms within the ring may also include nitrogen atoms, oxygen atoms, sulfur atoms, silicon atoms, or any other atom able to covalently bond to at least two different atoms (i.e., a "heterocyclic" moiety). If the cyclic moiety contains more than one ring, the rings may be arranged in any orientation with respect to each other, e.g., the rings may be fused (i.e., at least two rings have more than one atom in common, for example, as in bicyclic moieties, tricyclic moieties, etc.), spiro (i.e., two rings have only one atom in common), a ring may be a substituent on another ring, two or more rings may be connected through an alkyl moiety, etc. The cyclic moiety may contain zero or one or more double or triple bonds within its structure, for example, as in a cycloalkene, a cycloalkyne, a cycloalkadiene, an aromatic moiety, or the like. The terms "aromatic" or "aryl" moieties are given their ordinary meaning as used in the art, e.g., where at least two or more atoms of the moiety participate in delocalized pi bonding. Aryl moieties which include one or more non- carbon atoms (e.g., nitrogen) participating in delocalized pi bonding are "heteroaryl" moieties. A "silicon compound," as used herein, includes any chemical compound that contains at least one silicon atom. The silicon compound may be water-soluble, lipid- soluble, or exhibit amphiphillic properties, e.g., when located within a subject. An "organosilicon compound," as used herein, is a compound that includes at least one silicon atom bonded to an organic moiety, such as an alkyl, an aryl, an alkoxy, a cycloalkyl, an amine (primary, secondary, tertiary, or quaternary), etc. An

"organosilicon composition" includes at least one organosilicon compound and may include other compounds as well, for example, other physiologically active compounds and/or pharmaceutically acceptable carriers such as those further described below. In some embodiments, the silicon atom within the organosilicon compound may be hypercoordinated (i.e., the silicon atom may have a valency of 5 or 6).

In one set of embodiments, the silicon compound includes one or more "hydrolyzable" moieties (for example, a moiety that can by hydrolyzed under physiological conditions, spontaneously and/or through metabolic processes, e.g., to a hydroxide moiety), such as halogens, hydroxides, alkoxides, esters, ethers, etc. Examples include, but are not limited to, a halosilane, a dihalosilane, a trihalosilane, a silanol, a dihalosilanol, a halosilandiol, a silantriol, a halosilanol, etc. Terms such as "silanol," "silandiol," and "halosilane" are given their ordinary meanings as used in the field of chemistry. For instance, a "silandiol" is a compound which includes two hydroxide moieties covalently bonded to a silicon atom, and a "silantriol" is a compound which includes three hydroxide moieties covalently bonded to a silicon atom. Similarly, a "dihalosilane" (e.g., dichlorosilane or bromochlorosilane) is a compound that includes two halogen atoms (as further defined below) each bonded to a silicon atom (i.e., where the halogen atoms may be the same or different), and a "halosilanol" is a compound that includes a halogen and a hydroxide moiety each bonded to a silicon atom within the compound. Terms such as "trihalosilane," "dihalosilanol," and "halodisilanol" are similarly defined. The term "halogen," (or "halo-"), as used herein, includes halogen- group atoms as ordinarily used in the field of chemistry (e.g., fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine). As used herein, "pseudohalogens" are moieties that are not halogen atoms, but have properties similar to halogen compounds. Examples of pseudohalogens include CN, SCN, NCO, etc., and other hydrolyzable moieties that can form labile bonds with silicon (e.g., imidazoles, triazoles, tetrazoles, etc). In many cases, a pseudohalogen moiety can be substituted for a halogen atom in any of the structures described herein. The organosilicon compounds of the present invention, in one set of embodiments, may inhibit and/or reverse interaction between ions such as aluminum ions and physiological (or neurological) components of the brain or other organs, such as beta-amyloid or other amyloid compounds, neurofilament proteins, etc. For example, certain types of amyloid proteins may be found in the liver or in muscle tissue. The compounds may inhibit and/or reverse such interactions anywhere within the body, e.g., within the brain or other organ, within the blood-brain barrier, within the bloodstream, etc. The term "inhibit" includes inhibition which occurs before and/or after the aluminum (or other metal ion) complexes with the component. The inhibition may be partial or complete inhibition. One simple test to illustrate the efficacy of the compositions of the invention is to add the composition to a solution containing a a component such as a suitable disease marker, and determine if the added composition is able to prevent or reduce changes in the structure and/or conformation of the component or marker when the solution is exposed to aluminum. As an example, for Alzheimer's disease, a suitable marker for the disease may be a beta-amyloid or a neurofilament protein (or a cell able to produce beta-amyloid or a neurofilament protein) that is sensitive to aluminum, i.e., where the structure and/or conformation of the marker is altered upon exposure to aluminum). The composition may be added before or after the marker is exposed to aluminum or other ions. An example of this process is discussed in Example 1. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that "aluminum," as used herein, refers to any form of aluminum that may appear in the body, for example, as aluminum particles, aluminum oxide particles, aluminum ions (Al³⁺), Al(OH)₃, Al₂O₃, Al₂(SO )₃, etc. The aluminum may arise from any environmental source, for example, dissolved within drinking water; from aluminum pots, pans, pipes, utensils, or tools; from dust; from components of medical devices; from medications; from jewelry; from aerosols; from deodorants and other products applied to the skin; from aluminum cans, etc.

In some embodiments, however, the organosilicon compounds of the invention are not able to enter the brain or other organ. In such embodiments, the organosilicon compounds may remain where they were introduced into the body, or the organosilicon compounds may remain in circulation in the bloodstream. As one example, if a compound is injected directly into the brain (e.g., as further described below), the compound may be unable to cross the blood-brain barrier and hence is able to remain within the brain. As another example, a compound of the invention may be introduced into systemic circulation, to remove or sequester aluminum or other ions within the blood before they enter the brain or other organs. Compositions of the invention, according to one set of embodiments, may be administered to a subject so as to treat (e.g., reverse), prevent, and/or reduce the formation and/or growth of neurofibrillary tangles or senile plaques within the brain. In persons with Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases, the beta-amyloid and/or neurofilament proteins found in senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles may become, in some cases, phosphorylated and/or complexed in the presence of metal ions such as aluminum and/or assume a dysfunctional or a nonfunctional conformation (e.g., a structure that lacks proper activity, or a structure indicative of a diseased state) such as a beta-sheet. The beta-sheet or other nonfunctional/dysfunctional conformation within these proteins may cause the beta-amyloid and/or neurofilament proteins to become insoluble and/or to precipitate, which may thereby cause the formation of neurofibrillary tangles and/or senile plaques within the brain. In one set of embodiments, a composition of the present invention may bind to or otherwise sequester ions such as metal ions within the body. In one set of embodiments, the ion is divalent or trivalent. The ion may be present within the body, or within an organ or system within the body, in an excess concentration (e.g., significantly above a concentration that is physiologically desirable). In some cases, the composition may sequester the ion by interaction of the ion with a charged portion of the composition, e.g., of the opposite charge.

In some cases, the composition may allow a molecule or structure affected by an excess of metal ions to revert back to its original conformation, or the composition may prevent the formation of nonfunctional or deformed structures, for example, as in a protein that has been denatured, or improperly folded or configured, due to the presence of an excess of metal ions. Thus, compositions of the invention may be determined by their ability to allow a molecule or structure to revert back to its original conformation, etc. The composition may bind and/or sequester the excess ion, which may prevent, inhibit, and/or reduce interaction of the ion with the molecule or structure. For example, the presence of the compositions of the invention in the brain may allow certain neurofilament proteins to revert back to their original functional structures, and/or prevent the formation of the beta-sheet conformation or other nonfunctional or dysfunctional structures within the neurofilament proteins. The organosilicon compound may also bind any aluminum (or other metal ions) present within the brain or other organ, which may cause at least some sequestering of aluminum or other metal ions, preventing and/or reducing interaction of aluminum with other components of the brain or other organ, for example, with beta-amyloid or neurofilament proteins. The interaction of the composition with aluminum or other metal ions may be, for instance, via an ionic interaction, a hydrogen bond interaction, a van der Waals interaction, a metal ligand interaction, a dative interaction, a hydrophobic interaction, and/or a combination of these. The degree of such binding can be determined by those of ordinary skill in the art; for example, an organosilicon composition of the invention may be mixed with a solution containing a known concentration of aluminum ions or other metal ions, and the resulting decrease in the concentration of free aluminum or other metal ions in solution (if any) may be determined or calculated using known techniques for detecting the dissolved ions in solution, for example, using circular dichroism (CD) techniques, atomic absorption spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, radioactive tracer measurements, or the like.

In some cases, an ion such as aluminum may be sequestered within the body or the brain or other organ by the organosilicon compositions of the invention, for instance, by sequestering the aluminum ions with a negatively charged portion of an organosilicon compound. For example, the organosilicon compound may include one or more hydroxide moieties that can become negatively charged under physiological conditions (i.e., deprotonated), enabling electrostatic attraction or binding of aluminum or other metal ions to the compound. In one set of embodiments, the organosilicon compound may be a silanol, a silandiol, or a silantriol. In another set of embodiments, the organosilicon compound may be a silicon compound able to form a silanol, a silandiol, or a silantriol upon hydrolysis of the compound, for example, within the body under physiological conditions (e.g., at a temperature of 37 °C and/or within a generally aqueous environment). In some embodiments, after formation of the aluminum- organosilicon complex (or other ionic-organosilicon complex), the complex may also be removed from the brain or other organ, e.g., physically removed, or otherwise deactivated.

In one aspect, the composition includes a compound containing silicon. Silicon compounds include, e.g., acids, salts, bases, oxides, etc., for example, silicic acid (H₄Si0 ), silicon tetraacetate, sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, etc. Additional examples are described below. The silicon compound may be capable of binding to or otherwise interacting with aluminum or other metal ions, e.g., within the central nervous system or other organ, or within the bloodstream, as further described below.

In one set of embodiments, the invention provides a composition comprising one or more of the compounds shown below (numbered 1-35), optionally with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier:

In another set of embodiments, the composition includes a silicon compound or an organosilicon compound, i.e., a compound including at least one silicon atom bonded to an organic moiety. In one set of embodiments, the compound may have a structure such as:

or a salt thereof, where each of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is one of H, X, R, OH,

OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen (for example, a nitrile), R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. The compound, in this instance, includes at least one carbon atom, i.e., at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ comprises at least one carbon atom. In certain embodiments, Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ are not all, simultaneously, one of H or R; and Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ are not all simultaneously acetate. In another set of embodiments, the composition includes a compound having a structure:

or a salt thereof, where each of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In some cases, one, two, three, or four of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ may each be OH and/or acetate. In another embodiment, the composition includes a silicate, such as sodium silicate, and/or metasilicate, such as sodium metasilicate, or the like.

In another set of embodiments, the compound may have a structure such as: / ¹ /^z1

\ \_Z2 κ{ \ / X \_Z2

E² ^ or E¹ , or a salt thereof, where each of Z¹ and Z² independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In this structure, A is a moiety having at least one of a carbon atom and a silicon atom. Each of E¹ and E² (where applicable) mdependently is either (a) one of O and NJ³, or (b) absent such that Si is covalently bonded to moiety A. J³ is H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In certain instances, E¹ and E² (where applicable) are not both absent, and Si may be bonded to A as well as to E¹ or E², which is not absent.

