Epoxide Hydrolase Gene Detection for Early Asthma Risk Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current asthma screening tools have limited utility in detecting asthma in children under the age of three and are not effective in identifying potential asthmatics before clinical symptoms appear, with the asthma predictive index being only approximately 40% sensitive and 90% specific.
Innovation Solution
The development of methods and kits for detecting epoxide hydrolase genes in biological samples, specifically using nucleotide or amino acid sequences with high identity to SEQ ID NO:50, 51, or 52, to identify individuals at risk of developing atopy or asthma, which can be applied as early as in neonatal stool samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current asthma screening tools (such as asthma predictive index) are used, then the diagnostic process is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and sensitivity are limited (approximately 40% sensitive and 90% specific)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces epoxide hydrolase genes as intermediary biomarkers that mediate between the subject's genetic predisposition and the detection process. These genes serve as specific indicators of asthma risk, enabling more precise detection compared to traditional clinical indices. The detection kit uses these genetic markers as intermediaries to bridge the gap between simple screening and accurate diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/clinical assessment system (asthma predictive index based on clinical symptoms and risk factors) with a molecular biology-based detection system. This substitution involves using nucleic acid amplification and detection techniques to identify epoxide hydrolase genes, thereby replacing subjective clinical evaluation with objective molecular measurement.
2Reliability
If current screening tools are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the ability to detect asthma before age three and before symptom appearance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary detection of asthma risk by identifying epoxide hydrolase genes before clinical symptoms appear and before the child reaches three years of age. This preliminary action allows for early identification of at-risk individuals, enabling preventive interventions before the disease manifests clinically. The genetic markers provide advance warning of potential asthma development.
3Loss of time
If traditional diagnostic approaches are used, then the simplicity of the process is maintained, but the loss of time in identifying potential asthmatics is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming clinical observation and longitudinal follow-up with a molecular detection system that can identify asthma risk in a single test. This substitution eliminates the need for prolonged monitoring and multiple clinical assessments, thereby reducing the time loss while maintaining or improving measurement precision through objective genetic marker detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are, inter alia, methods and kits for detecting epoxide hydrolase genes. In embodiments, methods and kits for detecting the risk of developing atopy or asthma are included. Also included are methods for preventing or treating atopy or asthma.