Biomarker Binding Moieties for IBS Diagnostic Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is challenging due to similar symptoms with other diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to delayed and inaccurate diagnoses, and there is a lack of rapid and accurate diagnostic methods to distinguish IBS from other intestinal disorders.

Innovation Solution

A method involving contacting a blood or serum sample with prostaglandin E2, β-tryptase, or histamine binding moieties to form complexes, determining their levels, and comparing them to control levels to aid in the diagnosis of IBS, using statistical algorithms and empirical data for accurate classification and ruling out other disorders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional diagnostic methods based on patient history and symptom criteria (Rome II/III criteria) are used, then the diagnostic process is simple and non-invasive, but the diagnostic accuracy is low and cannot reliably distinguish IBS from other intestinal disorders

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces biomarkers (prostaglandin E2, β-tryptase, histamine) as intermediary substances that mediate between the patient's physiological state and the diagnostic process. These biomarkers serve as measurable indicators that objectively reflect the presence of IBS, bridging the gap between subjective symptoms and objective diagnosis, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy without requiring complex imaging or surgical procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/symptom-based diagnostic approach (Rome criteria requiring detailed patient history and symptom assessment) with a biochemical detection system. Instead of relying on complex patient interviews and symptom evaluation, the diagnosis is achieved through measuring biomarker levels in blood or stool samples, substituting a biochemical measurement system for the traditional clinical assessment method

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

2Reliability

If biomarker detection methods are implemented to improve diagnostic accuracy, then the ability to distinguish IBS from other disorders is enhanced, but the diagnostic process becomes more complex and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic reliabilityVSAvoiddiagnostic process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses biomarkers as surrogate copies or proxies for the underlying pathological processes of IBS. Instead of directly observing or measuring the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of IBS, the method measures surrogate biomarker levels (prostaglandin E2, β-tryptase, histamine) that copy or reflect the disease state, providing a simplified yet reliable diagnostic approach that maintains ease of operation while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If multiple biomarkers are detected to enhance diagnostic precision, then the differentiation between IBS and other intestinal disorders is improved, but the time and resources required for testing increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic precisionVSAvoiddiagnostic time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the detection of multiple biomarkers (prostaglandin E2, β-tryptase, and histamine) into a single integrated diagnostic approach. Rather than performing separate tests for each biomarker, the method evaluates multiple biomarker levels simultaneously to enhance diagnostic precision, allowing for more accurate differentiation between IBS and other intestinal disorders while streamlining the testing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This method provides an accurate diagnostic prediction of IBS, enabling early and effective treatment by differentiating IBS from other intestinal disorders, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

contacting a blood or serum sample with a prostaglandin E2 binding moiety under conditions suitable to transform prostaglandin E2 present in the sample into a complex comprising prostaglandin E2 and the prostaglandin E2 binding moiety

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBinding: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

contacting a blood or serum sample with a β-tryptase binding moiety under conditions suitable to transform β-tryptase present in the sample into a complex comprising β-tryptase and the β-tryptase binding moiety

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBinding: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

contacting a blood or serum sample with a histamine binding moiety under conditions suitable to transform histamine present in the sample into a complex comprising histamine and the histamine binding moiety

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBinding: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3309556B1Methods for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 PROMETHEUS BIOSCIENCES INC
  • EP3309556B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3309556B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3309556B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides a method for aiding in the diagnosis of IBS in a subject, said method comprising: (a) contacting a blood or serum sample from the subject with a prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) binding moiety under conditions suitable to transform PGE2 present in the sample into a complex comprising PGE2 and the PGE2 binding moiety; and (b) determining the level of said complex, thereby determining the level of PGE2 present in the sample.