CD36 Biomarker Measurement for Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and monitoring atherosclerotic plaques lack effective markers to distinguish between stable and unstable plaques, which is crucial for predicting acute ischemic events such as stroke and heart attacks, as the progression of atherosclerosis is not well understood, particularly how inflammation contributes to the transition from asymptomatic to symptomatic lesions.
Innovation Solution
The use of CD36 concentration in body fluids or atherosclerotic plaques as a diagnostic and predictive marker, where increased CD36 levels correlate with the progression of plaques towards symptomatic status, allowing for the differentiation between stable and unstable plaques, and monitoring of plaque progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic methods are used for atherosclerotic plaques, then general plaque detection is possible, but the ability to distinguish between stable and unstable plaques is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by measuring CD36 protein concentration levels in body fluids as a quantitative biomarker. Different CD36 concentration ranges correspond to different plaque stability states, enabling differentiation between stable and unstable plaques through a simple concentration threshold comparison rather than complex imaging or histological analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses CD36 protein as an intermediary biomarker that mediates between the complex pathological processes within atherosclerotic plaques and the external diagnostic system. By measuring CD36 levels in accessible body fluids, the complex internal plaque characteristics are translated into a simple, measurable external parameter that indicates plaque stability
2Reliability
If detailed plaque characterization is achieved, then accurate prediction of ischemic events is possible, but the diagnostic process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring CD36 concentrations in body fluids to assess plaque stability before acute ischemic events occur. This advance biomarker measurement allows clinicians to identify patients at high risk and implement preventive measures prior to the actual event, rather than waiting for symptomatic presentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single parameter measurement (CD36 concentration) to provide comprehensive plaque stability assessment. This simplifies the diagnostic process from complex multi-parameter imaging or histological evaluation to a single blood test, dramatically reducing diagnosis time while maintaining reliable prediction accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to diagnosis, classification and monitoring of atherosclerotic plaques in an individual using measurement of the concentration of CD36 in a body fluid and/or the plaque as such. The present invention also relates to diagnosing the burden of atherosclerotic plaques in an individual. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for diagnosing stenosis caused by atherosclerotic plaques. Within the scope of the present invention are also methods for determining the treatment regime of an individual. Kits and oligonucleotides for use in the methods are claimed.