In yet another set of embodiments, the compound may be a cyclic organosilicon compound. In some cases, more than one ring may be present within the compound, for example, as in a bicyclic or a spiro ring system (i.e., where the rings share one, two, three, or more atoms). In some cases, the two rings of the bicyclic or spiro structure may each comprise alkyl moieties. As an example, the compound, in one embodiment, has a structure such as:

In these structures, each A¹, A², and A³ independently is a moiety having at least one of a carbon atom and a silicon atom, and each of E¹ and E² (where applicable) mdependently is either (a) one of O and NJ³, or (b) absent such that Si is covalently bonded to moiety A¹. Z is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ^!J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, and R¹ comprismg at least one carbon atom. In some cases, E¹ and E² are not both absent. E³ and E⁴ (where applicable) may independently be either (a) one of O and NJ⁴, or (b) absent such that Si is covalently bonded to moiety A². Each J independently is H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In some cases, the composition of the invention may include a salt of any of the above-described chemical structures. In some cases, the cyclic organosilicon compound may include one or more hydrolyzable structures, for example, a compound of the invention may be hydrolyzed to form a silanol, a silandiol, or a silantriol, e.g., upon exposure to physiological conditions. For example, the cyclic organosilicon compound may include an ester or an amine moiety that is hydrolyzable to form a hydroxide, which may thus cause one or more rings of the cyclic organosilicon compound to open.

In still another set of embodiments, the compound may be a structure having at least two silicon atoms. In some cases, the compound may be a polymer, for example, a polymer having a repeat unit comprising at least one silicon atom, as further discussed below. In some cases, the compound has a structure such as:

or a salt thereof, where each of Y, Y¹ and Y² independently is an interconnecting moiety comprising at least one carbon atom (for example, an alkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, a cyclic moiety, etc.), and each of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, Z⁵, and Z⁶ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or

1 1 9 a pseudohalogen, R comprising at least one carbon atom, and J and J each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. Each of E¹, E², E³, and E⁴ (where applicable) independently is either (a) one of O and NJ³, or (b) absent such that a Si is covalently bonded to a Y moiety. J³ can be H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. Typically, at least one E moiety is present within the structure.

In any of the above-described embodiments, any one, two, three, four, five, or six of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, Z⁵, and Z⁶ (where applicable) may each independently be a halogen (X), for example, F, Cl, Br, I, etc., or a pseudohalogen. In some cases, the halogen or pseudohalogen may be hydrolyzable under physiological conditions to OH.

In another set of embodiments, any one, two, three, four, five, or six of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, Z⁵, and Z⁶ (where applicable) may each independently be a hydroxide (OH), or an alkoxy (OR¹, where R¹ comprises at least one carbon atom). The hydroxide, in some instances, can be deprotonated under physiological conditions (i.e., to O^"). In some cases, the alkoxy may be hydrolyzable (e.g., within a subject) to form a hydroxide. Non- limiting examples of alkoxy moieties include methoxy (OMe), ethoxy (OEt), propoxy (OPr), isopropoxy, butoxy (OBu), tert-butoxy, .sec-butoxy, acetoxy (OAc), etc. The alkoxy moieties may be substituted alkoxy moieties in some cases, for example, a chloromethoxy or a bromochloromethoxy moiety. Any one, two, three, four, five, or six of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, Z⁵, and Z⁶ (where applicable) may each independently be a moiety comprising at least one carbon atom in any of the above-described embodiments. For example, R can be an alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, heptyl, isoheptyl, octyl, isooctyl, etc.), a cycloalkyl, an aromatic moiety (e.g., phenyl, benzyl, a substituted phenyl or benzyl, etc.), an aminoalkyl, a hydroxyalkyl (e.g., hydroxymethyl, 1 -hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxpropyl, etc.), a cyanoalkyl (i.e., an alkyl comprising at least one CN, such as cyanoethyl, cyanopropyl, cyanobutyl, etc). Moieties containing nitriles (e.g., ethylnitrile, proprionitrile, butyronitrile, etc.) may be particularly useful in some cases. Nitrile moieties may allow the compound to bind to metal ions such as aluminum. In some cases, the nitrile moiety may facilitate transport or penetration of the compound across the blood-brain barrier, e.g., as further described below. In some embodiments, the alkyl moieties may further include one or more side moieties. The side moiety may be any non-hydrogen atom or moiety, for example, an alkyl moiety such as a methyl moiety or a cycloalkyl moiety. The side moiety (or moieties) may be chosen, for example, to allow for detection of the compound, to allow the compound to have a certain degree of hydrophobicity or other physical properties, to allow the compound to have certain metabolic functions, to allow the compound to have certain immunological properties, etc. In one set of embodiments, a hydrophobic side chain is attached to the compound, for example, an alkyl moiety, a cyclic moiety, or an aryl moiety. In some cases, the cyclic moiety may be an unsaturated structure, such as a cyclohexyl structure. In any of the above-described embodiments, the compound can include a phosphono moiety, i.e., a moiety having a structure:

In some cases, for example, under certain physiological conditions, one or both of the OH moieties within the phosphono moiety may be hydrolyzed to O^". In some instances, the phosphono moiety may allow the compound to bind to metal ions such as aluminum. In any of the above-described embodiments, any one, two, three, four, five, or six of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, Z⁵, and Z⁶ (where applicable) may each independently comprise a nitrogen-containing moiety, for example, an amine, a hydroxylamine, an oxime, a nitro moiety, etc. As one example, the nitrogen-containing moiety may contain a sulfur atom, which may be bonded to a nitrogen atom, such as in a sulfonamide, i.e., as in the structure N-S0₂-Ar, where Ar is an aryl (including a heteroaryl) moiety (bonds removed for clarity). As another example, the nitrogen-containing moiety may contain an oxygen atom, which may be bonded to the nitrogen atom, such as in a hydoxylamine (N-OH), an oxime (N-OR, R comprising at least one carbon atom), or a nitro moiety (NO₂). As yet another example, the nitrogen-containing moiety may contain two nitrogen atoms, which may be bonded to each other, such as in a hydrazide (N-NH₂), a substituted hydrazide (N-NHJ or N-NHJ¹!², each J comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom, such as acyl, sulfonyl, etc.), or the like.

In any of the above-described embodiments, any one, two, three, four, five, or six of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, Z⁵, and Z⁶ (where applicable) may each independently have a formula NJ¹ J², where J¹ and J² each independently is H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. J¹ and J² each may contain atoms other than carbon and hydrogen atoms, for example, sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen. As one example, NJ^!J² may be an amine. In some cases, the N of the amine may be covalently bonded to Si. In other cases, however, the N of the amine may not be covalently bonded to Si, and one or more carbon atoms may connect the N of the amine to Si (i.e., a aminocycloalkyl moiety such as an aminoaryl moiety, or an aminoalkyl moiety such as an aminopropyl, an aminobutyl, an aminopentyl, etc). The amine may be a primary amine, a secondary amine, a tertiary amine, or a quaternary amine.

In one set of embodiments, at least one aminoalkyl and/or aminoaryl moiety is chosen such that the amine moiety is able to interact with one or more hydroxide moieties covalently bonded to a silicon atom of the compound. The interaction of the aminoalkyl and/or aminoaryl moiety with the hydroxide moiety (which may be present, for example, as OH or O^") may stabilize the compound, for example, against degradation or polymerization in solution (e.g., spontaneous polymerization in water) in certain instances. Significant or detectable degradation or polymerization in solution may be prevented, for example, by self-interaction within the compound, which may prevent or inhibit substantial and/or stable polymerization of the compound to neighboring molecules. For example, the compound may have a structure, or may be hydrolyzed or protonated within the body to form a structure such as:

where A is any alkyl and/or aryl moiety that allows substantial interaction between the nitrogen atom and the hydroxide to occur (indicated by ), and each of J¹, J², and J³ independently is H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. Examples of suitable alkyls include those previously described. In the above structures, not all of the atoms bonded to silicon are drawn for reasons of clarity. As an example, in an aminoalkyl moiety, the aminoalkyl moiety may include 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms between the nitrogen atom and the silicon atom. In some cases the aminoalkyl moiety may be aminopropyl, aminobutyl, or aminoisobutyl, etc. Non-limiting examples of compounds having aminoalkyl moieties include the following:

H₂N "Si(OH)₃ H,N' "Si(OH)₃

In some embodiments, the aminoalkyl moiety may include more than one amino moiety, for example, as in a bis(aminoalkyl)alkyl moiety or a tris(aminoalkyl)alkyl moiety. Examples of compounds having such structures include, but are not limited to:

In these structures, not all of the atoms that are bonded to silicon are shown, for reasons of clarity. Combinations of these and other aminoalkyl moieties are also envisioned, for example, a bis(dimethylaminoethyl)(trimethylaminoethyl)ethyl moiety. A further example is provided by the following structures:

In these structures, each of Z¹ and Z² independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. Each of J¹⁰, J¹¹, J¹², and J¹³ is independently H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In some cases, Z¹ and Z² may each independently be a halogen or a pseudohalogen, such as chlorine or CN, or an alkoxy, such as methoxy. In certain embodiments, each of J¹⁰, J¹¹, J¹², and J¹³ may independently be an alkyl, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, etc.

As another example, an aminoalkyl moiety of the compound may include a cyclic structure (i.e., an aminocycloalkyl moiety), e.g., an aryl moiety, a saturated or unsaturated cyclic moiety, a heteroaryl moiety, etc. The aminocycloalkyl moiety may optionally include one or more alkyl moieties, for example, between an aryl moiety or a cycloalkyl moiety and the silicon atom. Non-limiting examples of aminocycloalkyl compounds include: Ar Si Ar Ak— Si Ak²— Ar— A ¹— Si

Ak Ar— Si

In the above structures, each Ak independently comprises an alkyl, each Ar independently comprises an aryl (for example, an aminoaryl), and J independently is H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In some cases, the silicon composition may include both aminoalkyl and aminocycloalkyl moieties, including the amines previously discussed.

In one set of embodiments, the compound is an aminosilicon compound, or a salt thereof, i.e., a compound in which a nitrogen atom is covalently bonded to a silicon atom. The compound may be, for example, a silanol, a silandiol, or a silantriol, or a compound able to form a silanol, a silandiol, or a silantriol upon hydrolysis, for example, under physiological conditions. The aminosilicon compound is cyclic in some cases. Non-limiting examples of cyclic aminosilicon compounds include:

In these structures, A is a moiety having at least one of a carbon atom and a silicon atom (for example, an alkyl, a cycloalkyl, an aryl, etc.), and each J independently is H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In the above structures, not all of the atoms bonded to silicon are drawn for reasons of clarity. Specific non-limiting examples of cyclic aminosilicon compounds include:

In these structures, each Z is independently one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom. Each J is independently H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. Each Y moiety independently comprises at least one atom (for example, hydrogen, a halogen, a pseudohalogen, an alkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, a cyclic moiety, etc.).

In any of the above-described embodiments, any one, two, three, four, five, or six of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z , Z⁵, and Z⁶ (where applicable) may each mdependently comprise a silicon atom. Thus, the compound may have at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, etc. silicon atoms within its structure. In one embodiment, the compound is a polymer. An example of a compound having two silicon atoms within its structure is:

where each of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, Z⁵, and Z⁶ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ J , with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each mdependently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom.

