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• World Scleroderma Day, June 29

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) or Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by thickening of the skin, fibrosis of various internal organs, and blood vessel abnormalities Though the cause of SSc remains still unknown dysregulation of the immune system is considered to play a significant role. Cardiovascular disease is one of the principal determinants of mortality in SSc and represents a diagnostic challenge. A team of researchers aimed to test the diagnostic and long term prognostic performance of the cardiac biomarkers NT-proANP and NT-proBNP in SSc patients. Both peptides are mainly secreted by the heart in response to increased myocyte stretch.
Read more: https://lnkd.in/e7ifHBX

The NT-proANP and NT-proBNP measurements were performed with Biomedica ELISA kits:
https://buff.ly/3kCJc0I
√ CE-marked – for IVD use in the EU
√ CONVENIENT – for serum & plasma
√ RELIABLE – Full validation package
√ HIGH QUALITY GUARANTEED – https://lnkd.in/gmGhJgR

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a bone derived hormone involved in the regulation of phosphate and vitamin D metabolism. FGF23 is increased in patients with renal failure and has been shown to be a risk factor in cardiovascular mortality not only in kidney disease but also in the general population. FGF23 levels are elevated in obese people and increased energy intake is a potential predictor of plasma FGF23 concentrations. In a recent study, three groups of rats were fed diets with high, normal and low caloric content that resulted in different energy intake. The authors could demonstrate that FGF23 production is directly regulated by energy availability.
Read more: https://lnkd.in/eVZMvvF

Check out the Biomedica FGF23 ELISA assays: https://lnkd.in/ezCdsyN

√ CE-marked – for IVD use in the EU
√ CONVENIENT – for serum & plasma
√ RELIABLE – Full validation package
√ HIGH QUALITY GUARANTEED- https://lnkd.in/gmGhJgR

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secreted protein that is implicated in heart and kidney disease. A recent study identifies OPG as a risk factor predicting death in stable renal transplant recipients.

Read more: Osteoprotegerin is an independent risk factor predicting death in stable renal transplant recipients. Zeng S et al., Clin Nephrol. 2021 May 27. 

Abstract

Background: Vascular calcification is common in chronic kidney disease and is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. One of the important factors regulating vascular calcification is osteoprotegerin (OPG). There are, however, limited data on the impact of OPG on all-cause mortality and graft loss in kidney transplant recipients so far. Given its impact on vascular calcification, the aim of our study is to analyze whether OPG was a risk factor of all-cause mortality and graft loss in 600 stable kidney transplant recipients.

Materials and methods: 600 stable renal transplant recipients (367 women, 233 men) were followed for all-cause mortality and graft loss for 3 years. Blood and urine samples for analysis and clinical data were collected at study entry. We performed Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression models considering confounding factors such as age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), cold ischemia time, HbA1c, phosphorus, calcium, and albumin.

Results: 65 patients died, and 38 patients had graft loss during the observation period. The OPG baseline concentrations had no effect on graft loss, whereas Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that baseline plasma OPG concentrations were associated with all-cause mortality in stable kidney transplant recipients (p < 0.0001, log-rank test). After multiple Cox regression analysis adjusting for age, eGFR, cold ischemia time, HbA1c, phosphorus, calcium, and albumin, plasma levels of OPG remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.181; 95%CI 1.035 – 1.347; p = 0.014).

Conclusion: Baseline plasma OPG is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality but not graft loss in patients after kidney transplantation.

Check out the Biomedica OPG ELISA that was highlighted in this study: https://buff.ly/3hVJuhJ

√ CE marked marked
√ Reliable – validated according to international guidelines
√ Most referenced human OPG ELISA
√ Only 20µl sample volume required

Accurate, early diagnosis of acute appendicitis continues to be a major diagnostic challenge and cannot be detected by current inflammatory biomarkers. Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG) is a novel marker and functions as an acute-phase protein that is secreted by neutrophils. As neutrophils act as first responders to infection LRG may be useful to diagnose acute appendicitis.

