Biomarker Detection for Depressive Disorder Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic methods for depressive disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), rely on subjective patient reports and lack biological markers, leading to underrecognition, inappropriate treatment, and high economic costs due to unpredictable medication side effects and misclassification.

Innovation Solution

Development of biomarkers based on gene expression profiles, specifically identifying altered levels of mRNA and protein expression in genes like ADCY3, ATP2C1, CD59, FAM46A, and TLR7, to diagnose and assess the risk of depressive disorders in adolescents and adults through blood samples using techniques like microarray analysis and quantitative RT-PCR.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If subjective patient reports are used for diagnosis, then diagnostic simplicity is maintained, but diagnostic accuracy and objectivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic simplicityVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/subjective interview-based diagnostic system with a molecular biological detection system. Gene expression profiles and protein markers are measured objectively through laboratory techniques, substituting subjective patient reports with quantifiable biological data that provides both objectivity and diagnostic precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces biological markers (gene expression profiles and protein levels) as intermediaries between the patient's physiological state and the diagnostic conclusion. These markers serve as objective mediators that translate internal biological states into measurable diagnostic indicators, eliminating the need for subjective patient self-reporting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If biological markers are developed, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but diagnostic complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddiagnostic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex diagnostic problem into specific measurable components - particular gene expression profiles and protein markers associated with depressive disorders. By focusing on a defined set of biological indicators rather than comprehensive analysis, the approach maintains diagnostic accuracy while managing complexity through targeted measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the diagnostic parameters from subjective psychological assessments to objective molecular biological measurements. By measuring gene expression levels and protein concentrations as diagnostic parameters, the system achieves higher accuracy while using standardized laboratory techniques that can be automated and scaled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If comprehensive treatment evaluation is performed, then treatment effectiveness improves, but time and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidevaluation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary biological assessment through gene expression and protein marker analysis before initiating treatment. This preliminary action provides an objective baseline that guides treatment selection and enables earlier evaluation of treatment response, reducing the time needed for comprehensive treatment evaluation while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9951387B2Methods for detection of depressive disorders
Publication Date: 2018.04.24 NORTHWESTERN UNIV
  • US9951387B2 patent drawing
  • US9951387B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to the detection or diagnosis of depressive disorders, and provides methods and compositions useful for this purpose. In particular, the present invention provides biomarkers for the detection or diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and methods of use thereof.