In some cases, the compound may have a structure that allows, or can be hydrolyzed under physiological conditions to form a structure that allows, multiple silicon hydroxide moieties to simultaneously interact with aluminum or another metal ion. Schematic non-limiting examples are illustrated below, where M indicates the position of a metal ion, and each R moiety in the illustrated structures independently comprises at least one atom interconnecting the silicon atoms (for example, an alkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, a cyclic moiety, an amine, etc.). Z¹ and Z² each independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In these non-limiting examples, the (noncovalent) interaction of SiO^" with the metal ion is indicated by — :

Non-limiting examples of such structures include:

In these structures, Y comprises at least one atom (for example, hydrogen, a halogen, a pseudohalogen, an alkyl moiety, an aiyl moiety, a cyclic moiety, etc.).

In certain cases, the compound is a polymer having a repeat unit comprising at least one silicon atom. In some cases, the silicon may be functionalized as described above (e.g., the silicon atom of the repeat unit may be covalently bonded to one or more of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom). For example, in one embodiment, the compound is a polymer comprising a repeat unit having silanol, silandiol, or silantriol functionality, or the polymer comprises a repeat unit that can by hydrolyzed to form silanol, silandiol, or silantriol functionality. Non-limiting examples include:

In these structures, Y comprises at least one atom (for example, hydrogen, a halogen, a pseudohalogen, an alkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, a cyclic moiety, etc.), R comprises at least one carbon atom, and n and m are positive integers. If the polymer is a copolymer (e.g., as shown above), the copolymer may be, for example, a block copolymer, a random copolymer, an alternating copolymer, a graft copolymer, etc.

In one set of embodiments, a compound of the invention is a cyclic organosilicon compound having at least one ester moiety, or a salt thereof. Non-limiting examples of such compounds include:

In these structures, each A independently is a moiety having at least one of a carbon atom and a silicon atom, and each Z independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹

1 9 comprising at least one carbon atom, and J and J each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In some cases, each A may be chosen to render the compound more hydrophobic or less hydrophobic, and/or to facilitate passage of the compound across the blood-brain barrier. Non-limiting examples of cyclic organosilicon esters of the invention include:

In the above structures, Z and Z is each independently one of H, X, R, OH, OR , or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In the above structures, not all of the atoms bonded to silicon are drawn for reasons of clarity.

In another example, the compound has a structure:

where each of A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, A⁷, A⁸, A⁹, A¹⁰, A¹¹, and A¹² independently is H or comprises at least one carbon atom. Not all of the atoms bonded to silicon are drawn for reasons of clarity. In some cases, each of the A's may be chosen such that two A moieties joined by a common carbon atom of an oxasilinane ring are the same. In certain cases, each of the A's may be chosen such that the compound is symmetrical or nonchiral, or such that the compound is asymmetrical or chiral. In one embodiment, each A is either H or an alkyl moiety, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, etc.

As previously discussed, the compound may have more than one silicon atom in some embodiments. Additional non-limiting examples include:

In these structures, each of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, Z⁵, and Z⁶ is independently one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ^!J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In yet another aspect, a compound of the invention may have a portion that

becomes positively charged (represented schematically herein by the symbol Xx) under physiological conditions within the body, which may thereby cause the molecule to become less charged or zwitterionic in some cases (i.e., the molecule has a positively charged portion and a negatively charged portion, or the molecule has a net dipole moment). A less charged compound may facilitate transport of the compound into the brain in some cases, for example, across the blood-brain barrier or across a cell membrane. For instance, the compound may be represented by:

where each of Z¹ and Z² mdependently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹!², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. In some cases, the compound may be present as a salt.

In one set of embodiments, V_ is an amine moiety. For example, the nitrogen atom of the amine moiety may be located on one portion of the compound, which may give that portion of the compound a positive charge when exposed to certain physiological solutions or conditions. Examples of suitable amines include those described above. The amine may be a primary amine, a secondary amine, a tertiary amine, or a quaternary amine. For example, if the amine is a tertiary amine, the amine may be a dimethylamine, an ethylmethylamine, a propylmethylamine, a diethylamine, etc. Specific non-limiting examples include a bis(dialkylaminoalkyl)silandiol, a bis(triall ylaminoalkyl)silandiol, or a tris(trialkylaminoalkyl)silantriol. If more than one amine moiety is present within the compound, the amines may each be the same or different. Other moieties that can provide positive charge (e.g., under physiological conditions) include, for example, amidines, guanidines, aryl amines, heteroaryl amines, pyridines, imidazoles, etc. Combinations of one or more moieties that can be positively charged under physiological conditions within a compound of the invention are also envisioned, for example, a compound having an amine moiety and a guanidine moiety, a guanidine moiety and a pyridine, etc. Of course, when the molecule is charged, one or more counterions may also be present or associated with the compound, for example, an organic or an inorganic anion, such as chloride, fluoride, bromide, sulfate, carbonate, acetate, etc. if the compound is positively charged. Specific non-limiting examples of such compounds include:

In another aspect, the compound may have a structure that facilitates transport of the compound into an organ or across the blood-brain barrier. In one set of embodiments, the compound may be designed so as to optimize the hydrophobicity of the composition to facilitate transport of the compound into the organ or across the blood-brain barrier (e.g., via diffusion, or using a transport system such as transport proteins or ion channels). In some cases, the compound's ability to move into the organ or across the blood-brain barrier may be lost when the compound binds to a metal ion such as aluminum, or when the compound enters the brain or other organ, or in transit (i.e., within the cells that form the blood-brain barrier, etc). In other cases, the compound may retain or improve its ability to move into an organ or cross the blood- brain barrier when bound to a metal ion. In one set of embodiments, positive, negative, and/or hydrophobic moieties may be attached to the compound so as to achieve a selected hydrophobicity and/or a selected electric dipole moment of the compound. The hydrophobicity of the compound may be determined by those of ordinary skill in the art using any suitable test, for example, by partitioning the compound in a two-phase liquid system, such as a water-octanol system, or other suitable systems known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the hydrophobicity of a compound may be determined by allowing the compound to partition in a water-octanol system, and determining the percentage of the compound in the octanol phase relative to the water phase (e.g., on a per mass basis or other quantitative measurement). The water-octanol partition coefficient may be chosen such to optimize penetration of the blood-brain barrier in certain instances, and may depend on actual physiological conditions. See, e.g., Lohmann, et al, "Predicting Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability of Drugs: Evaluation of Different In Vitro Assays," J. Drug Targeting, 10(4): 263-276, 2002. In some cases, the octanol/water partition ratio for a hydrophobic compound is at least about 1.25:1 (octanokwater), at least about 1.5:1, at least about 1.75:1, at least about 2:1, at least about 5:1, at least about 10:1, at least about 20:1, at least about 50:1, at least about 100:1, at least about 300:1, or at least about 1000:1 or greater. In some cases, a hydrophobic compound may more readily cross the blood-brain barrier or other similar barrier or membrane to enter into the brain or other organ. Thus, in one embodiment, the compound includes one or more hydrophobic or lipophilic moieties, for example, an alkyl moiety, a cycloalkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, or the like.

In another set of embodiments, a compound of the invention includes a chelating agent able to bind to aluminum or another metal ion (or is able to form a chelating agent able to bond to aluminum or another metal ion). In one embodiment, a compound of the invention has a structure: — Y or x — Y, where X is a chelating agent able to bond to aluminum or another metal ion, or is able to form a chelating agent able to bond to aluminum or another metal ion. Additionally, Y is a structure able to facilitate transport of the compound (or a portion thereof) across the blood brain-barrier, the structure X^~^ comprises at least one chemical bond, and the structure — is a moiety that can be hydrolyzed under physiological conditions, e.g., within the brain, the blood-brain barrier, or within the bloodstream. In some cases, the structure ~^ includes at least one atom that connects structure X and structure Y (e.g., the structure X^~~^ may include two atoms bridging between X and Y, three atoms bridging between X and Y, four atoms bridging between X and Y, five atoms bridging between X and Y, etc.). Suitable hydrolyzable structures interconnecting X and Y include, for example, alkoxide moieties, ester moieties, or ether moieties, e.g., as previously described. Other suitable hydrolyzable structures will be lαiown to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some cases, the hydrolyzable structures may be chosen to control the degradation rate of the compound within the brain (for example, if the release of Y activates X in the above structure). For example, a compound having a Si-F bond may hydrolyze at a relatively slow rate, while a compound having a Si-Cl or Si-Br bond may hydrolyze at a relatively faster rate. Slow rates of degradation may be desirable in some cases, for example, when slow or controlled release of the compound is desired. Different compounds having different halogens may also be administered together to provide short and long term activity in certain cases.

As an example, in one embodiment, Y is a targeting moiety able to target a component of the blood-brain barrier to facilitate transport, such as via an endogenous transport pathway, for example, by mimicking proteins or other substrates naturally transported by the targeted endogenous transport protein. For example, the composition may be selected to mimic a substrate for a hexose transporter, a monocarboxylate transporter, an amino acid transporter, a glucose transporter, a peptide transporter (for example, transporters for enkephalins, vasopressin, apamins, etc.), a protein transporter (e.g., transferrin), or the like. For example, a compound of the invention targeted towards transport across the blood-brain barrier using a carbohydrate transporter may have a structure such as:

In these structures, each of Z¹, Z², and Z³ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹!², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, and R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom. Each J independently is H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom, Y is an interconnecting moiety (for example, an alkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, a cyclic moiety, etc.), and Cb comprises a carbohydrate moiety (or a portion thereof). In some cases, Cb is an entity that substantially derives from a carbohydrate or a portion thereof. For example, a reaction of a carbohydrate with an aminosilicon composition or an amidated silicon compound may be used to produce a composition of the compound. In some cases, the carbohydrate may be an aldehyde sugar ("aldocarbose") (e.g., aldohexose or aldopentose) or a ketone sugar ("ketocarbose") (e.g., ketohexose or ketopentose), or a moiety derived from an aldocarbose or a ketocarbose. For example, the carbohydrate may be amidated, animated, esterifϊed, etc. Other carbohydrate derivitization reactions will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some cases, at least a portion of the carbohydrate may be an aldehyde sugar or a ketone sugar. As another example, the composition may have a structure such as:

In these structures, each of Z¹, Z², and Z³ independently is one of a H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, and R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom. Also, each J independently is H or comprises at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom, Y is an interconnecting moiety (for example, an alkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, a cyclic moiety, etc.), and Aa comprises one or more amino acids (i.e., n may be 1, 2, 3, a peptide, a protein, etc.) and/or one or more amino acid derivatives. In some cases, n may be a positive integer less than about 50, less than about 20, or less than about 10.

Such compounds may be prepared, for example, by reacting a suitable aminosilicon compound with a carbohydrate, an amino acid, a peptide, a protein, a hormone, a neurotransmitter, etc. using coupling reactions known to those to ordinary skill in the art.