Read more:
• Serum and Urine Biomarker Leucine-Rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein 1 Differentiates Pediatric Acute Complicated and Uncomplicated Appendicitis. https://buff.ly/3cw3Vkg
• A novel noninvasive appendicitis score with a urine biomarker. https://buff.ly/3v4h4Yg

LRG can reliably be measured by ELISA in human serum, plasma and urine samples with a fully validated assay. Only 5 µl of sample volume is required!

LRG ELISA Assay Highlights https://buff.ly/31vlD26 :
√SPECIFIC – Characterized, epitope mapped antibodies
√CONVENIENT – Assay range optimized for clinical samples
√RELIABLE – Rigorously validated according to FDA/EMEA/ICH guidelines
√EASY -Results in 3 h, all reagents included

Chronic allergic itch is a common symptom affecting millions of people, but its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein that is highly expressed in the skin. Researchers have identified that Periostin can directly activate itch-associated neurons in the skin. Blocking the Periostin receptors on these neurons reduced the itch response in a mouse model.

Related publications: Periostin, an Emerging Player in Itch Sensation.
https://lnkd.in/g8dwQ3z
Periostin Activation of Integrin Receptors on Sensory Neurons Induces Allergic Itch.
https://lnkd.in/gMyJM3X

PERIOSTIN can reliably be measured by ELISA . Only 10 µl of sample volume is required! https://buff.ly/35zhkBz

Biomedica Periostin ELISA – Features & Benefits
√ CONVENIENT – Assay range optimized for clinical samples
√ RELIABLE – Full validation package
√ SPECIFIC – Characterized, epitope mapped capture and detection antibodies
√ HIGH QUALITY GUARANTEED–  https://lnkd.in/gmGhJgR

Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is an essential cell surface receptor with an established role in development and immunity. Due to alternative splicing or shedding, the extracellular region can be released into circulation as soluble Neuropilin-1 (sNRP1). Researchers in Germany have shown that sNRP1 is an independent prognostic marker for breast cancer-specific survival. The study included 506 patients diagnosed with primary, non-metastatic breast cancer.
Read the full article here: https://buff.ly/3uvOBuh
Soluble NRP1 was measured with Biomedica´s ELISA kit.: https://buff.ly/38HbbWI

Features & Benefits
√ Low sample volume – only 10 µl required
√ Ready to use calibrators and controls
√ Full VALIDATION package
√ HIGH QUALITY GUARANTEED
Find out more: https://buff.ly/2oXzsWh

Proteins are particularly useful molecules to use as biomarkers. They are biochemical indicators that can provide vital information in determining disease prognosis and progression and in predicting the response to therapies. Biomarkers can be used in clinical trials or can be applied in toxicology, including preclinical drug safety assessment*.

Features & Benefits
√ Full VALIDATION package
√ WIDELY CITED +1500 publications
√ Automatable
√ HIGH QUALITY GUARANTEED

Find out more: https://buff.ly/2oXzsWh

*check out our NT-proANP kit – biomarker of cardiac hypertrophy in preclinical toxicology

Infertility is a frequent problem affecting up to 26% of all couples globally. Impaired semen quality is often the cause, but few treatment options exist. The RANKL system is an essential regulator of bone resorption. This current study by Blomberg Jensen M. and colleagues provides insights into a yet unrecognized regulatory role of RANKL in male reproductive function. These findings may ultimately be of clinical relevance since an approved specific RANKL inhibitor is in use to treat osteoporosis in women and men. Read more: https://buff.ly/3tV49aF

Biomedica ELISA kits were used in this study to measure soluble RANKL and OPG in serum and seminal fluid.

ELISA kit highlights:
• CE marked – widely cited in clinical studies
• Reliable – validated according to international guidelines
• High sensitivity – measurable concentrations in healthy subjects
• HIGH quality guaranteed https://buff.ly/3etWGHH

Proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 concentrations increase with age but elevated levels are also linked to underlying medical and psychological conditions. IL-6 is known to affect the brain and studies have implicated a specific role of IL-6 in stress- related pathophysiology.

