IBS Biomarker Panel for Subtype Discrimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic methods for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are inadequate for accurately distinguishing between IBS subtypes, such as IBS-C and IBS-D, and do not effectively utilize unique combinations of serological and genetic markers for reliable diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an extensive panel of gene expression and serology markers, including combinations like histamine, NGAL, MICALL1, and RNF26, is used to differentiate IBS subjects from healthy individuals and discriminate between IBS subtypes by contacting samples with binding moieties and detection reagents to determine marker levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current diagnostic methods are used for IBS, then diagnosis can be performed, but accurate distinction between IBS subtypes cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidmarker panel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the diagnostic approach into multiple independent marker assessments. Instead of using a single complex test, it evaluates multiple serological markers (histamine, NGAL, tryptase, serotonin, substance P, cytokines) and genetic markers (VIPR1, RNF26, ZNF326, HSD17B11, WEE1) separately, then integrates their results to differentiate IBS subtypes with high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite diagnostic approach by combining multiple types of markers (serological and genetic) to achieve accurate IBS subtype differentiation. This composite marker panel functions as an integrated diagnostic system that leverages the strengths of different marker types to overcome the limitations of individual markers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If extensive marker panels are used, then discrimination accuracy improves, but diagnostic complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic reliabilityVSAvoidassay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the extensive marker panel into distinct serological and genetic components that can be assessed through separate assays. This segmentation allows each marker type to be evaluated using optimized, standardized methods, reducing overall assay complexity while maintaining high diagnostic reliability through the combined information from multiple markers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple markers are analyzed, then subtype discrimination capability improves, but time and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubtype discrimination precisionVSAvoiddiagnostic time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by using a stratified assessment approach where markers are evaluated in a hierarchical manner. Common IBS markers are assessed first to establish baseline diagnosis, followed by subtype-specific markers only when needed. This preliminary screening reduces unnecessary testing time while maintaining high subtype discrimination precision for cases requiring detailed classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach provides clinically useful discrimination of IBS from healthy subjects and IBS subtypes with high sensitivity and specificity, as demonstrated by ROC curve analyses, achieving accurate differentiation and diagnosis.

Implementation Method 1

contacting a first sample from the subject with a binding moiety under conditions suitable to transform an IBS serological marker present in the first sample into a complex comprising the IBS serological marker and the binding moiety

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntigen-antibody binding: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

contacting isolated and/or amplified RNA obtained from a second sample from the subject with a detection reagent under conditions suitable to transform an IBS genetic marker present in the second sample into a complex comprising the IBS genetic marker and the detection reagent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleic acid hybridization: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2710383B1Performance of a biomarker panel for irritable bowel syndrome
Publication Date: 2017.01.11 THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE
  • EP2710383B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2710383B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2710383B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a method of using a panel of serological and genetic biomarkers to distinguish IBS subjects from healthy subjects and/or to differentiate IBS subtypes from each other. The present invention also provides a method of using one or more psychological measures of a subject in conjunction with a panel of serological and/or genetic biomarkers to further aid in diagnosing IBS or discriminating IBS subtypes from each other.