In another set of embodiments, a compound of the invention may be packaged or included in a virus, for example, a virus that is targeted towards the brain or other organ. For example, a virus may be loaded with a silanol, a silandiol, or a silantriol, and/or a compound able to form a silanol, a silandiol, or a silantriol upon hydrolysis and/or release from the virus. In some cases, the viruses may be prepared by assembling the viral envelope of the virus in the presence of one or more compounds of the invention, thus facilitating internal loading of the virus with the compounds of the invention. In yet another aspect, the compound may have a detectable moiety, i.e., a moiety that facilitates external detection, e.g., in vivo or in vitro. For example, a portion of the compound may be radioactively and/or fluorescently labeled. Such compounds can be prepared using coupling reactions known to those of ordinaiy skill in the art. As an example, a compound having a structure:

may be reacted with an acyl, isocyanate, or an isothiocyanate moiety on, or attached to, a fluorescent moiety, thereby producing a detectable compound. As another example, a compound having a structure:

may be reacted with an NH₂, a SH, or an OH moiety on, or attached to, a fluorescent moiety to produce a detectable compound. In the above structures, each Z is independently one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ¹ J², with R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen or a pseudohalogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom. Y is a moiety interconnecting Si and N (for example, an alkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, a cyclic moiety, etc.). Those of ordinary skill in the art will know of suitable fluorescent labels for use in the above structures. As one particular example, the fluorescent label may be FITC or a FITC derivative, fluorescein, GFP, etc. The detectable moiety, in another set of embodiments, includes a radioactive atom, for example, ³H, ¹⁴C, ³³P, ³²P, ¹²⁵1, ¹³¹1, ³⁵S, etc. Those of ordinary skill in the art will know of suitable ways to incorporate a radioactive label into a compound of the invention. As one particular example, if the detectable moiety is tritium (³H or T), tritium can be incorporated into the compound using a reducing reaction. For example, a tritiated lithium aluminum hydride (e.g., LiAlT₄, LiAlHT₃, LiAlH₂T₂, and/or LiAlH₃T) may be reacted with a functional moiety, resulting in reduction of the functional moiety and incorporation of a tritium label into the compound. Non-limiting examples of useful reducing reactions include: τ₂ R CN -c- -NH,

T₂

R- -OH -c- -OH

H

R N= =o >- R— -N- -CT,

o ι H T₂

-N C R² _R1 — _{N c} — _R2

.OH

^R^J CH₂T

In the above structures, each R (or, for structures with R¹ and R², at least one of R¹ and R²) comprises at least one silicon atom. It should be understood that, for any T in the above structure, the actual reaction products will include a mixture of labeled (tritiated) and unlabeled hydrogen atoms.

In one aspect of the invention, the compositions of the invention may be assayed for transport across subject cells. In one set of embodiments, the cells are cells that can be used to model the blood-brain barrier, for example, Caco-2 cells or bMNEC cells

("bovine microvascular epithelial cells"). For example, transport of a composition of the invention across a monolayer of the cells may be used to determine or predict the transport or uptake rate of the composition (or a portion thereof) across the blood-brain barrier. Transport of the composition may be determined, for example, using CD or similar techniques, such as atomic absorption, spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, radioactive tracer measurements, or the like. In some cases, a composition of the invention may be determined by its transport behavior across a monolayer of cells, i.e., a composition of the invention may be transported across the cell monolayer at a substantial rate. Thus, a composition "able to cross" the blood-brain barrier (or other membrane) may be determined, in some cases, by the compound's ability to cross a monolayer of cells, such as Caco-2 cells or bMNEC cells. Other examples of suitable cell models are described in Lohmann, et al, "Predicting Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability of Drugs: Evaluation of Different In Vitro Assays," J. Drug Targeting, 10(4): 263-276, 2002. In another set of embodiments, the toxicity of a test compound against cells such as human cells is determined. A step of selecting test compounds that are substantially non-toxic to subject cells is provided. "Substantially non-toxic," as used herein means that the test compound can be administered to a subject with an acceptable amount of damage (preferably, no detectable damage) to the subject cells. The damage to the cells may be indicated by altered cell metabolism, cell morphology, cell mitosis, necrosis, apoptosis, etc. An acceptable amount of damage can be determined by one of skill in the art with no more than routine experimentation. Acceptable amounts of damage may depend on route of administration, risk of side effects versus benefit of administration, etc. In another aspect, the compositions and methods of the invention may be used in diagnostic or assay techniques. For example, a composition of the invention may be used in an assay such as an aluminum detection assay or a metal ion detection assay. A sample having a known or unknown concentration of aluminum or other metal ion may be added to a solution containing a composition of the invention, and the amount or degree of binding of the composition (or a portion thereof) to the aluminum or other metal ion may be determined, using techniques known by those of ordinary skill in the art, for example, using circular dichroism or mass spectroscopy. As another example, the invention may be used in a cell culture system, for example, in a cell culture that includes neural and/or other types of cells, such as a cell able to produce beta-amyloid and/or a neurofilament protein. In one set of embodiments, a composition of the invention is added to a cell culture, optionally with a known or unknown concentration of aluminum or other metal ion, and the net effect on cell function of the combination of the aluminum or other metal ion and the organosilicon composition of the invention is determined using techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In another set of embodiments, a cell culture is used to detect and/or determine the concentration of aluminum (or other metal ion) in a sample using the methods and compositions of the invention, which may be a sample of biological origin in some cases. In one embodiment, a cell culture, a diagnostic, or an assay may be used to determine proper dosing to achieve a certain specified result (e.g., a certain concentration of free aluminum ions) when the composition is applied to a subject.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of administering a composition of the invention to a subject. When administered, the compositions of the invention are applied in a therapeutically effective, pharmaceutically acceptable amount as a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation. As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable" is given its ordinary meaning as used in the art. Pharmaceutically acceptable compounds are generally compatible with other materials of the formulation and are not generally deleterious to the subject. A composition of the invention (or prodrug form of the composition) may be administered to the subject in any therapeutically effective dose or treatment. A "therapeutically effective" dose or amount is capable of at least partially preventing or reversing symptoms related to the adverse effects of metal ions as previously discussed, for example, neurofibrillary tangles or senile plaque formation in the brain. A therapeutically effective amount may be determined by those of ordinary skill in the art, for instance, employing factors such as those further described below and using no more than routine experimentation. In one embodiment, the subject being so treated is not mdicated as having a disease or condition treatable by the inhibition of leukocyte elastase.

In administering the compositions of the invention to a subject, dosing amounts, dosing schedules, routes of administration, and the like may be selected so as to affect lαiown activities of the compositions of the invention. Dosages may be estimated based on the results of experimental models, optionally in combination with the results of assays of compositions of the present invention. Dosage may be adjusted appropriately to achieve desired drug levels, local or systemic, depending upon the mode of administration. The doses may be given in one or several administrations per day. In some cases, parenteral administration of the composition may be from one to several orders of magnitude lower dose per day, as compared to oral doses. In the event that the response of a particular subject is insufficient at such doses, even higher doses (or effectively higher doses by a different, more localized delivery route) may be employed to the extent that subject tolerance permits. Multiple doses per day are also contemplated, in certain cases, to achieve appropriate levels of the composition within the subject or within the active site of the subject, such as within the brain.

The dose of the composition to the subject may be such that a therapeutically effective amount of the composition (or a portion thereof, such as an organosilicon compound) reaches or enters the brain or other active site. The dosage may be given in some cases at the maximum amount while avoiding or minimizing any potentially detrimental side effects to the subject. For example, the dose of the organosilicon composition may be about 0.1 mcmol/kg ("micromoles'Vkg) to about 50 mcmol/kg, or about 0.5 mcmol/kg to about 5.0 mcmol/kg. The dosage of the composition that is actually administered is dependent upon factors such as the final concentration desired at the active site, the method of administration to the subject, the efficacy of the composition, the longevity (i.e., half-life) within the subject of the composition, the timing of administration relative to the formation of the tangles and/or plaques the frequency of treatment, the effect of concurrent treatments, etc. The dose delivered may also depend on conditions associated with the subject, and can vary from subject to subject in some cases. For example, the age, sex, weight, size, environment, physical conditions, or current state of health of the subject may also influence the dose required and/or the concentration of the composition (or portion thereof) at the active site. Nariations in dosing may occur between different individuals or even within the same individual on different days. It may be preferred that a maximum dose be used, that is, the highest safe dose according to sound medical judgment. Preferably, the dosage form is such that it does not substantially deleteriously affect the subject. The specific dosage(s) given to the subject can thus be determined by those of ordinary skill in the art, using no more than routine experimentation.

Administration of the compositions of the invention may be accomplished by any medically acceptable method which allows the composition (or portion thereof) to reach its target. The particular mode selected will depend, of course, upon factors such as the particular composition, the severity of the state of the subject being treated, or the dosage required for therapeutic efficacy. As used herein, a "medically acceptable" mode of treatment is a mode able to produce effective levels of the composition (or portion thereof) within the subject, without causing clinically unacceptable adverse effects. A "target" or "active site" is the location where a composition (or portion thereof) of the invention is able to bind to a metal ion and/or inhibit interaction between the metal ion and components of the body adversely affected by the presence of the metal ion, such as with beta-amyloid or neurofilament proteins. The inhibition of the metal ion may occur before or after the metal ion complexes or otherwise inactivates such components adversely affected. Νon-limiting examples of such targets include the bloodstream or the brain.

Any medically acceptable method may be used to administer the composition to the subject. The administration may be localized (i.e., to a particular region, physiological system, tissue, organ, or cell type) or systemic, depending on the condition to be treated. For example, the composition may be administered orally, vaginally, rectally, buccally, pulmonary, topically, nasally, transdermally through parenteral injection or implantation, via surgical administration, or any other method of administration where access to the target by the composition of the invention is achieved. As another example, any of the compositions described herein may be injected directly into the brain, spinal cord, or other organ, or the composition may be injected in a region such that it will be transported into the brain, spinal cord, or other organ, for example, injected into the cerebrospinal fluid. Examples of parenteral modalities that can be used with the invention include intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous, intracavity, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, epidural, or intrathecal. Examples of implantation modalities include any implantable or injectable drug delivery system. In one embodiment, the implantable delivery system is a subdural article containing the organosilicon composition, placed in direct contact with the brain, for example, through surgery. The article may have any suitable form for implantation within the brain, for example, a sponge, a film, a blanket, a pad, a wafer, a disc, etc. In certain cases, the article may be removed (and optionally replaced with a new article) after a suitable period of time has passed, for example, after a fixed time, such as a day, a week, or a month. In certain instances, the article may be removed when a certain condition is reached, for example, once a certain amount or percentage of the composition has diffused out of the article and/or when a certain amount of aluminum has been bound to the article. In other cases, the article may be allowed to remain within the subject indefinitely. For example, a sponge may include one or more compositions of the invention, which may be released from the sponge upon implantation, or which may remain mobilized within the sponge.

Oral administration may be preferred in some embodiments because of the convenience to the subject as well as the dosing schedule. Compositions suitable for oral administration may be presented as discrete units such as hard or soft capsules, pills, cachettes, tablets, troches, or lozenges, each containing a predetermined amount of the active compound of the composition. Other oral compositions suitable for use with the invention include solutions or suspensions in aqueous or non-aqueous liquids such as a syrup, an elixir, or an emulsion. In another set of embodiments, the composition may be used to fortify a food or a beverage.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the administration of the composition of the invention may be designed so as to result in sequential exposures to the composition over a certain time period, for example, hours, days, weeks, months or years. This may be accomplished by repeated administrations of the composition by one of the methods described above, or by a sustained or controlled release delivery system in which the composition is delivered over a prolonged period without repeated administrations. Administration of the composition using such a delivery system may be, for example, by oral dosage forms, bolus injections, transdermal patches or subcutaneous implants. Maintaining a substantially constant concentration of the composition may be preferred in some cases, for example, to allow for scavenging of metal ions such as aluminum throughout the body, and promoting excretion of the metal ions via the kidney and bowel, or to allow for reaction with components of the body adversely affected by the metal ions, such as neurofibrillary tangles or senile plaque. However, avoidance of short- term elevated levels of compositions within the body may be desired in some cases, for instance, to minimize the precipitation of silicate kidney stones in the presence of non- physiological levels of silicon and silicon-containing compounds.