Read more: The Link between Stress and IL-6 Is Heating Up. Darcy J, Tseng YH, Cell Metab. 2020 4;32(2):152-153. Full text: https://buff.ly/3tA3DP9

IL-6 can reliably be measured with Biomedica´s high quality IL-6 ELISA kit offering EXTRAORDINARY SENSITIVITY with a WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE:

• EASY ready to use calibrators & controls included
• HIGH SENSITIVITY measurable values in serum and plasma, CC and urine
• RELIABLE validated according to international quality guidelines
• HIGHLY SPECIFIC characterized recombinant epitope-mapped antibodies

Complete ready to use IL-6 ELISA kit for superior performance and reproducibility

May is “Osteoporosis Month” raising awareness on bone health. Osteoporosis is estimated to affect 200 million people worldwide. Taking action for prevention, diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk and the burden of osteoporosis.

Biomedica offers a wide range of  bone biomarker ELISA kits for the accurate measurement of FGF23, Sclerostin, Osteoprotegerin, soluble RANKL, DKK-1, IL-6, and others.

Assay Highlights:
• EASY – ready to use calibrators & controls included
• RELIABLE – validated according to international quality guidelines
• WIDELY CITED in 1500 + publications
• COMPETENT CUSTOMER SERVICE

Complete ready-to-use ELISA kits for superior performance and reproducibility: https://buff.ly/2N3xY97

 

Effect of Sclerostin Inhibition on Cardiovascular Safety for the Treatment of Severe Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by diminished bone strength that is responsible for an increased fracture risk. The glycoprotein sclerostin acts as an inhibitor of bone formation. Therapies directed against this molecule have been developed. A humanized antibody against sclerostin has been approved for the treatment of severe osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in many parts of the world. A recent review by Langdahl BL and colleagues sumarizes the current knowledge of the effect of sclerostin inhibition on cardiovascular safety.

Cardiovascular Safety and Sclerostin Inhibition – a mini-review.
Langdahl BL, Hofbauer LC, Forfar JC. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2021 Mar 23:dgab193. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgab193. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33755157. 

Biomedica´s Sclerostin ELISA kit:
• The internationally most referenced Sclerostin ELISA!
• Rigorously validated according to FDA/ICH/EMEA guidelines
• Low sample volume

 

RELATED Publications – Sclerostin Inhibition and Cardiovascular Safety

 

Evaluating the cardiovascular safety of sclerostin inhibition using evidence from meta-analysis of clinical trials and human genetics.

Bovijn J, Krebs K, Chen CY, Boxall R, Censin JC, Ferreira T, Pulit SL, Glastonbury CA, Laber S, Millwood IY, Lin K, Li L, Chen Z, Milani L, Smith GD, Walters RG, Mägi R, Neale BM, Lindgren CM, Holmes MV. Sci Transl Med. 2020 Jun 24;12(549):eaay6570. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay6570. PMID: 32581134; PMCID: PMC7116615.

Abstract

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a crucial role in regulating the acute phase response, inflammation, hematopoiesis, glucose metabolism, bone metabolism and cancer progression.

Biomedica´s high quality IL-6 ELISA kit offers EXTRAORDINARY SENSITIVITY with a WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE: https://buff.ly/3u139m1
Check out our new human IL-6 ELISA kit – developed and manufactured by Biomedica!

Why use Biomedica´s IL-6 ELISA kit?

• EASY ready to use calibrators & controls included
• HIGH SENSITIVITY measurable values in serum and plasma, CC and urine • RELIABLE validated according to international quality guidelines
• HIGHLY SPECIFIC characterized recombinant epitope-mapped antibodies

Complete ready to use IL-6 ELISA kit for superior performance and reproducibility Review:

Interleukin-6 signaling in health and disease. Rose-John S, 2020. F1000Res, 20;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-1013.

SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: Is interleukin-6 (IL-6) the ‘culprit lesion’ of ARDS onset? What is there besides Tocilizumab? SGP130Fc. Magro G., 2020. Cytokine X,2(2):100029. 

