The present invention relates to uses of and methods of treatment with cystathionine. In one embodiment, cystathionine reduces the development of toxin-induced liver and/or kidney disease induced by homocystinuria and/or acute nephropathy. In one embodiment, a cystathionine synthesis inhibitor is administered to increase tumor cell apoptosis and/or increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatment. More particularly, cystathionine can protect cells against toxin-induced cellular apoptosis and/or cystathionine synthesis inhibitors can increase neuroblastoma cell kill rates during chemotherapy.