Other delivery systems suitable for use with the present invention (e.g., where alteration and/or control of the release kinetics is desired) include time-release, delayed release, sustained release, or controlled release delivery systems. Such systems may avoid repeated administrations of the composition in many cases, increasing convenience to the subject. Many types of release delivery systems are available and known to those of ordinary skill in the art. They include, for example, polymer-based systems such as polylactic and/or polyglycolic acids, polyanhydrides, polycaprolactones and/or combinations of these; nonpolymer systems that are lipid-based including sterols such as cholesterol, cholesterol esters, and fatty acids or neutral fats such as mono-, di- and triglycerides; hydrogel release systems; liposome-based systems; phospholipid based- systems; silastic systems; peptide based systems; wax coatings; compressed tablets using conventional binders and excipients; or partially fused implants. Specific examples include, but are not limited to, erosional systems in which the composition is contained in a form within a matrix (for example, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,452,775, 4,675,189, and 5,736,152), or diffusional systems in which an active component controls the release rate (for example, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,854,480, 5,133,974 and 5,407,686). The formulation may be as, for example, microspheres, hydrogels, polymeric reservoirs, cholesterol matrices, or polymeric systems. In some embodiments, the system may allow sustained or controlled release of the composition to occur, for example, through control of the diffusion or erosion/degradation rate of the formulation containing the composition. In addition, a pump-based hardware delivery system may be used to deliver one or more embodiments of the invention. Use of a long-term release implant may be particularly suitable in some embodiments of the invention. "Long-term release," as used herein, means that the implant containing the composition is constructed and arranged to deliver therapeutically effective levels of the composition for at least 30 or 45 days, and preferably at least 60 or 90 days, or even longer in some cases. Long-term release implants are well lαiown to those of ordinary skill in the art, and include some of the release systems described above. In certain embodiments of the invention, the composition of the invention is administered to subjects who have a family history of Alzheimer's disease or other disease that is characterized by an excess of metal ions, or to subjects who have a genetic predisposition for the disease. In other embodiments, the composition is administered to subjects who have reached a particular age, or to subjects more likely to get the disease. In yet other embodiments, the composition may be administered to subjects who exhibit symptoms of the disease (e.g., early or advanced). In still other embodiments, the composition may be administered to subjects as a preventive measure. In some embodiments, the composition is administered to subjects based on demographics or epidemiological studies, for example, to persons living in a certain geographic area, such as areas where a high concentration of metal ions such as aluminum are present in the groundwater; or to persons in a particular field, for example, workers in the aluminum or lead industry, or workers who use aluminum compounds or materials.

Alzheimer's disease may be characterized in a subject by those of ordinary skill in the art prior to treatment with the compositions of the invention. For example, a biological sample for the subject such as a blood test, a urine test, a biopsy, a spinal tap, etc., may be analyzed using an appropriate analytical technique and a concentration of ions (e.g. metal ions such as aluminum) may be determined and compared to normal values. For example, an ion concentration may be determined by NMR, mass spectrometry, ICP, emission spectroscopy, fluorescence spectrometry, ELISA, a chemical stain or indicator, etc. As another example, a subject may be directly tested to determine if a disease exists or may exist (i.e., the subject is susceptible to the disease), for example, using MRI, CAT scans, X-rays, etc. In another set of embodiments, a subject may be diagnosed as having or being at risk for Alzheimer's disease by a medical professional using routine practice. Alzheimer's disease may be diagnosed, for example, by considering the medical history, including such information as the person's general health, past medical problems, and/or any difficulties the subject has in performing carrying out daily activities; medical tests such as tests of blood, urine, or spinal fluid; neuropsychological tests such as memory, problem solving, attention, counting, and language tests; and/or brain scans, for example, using electroencephalograms, MRI, CAT, or PET scans; and behavioral indicators such as memory loss, personality change, dementia, speech problems, cognitive or reasoning problems, eating problems, incontinence, motor control problems, etc. Research studies have also indicated a general decrease in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) beta-amyloid levels with an increase in tau protein may be indicative of a subject having or at risk for disease.¹ An improvement or arresting of at least some of the above indications may be related to the effectiveness of the inventive compositions. Of course, effectiveness may be measured by any of the techniques known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, those listed above.

Administration of the compositions of the invention (or prodrug form of the composition) can be alone, or in combination with other therapeutic agents and/or compositions (e.g., other agents or compositions that can be used to treat Alzheimer's disease or other disease that is characterized by an excess of metal ions). In certain embodiments, the compositions of the invention can be combined with a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, for example, as incorporated into a liposome, incorporated into a polymer release system, or suspended in a liquid, e.g., in a dissolved form or a colloidal form. The carrier may be either soluble or insoluble, depending on the application. Compositions of the invention that may be pharmaceutically acceptable include not only the active compound, but also formulation ingredients such as salts, carriers, buffering agents, emulsifiers, diluents, excipients, chelating agents, drying agents, antioxidants, antimicrobials, preservatives, binding agents, bulking agents, solubilizers, or stabilizers that may be used with the active compound. For example, if the formulation is a liquid, the carrier may be a solvent, partial solvent, or non-solvent, and may be aqueous or organically based. Examples of suitable formulation ingredients include diluents such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lactose, kaolin, calcium phosphate, or sodium phosphate; granulating and disintegrating agents such as corn starch or algenic acid; binding agents such as starch, gelatin or acacia; lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate, stearic acid, or talc; time-delay materials such as glycerol

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 15¹¹' Edition, CD-ROM, McGraw-Hill, 2001 monostearate or glycerol distearate; suspending agents such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone; dispersing or wetting agents such as lecithin or other naturally-occurring phosphatides; thickening agents such as cetyl alcohol or beeswax; buffering agents such as acetic acid and salts thereof, citric acid and salts thereof, boric acid and salts thereof, or phosphoric acid and salts thereof; or preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride, chlorobutanol, parabens, or thimerosal. Suitable carrier concentrations can be determined by those of ordinary skill in the art, using no more than routine experimentation. The compositions of the invention may be formulated into preparations in solid, semi-solid, liquid or gaseous forms such as tablets, capsules, elixirs, powders, granules, ointments, solutions, depositories, inhalants or injectables. Those of ordinary skill in the art will know of other suitable formulation ingredients, or will be able to ascertain such, using only routine experimentation.

In general, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers suitable for use in the invention are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. As used herein, a "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" refers to a non-toxic material that does not significantly interfere with the effectiveness of the biological activity of the active compound(s) to be administered, but is used as a formulation ingredient, for example, to stabilize or protect the active compound(s) within the composition before use. The term "carrier" denotes an organic or inorganic ingredient, which may be natural or synthetic, with which one or more active compounds of the invention are combined to facilitate the application of the composition. The carrier may be co-mingled or otherwise mixed with one or more active compounds of the present invention, and with each other, in a manner such that there is no interaction which would substantially impair the desired pharmaceutical efficacy. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, for example, diluents, emulsifiers, fillers, salts, buffers, excipients, drying agents, antioxidants, preservatives, binding agents, bulking agents, chelating agents, stabilizers, solubilizers, silicas, and other materials well-known in the art.

Preparations include sterile aqueous or nonaqueous solutions, suspensions and emulsions, which can be isotonic with the blood of the subject in certain embodiments. Examples of nonaqueous solvents are polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oil such as olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate, or fixed oils including synthetic mono or di-glycerides. Aqueous carriers include water, alcoholic/aqueous solutions, emulsions or suspensions, mcluding saline and buffered media. Parenteral vehicles include sodium chloride solution, 1,3-butandiol, Ringer's dextrose, dextrose and sodium chloride, lactated Ringer's or fixed oils. Intravenous vehicles include fluid and nutrient replenishers, electrolyte replenishers (such as those based on Ringer's dextrose), and the like. Preservatives and/or other additives may also be present such as, for example, antimicrobials, antioxidants, chelating agents and inert gases and the like. Those of skill in the art can readily determine the various parameters for preparing and formulating the compositions of the invention without resort to undue experimentation.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a step of bringing a composition or compound of the invention into association or contact with a suitable carrier, which may constitute one or more accessory ingredients. The final compositions may be prepared by any suitable technique, for example, by uniformly and intimately bringing the composition into association with a liquid carrier, a finely divided solid carrier or both, optionally with one or more formulation ingredients as previously described, and then, if necessary, shaping the product.

In some embodiments, a compound of the present invention may be present as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" includes salts of the compound, prepared in combination with, for example, acids or bases, depending on the particular compounds found within the composition and the treatment modality desired. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be prepared as alkaline metal salts, such as lithium, sodium, or potassium salts; or as alkaline earth salts, such as beryllium, magnesium or calcium salts. Examples of suitable bases that may be used to form salts include ammonium, or mineral bases such as sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and the like. Examples of suitable acids that may be used to form salts include inorganic or mineral acids such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, hydrofluoric, nitric, carbonic, monohydrogencarbonic, phosphoric, monohydrogenphosphoric, dihydrogenphosphoric, sulfuric, monohydrogensulfuric, phosphorous acids and the like. Other suitable acids include organic acids, for example, acetic, propionic, isobutyric, maleic, malonic, benzoic, succinic, suberic, fumaric, mandelic, phthalic, benzenesulfonic, /j-tolylsulfonic, citric, tartaric, methanesulfonic, glucuronic, galacturonic, salicylic, formic, naphthalene- 2-sulfonic, and the like. Still other suitable acids include amino acids such as arginate, aspartate, glutamate, and the like.

In one aspect of the invention, the composition comprises homologs, analogs, derivatives, enantiomers and/or functionally equivalent compositions thereof of the compounds of the invention, such as any of the above-described compounds. Such homologs, analogs, derivatives, enantiomers and functionally equivalent compositions thereof of the compounds may be used in any of the assays, methods, or compositions described above that are able to detect or treat Alzheimer's disease or other diseases characterized by the presence of metal ions. "Functionally equivalent" generally refers to a composition capable of treatment of a subject that exhibits symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or other diseases characterized by the presence of metal ions, a subject susceptible to or otherwise at increased risk for such diseases, or a subject not exhibiting symptoms of such diseases, but for whom it is desired to decrease the risk of such diseases (e.g., a vaccination or a prophylactic treatment). It will be understood one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to manipulate the conditions in a manner to prepare such homologs, analogs, derivatives, enantiomers and functionally equivalent compositions. Thus, homologs, analogs, derivatives, enantiomers and/or functionally equivalent compositions which are about as effective or more effective than the parent compound are also intended for use in the methods of the invention. Synthesis of such compositions may be accomplished through typical chemical modification methods such as those routinely practiced in the art.

Another aspect of the present invention involves a method comprising providing any of the compositions of the present invention (or portions thereof), and performing a combinatorial synthesis on the composition, preferably to obtain homologs, analogs, derivatives, enantiomers and functionally equivalent compositions thereof of the composition. An assay may be performed with the homolog, analog, derivative, enantiomer or functionally equivalent composition to determine its effectiveness in treating, preventing, or inhibiting Alzheimer's disease or other diseases characterized by the presence of metal ions. The combinatorial synthesis can involve subjecting a plurality of the compositions described herein to combinatorial synthesis, using techniques lαiown to those of ordinary skill in the art. The present invention also provides any of the above-mentioned compositions useful for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease or other diseases characterized by the presence of metal ions packaged in kits, optionally including instructions for use of the composition for the treatment of such diseases. That is, the kit can include a description of use of the composition for participation in any biological or chemical mechanism disclosed herein associated with Alzheimer's disease or other diseases characterized by the presence of metal ions. The kit can include a description of use of the compositions as discussed herein. The kit also can include instructions for use of a combination of two or more compositions of the invention. Instructions also may be provided for administering the drug by any suitable technique, as described above.