Researchers have identified the c-terminal fragment of the phosphate regulating hormone FGF23 (cFGF23) to better predict the risk of graft loss in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) than its biologically active form (intact FGF23). The prospective observational cohort study included 562 maintenance KTRs with a median follow-up of 4 years.

C-terminal and intact FGF23 in kidney transplant recipients and their associations with overall graft survival. Chu C et al.,BMC Nephrology (2021) 22:125.

FGF23 (intact) and FGF23 (C-terminal) can reliably be measured by ELISA
√ CE-marked – for IVD use in the EU
√ CORRELATE with existing ELISA methods
√ Excellent stability in all matrices
√ For plasma & serum
√ HIGH QUALITY – fully validated according to international guidelines (ICH/FDA/EMEA)

The proinflammatory cytokine Angiopoietin-2 plays a key role in endothelial cell disruption and associated events. A recent study demonstrates that a three day change in Angiopoeitin-2 levels predicts the clinical course in hospital-mortality of patients with SARS-CoV-2. Angiopoietin-2 is a relevant part of disease pathogenesis and could be a target for new specific treatments in these patients.

Read more: Dynamic angiopoietin-2 assessment predicts survival and chronic course in hospitalized patients with … Villa E et al., Blood Adv. 2021 Feb 9;5(3):662-673.

Angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) can reliably be measured by ELISA in human serum, plasma and urine samples with Biomedica’s fully validated assay kit. Only 20 µl of sample volume is required! The kit incorporates ready to use standards and controls. The assay range is optimized for clinical samples- no sample dilution required!

Features & Benefits

√ Immediate results: no sample dilution required
√ Full validation package – the assay is optimized for clinical samples
√ Kit includes ready to use standards and controls
√ Automatable
√ HIGH QUALITY GUARANTEED – https://buff.ly/3etWGHH

Find out more: Angiopoietin-2 ELISA

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membranous structures that contain lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids of the source cell. They are released into the extracellular space and act as intercellular communicators. Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand RANKLL) and its receptor RANK are bone-cell derived key proteins that are crucial in regulating bone remodeling. EVs containing RANKL and RANK have recently been identified as intercellular regulators in bone biology and are attractive as drug targets and as biomarkers.

Read more Free soluble RANKL can reliably be measured by ELISA in serum and plasma. 

Assay Highlights

• High sensitivity – measurable concentrations in healthy subjects

• Only ELISA that measures free, uncomplexed soluble RANKL

• CE marked – widely cited in clinical studies

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an abrupt loss of kidney function and is independently associated with high mortality in critically ill patients. Endostatin, the C-terminal proteolytic fragment of collagen XVIII, is expressed during the progression of renal fibrosis. A team of researchers recently demonstrated that serial measurement of plasma endostatin has useful predictive value for 30-day mortality in AKI patients.

Read more: Prognostic value of dynamic plasma endostatin for the prediction of mortality in acute kidney injury: A prospective cohort study. Jia HM et al., J Int Med Res. 2020 48(7):300060520940856. Full text

Endostatin can reliably be measured by ELISA in human serum, plasma and urine samples. Only 20 µl of sample volume is required!

Endostatin ELISA Assay Highlights: https://www.bmgrp.com/product/cardiovascular/human-endostatin-elisa-biomedica/

•  SPECIFIC – no cross-reactivity with COL15A1
•  CONVENIENT – Assay range optimized for clinical samples
•  RELIABLE – Validated according to international quality guidelines
•  EASY – Results in 4,5 h, all reagents included

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease and its prevalence increases with age affecting approximately 200 million people worldwide. Most osteoporosis therapies aim at inhibiting bone resorption, while only a few are capable of actively promoting the generation of new bone tissue. Osteoporosis treatment with anti-Sclerostin antibodies is an newer osteo-anabolic therapy that stimulates bone formation and inhibits at the same time bone resorption. This recent review by Rauner M. and colleagues highlights the advances in the application of this newer drug in the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone diseases.

