KAT Activity Measurement Ratio for CSF Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) activity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum are hindered by interfering substances, which affect the accuracy of diagnosing neuroimmunological, neuroinflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases such as schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the measurement of KAT activity in the presence of varying amounts of CSF or serum samples, determining the conversion of kynurenine and related compounds, and calculating a ratio to differentiate pathological effects, allowing for improved diagnostic capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If KAT activity is measured in the presence of CSF or serum samples, then diagnostic information can be obtained, but interfering substances reduce measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidKAT activity measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by measuring KAT activity at two different concentrations of interfering sample (CSF or serum) and calculating the ratio of these activities. This ratio approach compensates for the interfering substances' effect, allowing accurate diagnosis despite their presence in the sample.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If interfering samples are used to detect disease pathology, then diagnostic capability is improved, but measurement interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisease diagnosis accuracyVSAvoidinterfering substance effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback by measuring KAT activity at multiple concentrations of interfering sample and comparing the results through ratio calculation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for and correct the interfering substances' harmful effects, improving diagnostic reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enables more accurate diagnosis by reducing the interfering effects of CSF and serum, providing a ratio that correlates with disease pathology, specifically useful for conditions like schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis.

Implementation Method 1

The enzyme kynurenine aminotransferase (abbreviated as KAT) catalyzes the biosynthesis of kynurenic acid (KYNA) from kynurenine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAminotransferase reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2126110B1Measurement of the activity of a kynurenine-converting enzyme and/or of a kynurenic acid, anthranilic acid and/or 3-hydoxykynurenine-producing enzyme
Publication Date: 2013.12.25 KEPPLINGER BERTHOLD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for measuring the activity of a kynurenine-converting enzyme, of a kynurenic acid, anthranilic acid and/or 3-hydoxykynurenine-producing enzyme, comprising the step of measuring the activity in the presence of an interfering sample, preferably chosen from a CSF (cerebrospinal liquid) or serum, and the detection of the conversion from kynurenine, kynurenic acid, anthranilic acid and/or 3-hydroxykynurenine.