The invention also involves, in some embodiments, the promotion of the treatment of Alzheimer's disease or other diseases characterized by the presence of metal ions according to any of the techniques and compositions described herein. As used herein, "promoted" includes all methods of doing business including, but not limited to, methods of selling, advertising, assigning, licensing, contacting, instructing, educating, researching, importing, exporting, negotiating, financing, loaning, trading, vending, reselling, distributing, replacing, or the like that can be associated with the methods and compositions of the invention, e.g., as discussed herein. Promoting may also include, in some cases, seeking approval from a government agency to sell a composition of the invention for medicinal purposes. Methods of promotion can be performed by any party including, but not limited to, businesses (public or private), contractual or sub- contractual agencies, educational institutions such as colleges and universities, research institutions, hospitals or other clinical institutions, governmental agencies, etc. Promotional activities may include instructions or communications of any form (e.g., written, oral, and/or electronic communications, such as, but not limited to, e-mail, telephonic, facsimile, Internet, Web-based, etc.) that are clearly associated with the invention. As used herein, "instructions" can define a component of instructional utility (e.g., directions, guides, warnings, labels, notes, FAQs ("frequently asked questions"), etc., and typically involve written instructions on or associated with the composition and/or with the packaging of the composition, for example, use or administration of the composition, e.g., in the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease or other diseases characterized by the presence of metal ions. Instructions can also include instructional communications in any form (e.g., oral, electronic, digital, optical, visual, etc.), pt led in any manner such that a user will clearly recognize that the instructions are to be associated with the composition, e.g., as discussed herein.

A "kit," as used herein, defines a package including any one or a combination of the compositions of the invention, and/or homologs, analogs, derivatives, enantiomers and functionally equivalent compositions thereof, and the instructions, but can also include the composition of the invention and instructions of any form that are provided in connection with the composition in a manner such that a clinical professional will clearly recognize that the instructions are to be associated with the specific composition, for example, as described above. The kits described herein may also contain, in some cases, one or more containers, which can contain compositions such as those described above. The kits also may contain instructions for mixing, diluting, and/or administrating the composition. The kits also can include other containers with one or more solvents, surfactants, preservative and/or diluents (e.g., normal saline (0.9% NaCl), or 5% dextrose) as well as containers for mixing, diluting or administering the composition to the subject.

The compositions of the kit may be provided as any suitable form, for example, as liquid solutions or as dried powders. When the composition provided is a dry powder, the composition may be reconstituted by the addition of a suitable solvent, which may also be provided. In embodiments where liquid forms of the composition are used, the liquid form may be concentrated or ready to use. The solvent will depend on the formulation of the composition and the mode of use or administration. Suitable solvents for drug compositions are well known and are available in the literature. The kit, in one set of embodiments, may comprise a carrier that is compartmentalized to receive in close confinement one or more container means such as vials, tubes, and the like, each of the compartments comprismg one of the separate elements to be used in the method. For example, one of the compartments may comprise a positive control for an assay. Additionally, the kit may include containers for other components of the compositions, for example, buffers useful in the assay. The function and advantage of these and other embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood from the examples below. The following examples are intended to illustrate the benefits of the present invention, but do not exemplify the full scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 In this example, circular dichroism (CD) was used to monitor changes in conformation of model peptides from human neurofilament, NF-M17 (glu-glu-lys-gly- lys-ser-pro-val-pro-lys-ser-pro-val-glu-glu-lys-gly) (SEQ ID NO: 1) (Fig. 1) when exposed to certain compounds of the present invention. These compounds included certain hydroxy derivatives of organosilanes, as well as the monols, diols and triols of certain organosilicon compounds. These compounds were tested for their ability to restore the CD spectrum of NF-M17 to its original shape.

The experiments were performed as follows. Peptides containing a seventeen amino acid region of the human neurofilament mid-sized subunit protein, NF-M17 were synthesized at greater than 95% purity. For the CD titration, the peptides were dissolved in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) to a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml (0.2 mM). The aluminum solution (20 mM) was also prepared in TFE. Sodium metasilicate and the orthosilicate were dissolved in water. The sodium metasilicate solution was acidified to pH 6.0. The initial CD spectra collected contained primarily only information about the peptide. Incremental additions of aluminum ion were made until 8 equivalents (addition of 8 microliters) of the metal ion were added to the solution containing the peptide. The maximum conformational change at 8 equivalents of aluminum was then titrated with Si0 ^4". Additions to the solution were made as increments of peptide molar equivalents and did not exceed 32 equivalents. After each addition, the CD spectrum was collected and analyzed. The following silantriols or their precursors were tested: 3-aminoρroρylsilantriol

(APST), 3-(trihydroxysilyl)ρropylmethylphosphonate sodium salt (TSPMP), n- octyltrichlorosilane (OTCS) after hydrolysis in water, and 3-cyanopropyltrichlorosilane (CPTCS), after hydrolysis in water. The following silandiols or their precursors were also tested in this example: diphenylsilandiol (DPSD), hexylmethyldichlorosilane (HMDS), methylphenyldichlorosilane (MPDS), dichlorodiethylsilane (DCDES), dichlorodiisopropylsilane (DCDIPS), and (dichloro)methylsilylbutyronitrile (DCMSBN). The following silanols or their precursors were also tested: potassium trimethylsilanolate (PTMS), tert-butyldimethylsilanol (TBDMS), triethylsilanol (TES), and benzyldiethylsilanol (BDS). APST, DPSD, and APTES were obtained from Gelest, Inc. (Tullytown, PA). TFE, TSPMP, PTMS, TBDMS, TES, TPS, DCDIPS, DCDES, DCMSBN, and BDS were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO). OCS and CPTCS were obtained from Lancaster Synthesis (Windham, NH). These structures are shown in Fig. 2.

APST (Fig.2A), TSPMP (Fig. 2B), PTMS (Fig. 2K), TBDMS (Fig. 2L), TES (Fig. 2M), and BDS (Fig. 2N) were each dissolved to a final concentration of 20 mM in TFE. The addition of 2 microliters to 100 microliters of peptide solution represented 2 equivalents.

OTCS (Fig. 2C), CPTCS (Fig. 2D), HMDS (Fig. 2F), DCDES (Fig. 2H), DCDIPS (Fig. 21), and DCMSBN (Fig. 2J) were each hydrolyzed in water and diluted to a final concentration of 20 mM. MPDS was first dissolved in 50% TFE in water and then made up to a final concentration of 20 mM. MPDS (Fig. 2G) was first dissolved in 50% TFE in water and diluted to final concentration of 20 mM. DPSD (Fig. 2E) was first dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and then made up to a final concentration of 20 mM in TFE. DMSO blanks (containing no peptide) were collected for each dilution (0.04% to 1%).

The results of these experiments are summarized in Table 1. Figs. 3 and 4 show control experiments using sodium metasilicate nonahydrate and sodium orthosilicate, respectively, as a source of the silicate ion. With sodium metasilicate, the CD curve showed some return to its original shape at about 32 equivalents (Fig. 3D). Sodium orthosilicate, however, showed a return to the original shape beginning at 4 equivalents (Fig. 4C). At around 16 equivalents the CD spectrum with sodium orthosilicate is similar in shape to the original NF-M17 spectra (Fig. 4D).

Table l

The APST solution used was a 22-25% by weight solution in water. The APST solution was able to restore the CD spectrum of NF-M17/aluminum to its original shape, with better recovery at higher equivalents (Fig. 5). The APST solution also showed improved chelation of aluminum compared to sodium orthosilicate (Fig. 6).

The TSPMP solution used was a 42% by weight solution in water. This triol did not successfully restore the original spectra of NF-M17. The incremental addition of TSPMP solution precipitated the peptide out of solution (data not shown).

The OTCS solution used was a 100% solution. With the addition of water, the organochlorosilane solution underwent gelation and did not restore the original spectra of the NF-M17 peptide (data not shown). The CPTCS solution used was as a 100% solution. The CPTCS solution did not gel on addition of water, and the solution restored the CD spectrum of NF- M17/aluminum to its original shape at around 32 equivalents (Fig. 7).

DPSD did not restore the original spectra of NF-M17. The incremental addition of DPSD solution precipitated the peptide out of solution (data not shown). In contrast, solutions of HMDS (Fig. 8), MPDS (Fig. 9), DCDES (Fig. 10), DCDIPS (Fig. 11), and DCMSBN (Fig. 12) each restored the original CD spectrum of NF-M17/aluminum to its original shape at around 32 equivalents.

Solutions of PTMS, TBDMS, TES, and BDS (data not shown) each did not restore the original spectra of the NF-M17 peptide.

In conclusion, the organosilanes, the diols and triols, restored the original CD spectra of NF-M17, thus indicating the restoration of the original conformation of NF- M17. The diols and triols may form polyvalent crosslinked entities that may favorably bind and strip aluminum from NF-M.

EXAMPLE 2 This prophetic example illustrates a method for treating Alzheimer's disease in a human subject with a composition of the invention comprising an organosilicon compound that inhibits interaction between aluminum and beta-amyloid. The subject is given the composition orally, in the form of a pill, once a day. The dose concentration per day is 4.0 mcmol/kg. Administration is carried out for a period of about six months. This treatment interferes with further development of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques.

EXAMPLE 3

Amyloid peptide in TFE is believed to have a large degree of alpha-helical structure that is changed to a beta-sheet structure by the presence of aluminum ions. That transformation can be seen in a CD spectrum as a flattening of the signal. Reagents that partially or fully restore the initial beta-amyloid signal can thus be interpreted as the binding of aluminum to the reagent, allowing the peptide to regain its native alpha-helix character. Amyloid peptide (human amyloid beta-protein 1-42, SynPep) was dissolved in a solution of 80% trifluoroethanol ("TFE")/20% water at 10 mg/ml to make a stock solution, stored at 4°C. The stock solution was diluted to 0.45 nm/ml to 0.50 nm/ml in TFE for use in these experiments. The molecular weight of the peptide was 4315 Da; thus, 0.45 mg/ml is equivalent to 100 micromolar. Aluminum perchlorate was dissolved in TFE at a concentration of 10 mg/ml. The silicate test reagents were typically dissolved and hydrolyzed in water at 60 mM.

The CD spectrum was determined for each sample as follows. The sample was placed in a JASCO J-810 spectropolarimeter, in a cuvette having a volume of 100 ml, and a path length of 500 mM. The sensitivity of the instrument was approximately 100 millidegrees. Each spectrum was scanned with a wavelength range of between about 180 nm to about 260 nm, or between about 180 nm to about 280 nm. The data pitch was about 0.2 nm. The scan settings were performed under continuous scanning, at about 50 nm/min, with a response of 1 second. The data presented are data from two accumulations.