Osteoporosis Treatment with Anti-Sclerostin Antibodies—Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Application. Rauner M, Taipaleenmäki H, Tsourdi E, Winter EM. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021; 10(4):787. https://lnkd.in/eyU3kPN

Biomedica´s Sclerostin ELISA kit https://buff.ly/2N4iVsK

• The internationally most referenced Sclerostin ELISA!
• Rigorously validated according to FDA/ICH/EMEA guidelines
• Low sample volume

High expression of leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG) is closely related to angiogenesis, which may play an important role in promoting invasion and metastasis. In a retrospective study in 330 cases of early breast cancer, researchers have identified the use of LRG as a potential prognosis biomarker for early breast cancer analysis. LRG expression was associated with the tumor stage and lymphatic metastasis, and high LRG expression predicted poor survival. Analysis of serum samples from the patients may further assist in verifying the findings of this report.

Prognostic Value of LRG1 in Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study. Zhang YS et al., 2021. Oncol Res Treat 44(1-2):36-42.

LRG can reliably be measured by ELISA in human serum, plasma and urine samples with a fully validated assay. Only 5 µl of sample volume is required!

LRG ELISA Assay Highlights https://buff.ly/31vlD26 :

• SPECIFIC – Characterized, epitope mapped antibodies

• CONVENIENT – Assay range optimized for clinical samples

• RELIABLE – Rigorously validated according to FDA/EMEA/ICH guidelines

• EASY -Results in 3 h, all reagents included

Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG) ELISA | BI-LRG

 

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secreted protein that affects bone turnover and is implicated in heart and kidney disease. A recent study identifies OPG as an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in patients after kidney transplantation. 982 prevalent kidney transplant (KT) recipients were followed up for all-cause mortality for 6 years. The researchers observed that each 1 pmol/L higher-serum OPG level was associated with a 49% higher risk of mortality.

Biomedica´s OPG ELISA was used in this recent study and is part of our Clinical Nephrology Biomarker ELISA line of reliable and widely cited assays.

Check out the Biomedica OPG ELISA:

CE marked
Reliable – validated according to international guidelines
Most referenced human OPG ELISA
Only 20µl sample volume required 

Association between serum osteoprotegerin level and mortality in kidney transplant recipients. Gupta V et al., 2021. Transpl Int 19. doi: 10.1111/tri.13847. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33606319

Big Endothelin-1 (Big ET-1) is a valuable tool for risk stratification in patients with cardiomyopathy

Big Endothelin-1 (Big ET-1) is a protein that is mainly produced by vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes. Big ET-1 has been identified as a risk factor for a poor prognosis in patients with atrial fibrillation or coronary artery disease. This current study revealed that plasma Big ET-1 is a valuable tool for risk stratification in patients with LVNC.

Big ET-1 useful for risk stratification in cardiomyopathy

Prognostic value of plasma big endothelin-1 in left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy.  Fan P et al., 2020. Heart. 2020. 

 

Biomedica Big-ET-1 ELISA kit highlights (BI-20082H)

 

√  Direct measurement

√ Fully validated according to international guidelines

√ Published cut-off values

√ cited in +70 publications

 

CITATIONS with the Biomedica Big Endothelin-1 (Big ET-1) ELISA, cat. no. BI-20082W

 

Prognostic value of plasma big endothelin-1 in left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy. Fan P, Zhang Y, Lu YT, Yang KQ, Lu PP, Zhang QY, Luo F, Lin YH, Zhou XL, Tian T. Heart. 2021 May;107(10):836-841. doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-317059. Epub 2020 Oct 14. PMID: 33055147; PMCID: PMC8077223.

Abstract

Today’s bulletin highlights a recent study investigating the association between bone quality, bone turnover, and anemia in a population-based study cohort. As FGF23 could be a link between the pathogenesis of anemia and osteoporosis, the researchers tested the hypothesis that FGF23 levels associate with hemoglobin levels and with bone quality.

Read more:

Interactions of Anemia, FGF-23, and Bone in Healthy Adults-Results From the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). Hannemann A et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2021, Jan 1;106(1):e288-e299.

