Feline Kidney Function Evaluation via Serum Ghrelin Biomarker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for evaluating kidney function in felines are inadequate, as kidney disease often progresses undetected until 60% to 75% of renal mass is lost, necessitating a new approach for early diagnosis and management.

Innovation Solution

Determining serum ghrelin levels in felines and directly correlating them with kidney function, using a method that involves comparing observed ghrelin levels to reference levels to diagnose kidney disease, detect its onset, and assess the efficacy of management regimens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional kidney function evaluation methods are used, then diagnosis is only possible after significant renal mass loss, but early detection capability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveearly detection capabilityVSAvoiddiagnosis delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using ghrelin level measurement to detect kidney disease at its onset, before significant renal mass loss occurs. The method enables early diagnosis by measuring ghrelin levels in blood samples, allowing intervention before 60-75% of renal mass is lost, thus preventing the time loss associated with conventional late-stage detection methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If ghrelin level determination is implemented, then early kidney disease detection is enabled, but measurement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekidney function evaluation accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses ghrelin as an intermediary biomarker to indirectly assess kidney function. Instead of directly measuring complex renal parameters, the method measures ghrelin levels in blood samples, which serve as a mediator that correlates with kidney function status. This approach simplifies the measurement system while maintaining high detection accuracy for early kidney disease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional monitoring methods are used, then disease progression is detected only at advanced stages, but frequent monitoring increases cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisease progression monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by establishing baseline ghrelin levels in healthy felines and comparing subsequent measurements against this baseline. This feedback mechanism allows reliable detection of kidney disease progression by identifying deviations from normal ghrelin levels, enabling continuous monitoring without requiring complex advanced imaging or invasive procedures at each stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7687238B2Method for evaluating kidney function in a feline
Publication Date: 2010.03.30 HILLS PET NUTRITION INC

AI summary

Methods for (1) evaluating feline kidney function by determining ghrelin level in feline tissue or biofluid and correlating the ghrelin level directly to kidney function and (2) diagnosing kidney disease in a feline comprises determining an observed ghrelin level in a tissue or biofluid of the feline and comparing the observed ghrelin level to a reference ghrelin level indicative of normal kidney function, wherein an observed level lower than the reference level is indicative of kidney disease or susceptibility thereto.