Initially, TFE alone was scanned as a control to confirm the standard spectrum. Next, beta-amyloid peptide alone was scanned at the start of each reagent test. Then, 2 to 4 microliter aliquots of 10 mM aluminum perchlorate were added by a 2-20 micro liter micropipettor and new scans were recorded. Mixing within the cuvette done with a 100 microliter pipettor. Other experiments (not shown) have revealed a large flattening of the peptide spectrum with the addition of 8 to 12 microliters of aluminum (equaling about 8 to 12 molar equivalents). Aliquots of a test compound were added to the peptide and aluminum in the cuvette, 2 to 4 microliters at a time, mixing well and assaying the spectrum between each addition. This procedure was repeated for each compound. The cuvette was well rinsed 3 to 5 times with about 100 microliters of TFE between assays. The compounds tested in this example were: 3-cyanopropyltrichlorosilane (CPTCS) (Fig. 2D), dichlorodiethylsilane (DCDES) (Fig. 2H), dichlorodiisopropylsilane (DCDIPS) (Fig. 21), (dichloro)ethylmethylsilane (DCEMS) (Fig. 20), hexylmethyldichlorosilane (HMDS) (Fig. 2F), (dichloro)methylsilylbutyronitrile (DCMSBN) (Fig. 2J), dichlorosilacyclobutane (DCSCB) (Fig. 2P), l,7-dioxa-6-sila- sρiro[5.5]undecane (SDSU) (Fig.2Q), sodium orthosilicate, triethoxysilylbutyronitrile (TESB) (Fig. 2R), triethoxysilylpropionitrile (TESP) (Fig. 2S), trihydroxysilylpropylmethyl phosphonate (TSPM) (Fig. 2B), triethylsilanol (TES) (Fig. 2M), tetrakis(dimethylamino)silane ("tetrakis") (Fig. 2T), and tetraacetooxysilane (TAS) (Fig. 2U). These compounds were obtained from Gelest (Morrisville, PA), Sigma- Aldrich (St. Louis, MO), Lancaster Synthesis (Windham, NH), Fluka (St. Louis, MO), and Alpha Aesar (Ward Hill, MA).

Fig. 13 illustrates the effect of aluminum on the amyloid peptide. In Fig. 13, the CD spectrum of amyloid peptide decreases with higher concentrations of aluminum.

Fig. 14 illustrates the effect of CPTCS on the aluminum-amyloid peptide system. In Fig. 14, the addition of 12 equivalents of aluminum to the solution containing the amyloid peptide causes a major reduction in the CD spectrum. However, the further addition of CPTCS is able to restore the CD spectrum of the peptide. Moderate reversal • was seen at 6 equivalents and 12 equivalents, while almost full reversal of the effects of aluminum on the peptide was seen with the addition of 24 equivalents of CTPCS.

Similar results were seen with DCDES. In Fig. 15, the addition of 8 equivalents of aluminum caused a major reduction in the CD spectrum of amyloid peptide, while the addition of DCDES to the system at least partially restored the CD spectrum with greater amounts of restoration with higher equivalencies of DCDES. Similarly, DCDIPS (Fig. 16), DCEMS (Fig. 17), HMDS (Fig. 18), DCMSBN (Fig. 19), DCSCB (Fig. 20), SDSU (Fig. 21), sodium orthosilicate (Fig. 22), TESB (Fig. 23), TESP (Fig. 24), TSPMP (Fig. 25), TES (Fig. 26), tetrakis (Fig. 27), and TAS (Fig. 28) each at least partially restored the original CD spectrum of the peptide, after the peptide had been exposed to aluminum.

EXAMPLE 4 In this example, the transport of various organosilicon compounds of the invention across cell monolayers that mimic the blood-brain barrier as demonstrated. Two different cell lines were used as model blood-brain barrier systems: Caco-2 cells and bMNEC cells. Detection of the organosilicon compounds was performed using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP), per EPA method 200.7, using an ultrasonic nebulizer.

Caco-2 is a cell line derived from human intestinal epithelium, commonly used for studies of molecular transport across epithelia with tight junctions. The Caco-2 cells used in these experiments were from the laboratory of Dr. Neil Simister at Brandeis University, originating from the ATCC (American Type Culture Collection). The cells were grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), with 5% fetal bovine serum, 50 microgram/ml gentamicin at 5% C0₂, 37 °C. Cells grown in Isgrove's medium and RPMI-1640 instead of DMEM showed similar times to reach confluence and similar morphology (data not shown). The Caco-2 cells formed electrically tight junctions, as assayed by measuring the electrical resistance with a World Precision Instruments ENOM-G.

The cells were grown in tissue culture flasks, and split (passaged) when confluence reached about 4:1. Cells were seeded for experiments onto Corning Costar Transwell inserts, polyester or polycarbonate, with 0.4 micrometer pores. Cells on transparent polyester membranes could be directly observed using phase contrast microscopy. The cells were fed fresh medium at intervals of every 2 to 4 days. The cells were used for assays when the electrical resistance of the cell monolayer was at least 400 ohms/cm².

Bovine microvascular epithelial cells are primary cells from bovine brain, purchased frozen from Cambrex Bio Science. These cells were grown on collagen- coated membrane inserts, overcoated with fibronectin. The medium used was Endothelial Basal Medium 2 (Clonetics) supplemented with bECGF, ascorbic acid, platelet poor horse serum, penicillin, streptomycin and fungizone (provided as a kit by Cambrex). One aliquot of cells was diluted and split to seed 48 6.5 mm membranes (corning Costar polyester, 0.4 micrometer pores). The cells were fed fresh medium every 2-3 days, and used when visually confluent.

Six compounds were tested for transport across the two cell lines in this example: SDSU, DCSCB, TSPM, TESB, DCMSBN, and DCEMS. Data from these experiments can be seen in Figs. 29A and 29B (Caco-2 cells) and Fig. 30 (bMNEC). In Figs. 29A and 29B, the transport of these organosilicon compounds are plotted as a function of time and hours. The starting concentrations on the apical side for each compound range between 1 mm and 10 mm. In all cases, a significant amount of transport was observed, across the Caco-2 cells, with more transport being observed for TESB, DCMSBN, and DCEMS (Fig. 29B) than TSPM, DCSCB, and SDSU (Fig. 29A). Fig. 30 illustrates transport of these compounds across the bMNEC cells. In Fig. 30, data are plotted for transport after 4 h and after 24 h, for two different donor concentrations. In all cases, a significant amount of transport was observed, with more transport occurring for higher concentration apicals. Thus, this example illustrates that various compounds of the invention can successfully be transported across the blood-brain barrier.

EXAMPLE 5

This example illustrates a method of making l,7-dioxa-6-sila-spiro[5.5]undecane (Fig. 2Q) in one embodiment of the invention.

A 2 liter 4-neck flask equipped with a dry-ice condenser, overhead stirring, a pot thermometer, and a funnel was charged with 54.29 g of SiCl₄. 4-chloro-l-butanol was added through the funnel at a pot temperature below 40 °C over a period of about 30 min. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for about 4 hours. 250 ml of ether was then added, followed by 4.86 g of magnesium turnings. After stirring at room temperature for 14 h, 125 ml of tetrahydrofuran ("THF") was added in 5 portions over a time period of 1 h. After all of the magnesium turnings were consumed, another 4.86 g of magnesium was added, followed by another 125 ml of tetrahydrofuran, added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 hours, then allowed to settle overnight. The superliquid was transferred into another flask, and the salts were washed with 125 ml of ether. The solutions were combined, then distilled using a short column. 5.32 g (12.4% yield) of the desired product was obtained upon heating at a head temperature of 55 °C at 8 mmHg.

Schematically, this reaction can be represented as follows:

Physical data for this reaction is as follows: Component 4-chloro- SiCl₄ Mg Ether THF MgCl₂ 1-butanol

Molecular 108.5' 169.90 24.31 74.12 72.11 .03 95.22 weight

Boiling 50-52 57.6 35-36 65-67 55- 58 point (°C)

Specific 1.09 1.483 0.706 0.889 2.320 gravity

Moles 0.50 0.25 0.40 0.25

Weight (g) 54.29 42.48 9.72 43.01

Volume (ml) 49.80 28.64 375 250

While several embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and/or claimed. The present invention is directed to each individual feature, system, material and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present invention. The definitions, as used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one act, the order of the acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the acts of the method are recited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean mcluding but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: administering, to a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of

Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound having a structure:

wherein: each of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or

NJ^², R comprising at least one carbon atom,

X being a halogen,

R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and

J¹ and J² each mdependently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; and wherein: at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ comprises at least one carbon atom;

Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ are not all, simultaneously, one of H or R; and

Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ are not all simultaneously acetate; or a salt thereof;' in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is not otherwise indicated for treatment with the composition.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is not able to cross the blood- brain barrier of the subject.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is able to cross the blood-brain barrier of the subject.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is X.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein at least two of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently are X.

7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein three of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently are X.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is Cl.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein at least two of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is Cl.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein at least three of ∑ Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is Cl.

11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is OH.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein at least two of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ are OH.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein three of Z¹ , Z², Z³, and Z⁴ are OH.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is OR¹.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein at least two of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently are OR¹.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least three of Z¹ , Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently are OR .

17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein each of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is OR¹.

18. The method ofclaim 14, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is OEt.

19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein at least two of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is OEt.

20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein at least three of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is OEt.

21. The method ofclaim 14, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is OAc.

22. The method ofclaim 21, wherein at least two of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is OAc.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein at least three of Z¹ , Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is OAc .

24. The method ofclaim 14, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is tert-butoxy.

25. The method ofclaim 24, wherein at least two of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is tert-butoxy.

26. The method ofclaim 25, wherein at least three of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is tert- butoxy.

27. The method ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is

NJ^JJ²

28. The method ofclaim 27, wherein at least two of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently are N^J².

29. The method of claim 28, wherein at least three of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z mdependently are NJ¹ J².

30. The method of claim 29, wherein Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently are NJ¹ J².

31. The method of claim 27, wherein at least one NJ¹ J² is NH₂.

32. The method of claim 27, wherein at least one NJ¹ J² is NHR , R^ιυ comprising at least one carbon atom.

33. The method ofclaim 27, wherein at least one NJ^XJ² is NHR¹⁰R^π, each of R¹⁰ and R^u independently comprising at least one carbon atom.

34. The method ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ comprises a carbon atom covalently bonded to Si.

35. The method ofclaim 34, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is R.

36. The method of claim 30, wherein at least two of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently are R.

37. The method of claim 31, wherein three of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently are R.

38. The method ofclaim 35, wherein at least one R is an alkyl.

39. The method ofclaim 38, wherein at least one alkyl is methyl.

40. The method ofclaim 38, wherein at least one alkyl is ethyl.

41. The method of claim 38, wherein at least one alkyl is isopropyl.

42. The method ofclaim 38, wherein at least one alkyl is tert-butyl.

43. The method of claim 38, wherein at least one alkyl is hexyl.

44. The method ofclaim 38, wherein at least one alkyl is octyl.

45. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ mdependently comprises an aminoalkyl.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein at least one aminoalkyl has a structure: H₂ H₂ H₂ ζ C C C NH₂

47. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently comprises a cyanoalkyl.

48. The method ofclaim 47, wherein at least one cyanoalkyl has a structure: H₂ H H C C C CN

49. The method ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently comprises an aromatic moiety.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein at least one aromatic moiety is benzyl.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein at least one aromatic moiety is phenyl.

52. The method ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ comprises a phosphono moiety.

53. The method ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ comprises a silicon atom.

54. The method of claim 1, wherein each of Z¹ and Z² independently is X, and each of Z³ and Z⁴ independently is R.

55. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each of Z¹, Z², and Z³ independently is X, and Z⁴ is R.

56. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each of Z¹, Z², and Z³ independently is OR¹, and Z⁴ is R.

57. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each of Z¹, Z², and Z³ independently is OR¹, and Z⁴ is OH.

58. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each of Z¹, Z², and Z³ is OH, and Z⁴ is R.

59. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each of Z¹ and Z² is OH, and each of Z³ and Z⁴ independently is R.

60. The method of claim 1, wherein Z¹ is OH, and each of Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is R.

61. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each of Z¹, Z², and Z³ is OH, and Z⁴ comprises an amine.

62. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each of Z¹, Z², and Z³ independently is OR¹, and Z⁴ comprises an amine.

63. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each of Z¹, Z², and Z³ is OH, and Z⁴ comprises an aminoalkyl.

64. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each of Z¹, Z², and Z³ independently is OR¹, and Z⁴ comprises an aminoalkyl.

65. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound has a structure:

66. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

67. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

68. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

69. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

70. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound has a structure:

71. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

72. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

73. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound has a structure:

74. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

75. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound has a structure:

76. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound has a structure:

77. The method ofclaim 1, wherem the compound has a structure:

78. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

79. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound has a structure:

80. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

81. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound has a structure:

82. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

83. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

84. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

85. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

86. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

87. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound has a structure:

88. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

89. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

90. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a structure:

91. The method of claim 1 , wherein administrating comprises administrating the composition into the brain of the subject.

92. A method, comprismg: administering, to a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound having a structure:

wherein: each of Z¹ and Z² independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or N^J², R comprising at least one carbon atom,

X being a halogen,

R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; and wherein:

A is a moiety having at least one of a carbon atom and a silicon atom; and each of E¹ and E² independently is either (a) one of O and NJ³, or (b) absent such that Si is covalently bonded to moiety A, such that E¹ and E² are not both absent, J³ being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; or a salt thereof; in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

93. The method ofclaim 92, wherein the subject is not otherwise indicated for treatment with the composition.

94. The method of claim 92, wherein the composition is not able to cross the blood- brain barrier of the subject.

95. The method ofclaim 92, wherein the composition is able to cross the blood-brain barrier of the subject.

96. The method ofclaim 92, wherein at least one of Z¹ and Z² independently is X.

97. The method ofclaim 96, wherein each of Z¹ and Z² independently is X.

98. The method ofclaim 96, wherein at least one of Z¹ and Z² is Cl.

99. The method ofclaim 98, wherein each of Z¹ and Z² is Cl.

100. The method ofclaim 92, wherein at least one of E¹ and E² is absent.

101. The method of claim 100, wherein each of E¹ and E² is absent.

102. The method ofclaim 92, wherein at least one of E¹ and E² is O.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein each of E¹ and E² is O.

104. The method ofclaim 92, wherein at least one of E¹ and E² independently is NJ³

105. The method ofclaim 104, wherein each of E¹ and E² independently is NJ³.

106. The method of claim 92, wherein A has a structure: H₂ H H₂ > — c — c — c —

107. The method of claim 92, wherein the compound is chiral.

108. The method ofclaim 92, wherein the compound is achiral.

109. The method ofclaim 92, wherein the compound has a structure:

110. A method, comprising: administering, to a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound having a structure:

wherein: each of A¹ and A² independently is a moiety having at least one of a carbon atom and a silicon atom; each of E¹ and E² independently is either (a) one of O and NJ³, or (b) absent such that Si is covalently bonded to moiety A¹, such that E and E are not both absent,

J³ being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; and wherein: each of E³ and E⁴ independently is either (a) one of O and NJ⁴, or (b) absent such that Si is covalently bonded to moiety A²,

J⁴ being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; or a salt thereof; in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

111. The method of claim 110, wherein the subject is not otherwise indicated for treatment with the composition.

112. The method ofclaim 110, wherem the composition is not able to cross the blood- brain barrier of the subject.

113. The method of claim 110, wherein the composition is able to cross the blood- brain barrier of the subject.

114. The method ofclaim 110, wherein at least one of E¹ and E³ is O.

115. The method of claim 114, wherein each of E¹ and E³ is O.

116. The method ofclaim 110, wherein at least one of A¹ and A² has a structure: H2 H2 H2 H2 ?

117. The method ofclaim 116, wherein each of A¹ and A² has a structure:

? r^"-2 H2 H2 H2

< — c — c — c — c —

118. The method ofclaim 110, wherein at least one of E¹, E², E³, and E⁴ is absent.

119. The method ofclaim 110, wherein at least two of E¹, E², E³, and E⁴ are absent.

120. The method ofclaim 110, wherein the compound has a structure: E¹ E³

A¹ -Si .

121. The method of claim 110, wherein the compound is chiral.

122. The method ofclaim 110, wherein the compound is achiral.

123. The method of claim 110, wherein the compound has a structure :

124. A method, comprising: administering, to a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound having a structure:

wherein: Y comprises at least one carbon atom; each of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, Z⁵, and Z⁶ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or NJ^!J²,

R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen, R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and

J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; and wherein: each of E¹ and E² independently is one of O and NJ³, J³ being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; or a salt thereof; in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

125. The method ofclaim 124, wherein the subject is not otherwise indicated for treatment with the composition.

126. The method of claim 124, wherein the composition is not able to cross the blood- brain barrier of the subject.

127. The method of claim 124, wherein the composition is able to cross the blood- brain barrier of the subject.

128. A method, comprising: administering, to a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound having a structure:

wherein: each of Y¹ and Y² independently comprises at least one carbon atom; each of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or N^J²,

R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen,

R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; and wherein: each of E¹, E², E³, and E⁴ independently is one of O and NJ³,

J³ being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; or a salt thereof; in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

129. The method of claim 128, wherein the subject is not otherwise indicated for treatment with the composition.

130. A method, comprising: administering, to a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising at least one of a silanol compound, a silandiol compound, and a silantriol compound.

131. The method of claim 130, wherein the subj ect is not ptherwise indicated for treatment with the composition.

132. A method, comprising: administering, to a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound able to be hydrolyzed within the subject to at least one of a silanol compound, a silandiol compound, a silantriol compound.

133. The method ofclaim 132, wherein the subject is not otherwise indicated for treatment with the composition.

134. A method, comprising: administering, to a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound able to be hydrolyzed within the subject to form a compound able to bind a trivalent metal ion.

135. The method ofclaim 134, wherein the subject is not otherwise indicated for treatment with the composition.

136. The method of claim 134, wherein the compound able to hydrolyzed comprises silicon.

137. The method ofclaim 134, wherein the compound able to bind a trivalent metal ion comprises silicon.

138. The method ofclaim 134, wherein the trivalent metal ion is an aluminum ion.

139. A method, comprising: administering, to a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a cyclic organosilicon compound.

140. The method ofclaim 139, wherein the subject is not otherwise indicated for treatment with the composition.

141. The method ofclaim 139, wherein the cyclic organosilicon compound is at least bicyclic.

142. The method ofclaim 139, wherein the cyclic organosilicon compound comprises a spiro moiety.

143. A method, comprising: administering, to a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound having, within the molecular structure of the compound, a silicon atom and a nitrogen atom.

144. The method ofclaim 143, wherein the subject is not otherwise indicated for treatment with the composition.

145. The method of claim 143, wherein the nitrogen atom is covalently bound to the silicon atom.

146. The method of claim 143, wherein the nitrogen atom is not covalently bound to the silicon atom.

147. The method ofclaim 143, wherein the compound comprises more than one nitrogen atom.

148. The method ofclaim 143, wherein the compound comprises more than one silicon atom.

149. A method, comprising: administering, to a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound comprising, within the molecular structure of the compound, at least two silicon atoms.

150. The method of claim 149, wherein the subject is not otherwise mdicated for treatment with the composition.

151. The method of claim 149, wherein the compound is a polymer.

152. A method, comprising: administering, to a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a polymer having a repeat unit comprising at least one silicon atom.

153. The method of claim 152, wherein the subject is not otherwise indicated for treatment with the composition.

154. The method ofclaim 152, wherein at least one of the at least one silicon atoms of the repeat unit is bonded to a halogen.

155. The method ofclaim 152, wherein at least one of the at least one silicon atoms of the repeat unit is bonded to OH.

156. The method ofclaim 152, wherein at least one of the at least one silicon atoms of the repeat unit is bonded to OR, R comprising at least one carbon atom.

157. The method of claim 152, wherein at least one of the at least one silicon atoms of the repeat unit is bonded to J¹!², J¹ and J² each independently being H or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom.

158. A composition, comprising: a compound having a structure:

NJ¹!²,

R comprising at least one carbon atom,

X being a halogen,

R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; and wherein: at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ comprises at least one carbon atom;

Z¹. Z², Z³, and Z⁴ are not all, simultaneously, one of H or R; and Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ are not all simultaneously acetate; or a salt thereof; in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

159. A composition, comprising: a compound having a structure:

wherein: each of Z¹ and Z² independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or ^J², R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen,

A is a moiety having at least one of a carbon atom and a silicon atom; and each of E¹ and E² independently is either (a) one of O and NJ³, or (b) absent such that Si is covalently bonded to moiety A, such that E¹ and E² are not both absent,

A composition, comprising: a compound having a structure:

wherein: each of A¹ and A² independently is a moiety having at least one of a carbon atom and a silicon atom; each of E¹ and E² independently is either (a) one of O and NJ³, or (b) absent such that Si is covalently bonded to moiety A¹, such that E¹ and E² are not both absent, J³ being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; and wherein: each of E³ and E⁴ independently is either (a) one of O and NJ⁴, or (b) absent such that Si is covalently bonded to moiety A², J⁴ being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; or a salt thereof; in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

161. A composition, comprising: a compound having a structure:

wherein:

Y comprises at least one carbon atom; each of Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴, Z⁵, and Z⁶ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR^ or NJ^²,

R comprising at least one carbon atom,

X being a halogen,

R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and

J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; and wherein: each of E¹ and E² mdependently is one of O and NJ³,

162. A composition, comprising: a compound having a structure:

wherein: each of Y and Y independently comprises at least one carbon atom; each of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or

NJ¹!², R comprising at least one carbon atom, X being a halogen,

163. A method, comprising: administering, to a neurological system of a subject susceptible to or exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound having a silicon atom.

164. The method ofclaim 163, wherein administering comprises administering the composition to the brain.

165. The method of claim 163, wherein the compound has a structure:

wherein: each of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ independently is one of H, X, R, OH, OR¹, or N^J²,

R comprising at least one carbon atom,

X being a halogen,

R¹ comprising at least one carbon atom, and

J¹ and J² each independently being H, or comprising at least one of a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom; or a salt thereof.

166. The method ofclaim 165, wherein the composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

167. The method ofclaim 165, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is OH.

168. The method of claim 167, wherein at least two of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is OH.

169. The method ofclaim 168, wherein at least three of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is OH.

170. The method ofclaim 169, wherein each of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is OH.

171. The method ofclaim 165, wherein at least one of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is acetate.

172. The method ofclaim 171, wherein at least two of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is acetate.

173. The method ofclaim 172, wherein at least three of Z¹, Z², Z³, and Z⁴ is acetate.

174. The method ofclaim 173, wherein each of Z¹, Z² Z³, and Z⁴ is acetate.

175. The method ofclaim 163, wherein the composition comprises a silicate.

176. The method ofclaim 175, wherein the composition comprises sodium silicate.

177. The method ofclaim 163, wherein the composition comprises a metasilicate.

178. The method ofclaim 177, wherein the composition comprises sodium metasilicate.

179. The method ofclaim 163, wherein the silicon compound is selected from the group consisting of a salt, an acid, an oxide, and combinations thereof. The method ofclaim 163, wherein the composition is not able to cross the blood- brain barrier of the subject.