FGF23 (intact) and FGF23 (C-terminal) can reliably be measured by ELISA

√ CE-marked – for IVD use in the EU
√ CORRELATE with existing ELISA methods
√ Excellent stability in all matrices
√ For plasma & serum
√ HIGH QUALITY – fully validated according to international guidelines (ICH/FDA/EMEA)

February is “Heart Month” raising awareness of cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular diseases are the number 1 cause of death around the world. Preventative measures and better healthcare can reduce the risk and the burden of heart disease.

Biomedica offers a range of cardiac biomarker ELISA kits https://buff.ly/3aOoZC9 for the accurate measurement of NT-proBNP, NT-proANP, Big-Endothelin-1.

Assay Highlights:

• CE-marked for IVD use in EU

• Fully validated according to international quality guidelines

• Ready to use kits: human serum based calibrators and controls include

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a protein produced by bone and is an important regulator of phosphate homeostasis. Bone impairment seen in disorders of FGF23 expression include hypophosphatemic rickets, tumoral-induced osteomalacia, and chronic kidney disease. In a study by Bilha SC et al., the researchers investigated the relationship between FGF23 and bone mass parameters in the general population, according to age, sex, menopausal, and nutritional status. FGF23 was found to be an independent predictor for bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, but was not a fine discriminator between normal bone mass and osteopenia/osteoporosis. The mechanism through which FGF23 acts upon the bone seems independent of the nutritional status, requiring further investigation. https://buff.ly/2NMb2eP

FGF23 can reliably measured by ELISA. Check out the Biomedica human FGF23 (C-terminal) and human FGF23 (intact) kits: https://buff.ly/37sunK0

• For serum and plasma samples

• Extensively validated according to international quality guidelines (FDA/ICH/EMEA)

• CE marked – for IVD use in the EU

• Plasma based standards and controls included

• Excellent correlation with existing methods

The glycoprotein Sclerostin is mainly secreted by osteocytes and acts as a negative regulator of bone mass and strength by inhibiting bone formation. Studies have shown that high intensity exercise induces an increase in serum Sclerostin levels suggesting that it may be a key protein involved in muscle and bone interaction.
A recent study by Śliwicka E and colleagues https://buff.ly/3qx6V4U evaluated the effects of a marathon race on selected myokines and Sclerostin in male recreational runners. Results show that in response to the marathon run, a complex network of endocrine interactions is initiated. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term impact of prolonged high intensity exercise on the human body.
Exercise-induced increase in sclerostin- related finding: https://buff.ly/3atiBA4

Check out the Biomedica Sclerostin ELISA kit https://buff.ly/2N4iVsK

• The internationally most referenced Sclerostin ELISA!

• Rigorously validated according to FDA/ICH/EMEA guidelines

• Low sample volume

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NT-proANP ELISA, BI-20892: https://buff.ly/3b8fXyM

EZ4U Cell Proliferation and Cytotoxicity Assay, BI-5000: https://buff.ly/3pwa83c

The study by Kerschan-Schindl et al. proved the osteomiR™  panel to be a set of 19 emerging bone biomarkers, which together can be used as a fingerprint for osteoporosis based on the WHO criteria. 

 “Diagnostic Performance of a Panel of miRNAs (OsteomiR™) for Osteoporosis in a Cohort of Postmenopausal Women.”

Kerschan-Schindl K., Hackl M., Boschitsch E et al.  Calcified Tissue International. 2021-01-11. doi:10.1007/s00223-020-00802-3. Click link for full text publication.

In the special issue on miRNAs in Bone Research Grillari et al. summarize the technical challenges associated with circulating miRNA research in bone health and disease.

“Circulating miRNAs in bone health and disease”

Grillari J, Mäkitie ER, Kocijan R et al. Bone Volume 145, April 2021, 115787. doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2020.115787. Click link for full review (access until March 9, 2021).

Biological mechanisms will be further investigated within the Marie-Curie ITN project FIDELIO. Click link for more information on FIDELIO.  

