ADHD Diagnosis via miRNA Expression Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ADHD diagnosis is prone to bias due to reliance on behavioral observations and verbal reports, lacking reliable and valid biomarkers for accurate and early detection.

Innovation Solution

Measuring the expression levels of specific microRNAs, such as miR-140-3p, miR-151a-3p, and miR-126-5p, in a test sample to determine the presence or risk of ADHD, using methods like real-time PCR and machine learning algorithms for improved diagnostic accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If behavioral observations and verbal reports are used for ADHD diagnosis, then the diagnosis can be performed without complex testing, but the reliability and validity of diagnosis deteriorates due to bias

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of diagnosisVSAvoiddiagnostic reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/subjective system of behavioral observation and verbal reporting with a biochemical measurement system. By measuring miRNA expression levels in biological samples, the diagnosis transitions from subjective assessment to objective quantification, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving diagnostic reliability and validity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces miRNA expression levels as an intermediary biomarker between the patient's neurological condition and the diagnostic assessment. This intermediary provides an objective, measurable indicator that reflects the underlying biological state, eliminating the bias inherent in direct behavioral observation while preserving the diagnostic process's accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If miRNA expression levels are measured to improve diagnostic accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and testing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic precisionVSAvoidtesting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent focuses on measuring specific miRNA expression level parameters (such as miR-155, miR-18a, miR-22, miR-106b, miR-107) rather than conducting comprehensive neurological assessments. By identifying and measuring key differential expression parameters, the patent achieves high diagnostic precision while keeping the testing protocol manageable through targeted quantification of specific biomarkers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method provides a non-invasive and accurate means to diagnose ADHD, enhancing diagnostic precision and facilitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies by identifying measurable biomarkers.

Implementation Method 1

measuring the expression level of at least the following miRNA in the test sample of the subject: miR140-3p

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReal-time PCR:

Data Source

PatentEP3369829B1Methods for detecting attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Publication Date: 2020.04.29 KAOHSIUNG CHANG GUNG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

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Figure 2A~2I
Figure 2J~2M

AI summary

The invention provides kits for detecting Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), containing an agent for sequencing or measuring the expression level of one or more miRNAs. Methods for diagnosing ADHD in a subject in need of such diagnosis are also provided, comprising measuring the expression level of one or more miRNAs in the sample of the subject.