Link to product details:

osteomiR™ – miRNA Biomarkers, cat.no. TW-KT-011-OT

Studies show that Angiopoietin-2 is a strong predictor in patients with SARS-CoV-2

 Two research teams find that increased levels of the proinflammatory cytokine Angiopoietin-2 is crucial to predict transfer to the intensive care units and is responsible for hypercoagulation observed in critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. 

Studies:

Angiopoietin-2 as a marker of endothelial activation is a good predictor factor for intensive care unit admission of … patients. Smadja DM et al., Angiogenesis, 2020;1-10. Full text

Elevated Angiopoietin-2 inhibits thrombomodulin-mediated anticoagulation in critically ill … patients. Hultstrom M et al., MedRxiv preprint server, 2021. Full text

 

SARS-CoV-2 infection has a diverse range of symptoms and may cause severe illness, in particular in patients with cardiovascular risk factors (1).

The infection is associated with an increase in procoagulant factors that have been shown to be associated with a higher mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2  pneumonia (2). Pulmonary embolism and microvascular thrombosis in the lungs have been described in several reports in acute respiratory distress syndrome as well as in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 (3). 

Endothelial damage and inflammation in SARS-CoV-2 infection

The inflammatory cytokine storm occurring in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, leads to the recruitment of leukocytes which damage the capillary endothelium. The disruption of the thromboprotective effect of endothelial cells likely leads to microvascular thrombosis. Thus, the endothelial damage and inflammation in several organs in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection is a direct consequence of viral involvement and of the host inflammatory response (4).

Despite the routine thrombosis prophylaxis as standard of care treatment, the major complication in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 is the hyperactivation of the coagulation system indicating a poor prognosis among these patients in intensive care (5).

 

Angiopoietin-2 (ANG2) is a soluble marker of endothelial activation

Angiopoietin-2 is a soluble protein that is involved in the regulation of vascular integrity, quiescence, and inflammation (6). ANG2 contributes to the formation of new vasculature. During angiogenesis, ANG2 exerts its effects via the angiopoietin-1/TIE2 receptor signaling system on endothelial cells. Disruption of this signaling leads to the loss of endothelial integrity. In consequence, the endothelium responds to various pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors.

Thus, Angiopoietin-2 is a soluble marker of endothelial activation and is involved in hemostasis, thrombo-inflammatory events or sepsis (7, 8).

 

ANG2 is a crucial factor to predict transfer to the intensive care unit

ANG2 induces inflammation and vascular hyperpermeability and correlates with adverse outcomes in several critical care syndromes (9). In patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, ANG2 was recently reported by Smadja and colleagues to be a relevant factor to predict transfer to the intensive care unit as it was associated with poor lung compliance (7). Thus, showing that endothelial activation reinforces the hypothesis of an infection-associated microvascular dysfunction.

 

Angiopoietin-2 inhibits anticoagulation in critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2

Based on the above findings, Hulstrom and colleagues investigated if the highly elevated inflammatory cytokine ANG2 levels observed in SARS-CoV-2 patients had a direct effect on the coagulation system (10).  Animal models and in vitro assays were included in their investigation. As thrombomodulin is expressed on the surface of endothelial cells where it binds thrombin and inhibits the intrinsic coagulation process, the scientists observed that ANG2 inhibits thrombomodulin-mediated anticoagulation and activation of protein C in human donor plasma.   Furthermore, the increased ANG2 levels in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 correlated with disease severity, hypercoagulation, and mortality by promoting hypercoagulation.

Revealing this novel mechanism for ANGPT2 in hypercoagulation the scientists suggest that inhibition of Angiopoietin-2 may be tested for treating severe cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as in certain other conditions, including sepsis (10).

Biomedica Angiopoietin-2 ELISA, Cat.No.BI-ANG2

Did you know? 

Angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) can reliably be measured by ELISA in human serum, plasma and urine samples with Biomedica’s fully validated assay kit. Only 20 µl of sample volume is required! The kit incorporates characterized epitope mapped antibodies and ready to use standards and controls. The assay range is optimized for clinical samples- no sample dilution required!

Features & Benefits

√  CONVENIENT – Assay range optimized for clinical samples;

                                      – Ready to use standards and 2 controls included

√  RELIABLE – Rigorously validated according to FDA/EMEA/ICH guidelines

√  SPECIFIC – Characterized, epitope mapped capture and detection antibodies

√  QUALIFIED CUSTOMER SERVICE – supports you every step of the way

√  HIGH QUALITY GUARANTEED –  https://www.bmgrp.com/quality

 

The Angiopoietin–2 ELISA kit was developed and manufactured by

Biomedica Medizinprodukte GmbH
Divischgasse 4, 1210 Wien, Austria
Tel. +43/1/291 07 45

Literature:

1. Clinical course and risk factors for mortality of adult inpatients with … in Wuhan, China: a retrospective cohort study. Zhou F et al., Lancet, 2020; 395(10229):1054-1062. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32171076/ PMID: 32171076

 

2. Abnormal Coagulation parameters are associated with poor prognosis in patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia. Tang N et al., J Thromb Haemost, 2020; 18(4): 844-847. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32073213/    PMID: 32073213

 

3. Pulmonary embolism in … patients: awareness of an increased prevalence. Poissy J et al, Circulation, 2020; 14; 142(2):184-186. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32330083/ PMID: 32330083

 

4. Endotheliitis in …. Varga S. Der Pathologe, 2020; 41(Suppl 2):99-102.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33306138/ PMID: 33306138

 

5. … and coagulation: bleeding and thrombotic manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Al-Samkari H et al., Blood, 2020:136, 489-500. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32492712/    PMID: 32492712

 

6. Role of Angiopoietin-2 in Vascular Physiology and Pathophysiology. Akwii RG et al., Cells, 2019; 8(5): 471. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31108880/ PMID: 31108880

 

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Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a global health problem. At present, prior exposure to Mtb can be determined by blood-based interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), but active TB is not always detectable by blood tests.

Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG), a new inflammatory biomarker, and has been shown that it could be a promising biomarker when performed following IGRA for the detection of active TB.

Learn more: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-60450-3

Did you know?

LRG can reliably be measured by ELISA in human serum, plasma and urine samples with Biomedica’s fully validated assay kit. https://www.bmgrp.com/product/cardiovascular/leucine-rich-alpha-2-glycoprotein-lrg-elisa-bi-lrg/  

√ CONVENIENT – Assay range optimized for clinical samples;

         – Ready to use standards and 2 controls included

√ RELIABLE – Rigorously validated according to FDA/EMEA/ICH guidelines

√ SPECIFIC – Characterized, epitope mapped capture and detection antibodies

√ QUALIFIED CUSTOMER SERVICE – supports you every step of the way

√ HIGH QUALITY GUARANTEED

Biomedica’s Sclerostin ELISA:  

√ HIGH QUALITY – fully validated assay according to ICH/FDA/EMEA guidelines

√ LOW SAMPLE VOLUME – only 20 µl sample / well

√ EASY – convenient ready to use protocol 

√ MOST REFERENCED

 

Also available: Bioactive Sclerostin ELISA

√ specific antibodies targeting the receptor binging region 

 

Complete ready to use ELISA kits for superior performance and reproducibility.

Related ELISAs: free soluble RANKL, OPG, DKK-1, FGF23 – Analytical Service Measurements

Planning your study? Contact us by e-mail or phone to receive your special study quote.

Myocardial infarction leads to a an increase in serum levels of ANP (Atrial natriuretic peptide). In a study with a myocardial infarction rat animal model, Zhang et al. showed that the increase in ANP occurs primarily due to an AGTR1/NF-κB mediated upregulation of the ANP gene transcription in the infarcted myocardium. This suggests that specifically the infarcted zone is an important pharmacological target for routine medical heart failure therapies that target AGTR1. https://buff.ly/3ix5tfs

Check out the Biomedica NT-proANP ELISA https://buff.ly/3kCJc0I :

• CE marked – for IVD use in the EU

• Small sample volume – 10 µl / well

• Assay suitable for rat/mouse samples – NT-proANP as a cardiovascular safety biomarker in rats