MAA Adduct Antibody Detection for Subclinical CAD

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current non-invasive testing methods are unreliable for detecting subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD), and invasive tests are contraindicated for identifying non-obstructive CAD, posing a challenge in early detection and management of atherosclerotic lesions.

Innovation Solution

Determining the presence and level of antibodies that bind malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adducts (MAA adducts), specifically IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies, in biological samples to indicate atherosclerotic lesions and predict the risk of cardiac events, with additional tests and treatments prescribed based on antibody levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If non-invasive imaging methods (CTA, MRA) are used to detect subclinical CAD, then patient safety is improved by avoiding invasive procedures, but detection reliability deteriorates as these methods are not reliable in detecting subclinical CAD lesions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoiddetection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary biomarker (anti-MAA antibodies) that mediates between the need for non-invasive testing and the requirement for reliable detection. The antibodies serve as a surrogate marker that can be measured through simple blood tests, providing reliable information about subclinical CAD without requiring direct imaging of the arteries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/imaging-based detection systems (CTA, MRA) with a biochemical detection system. Instead of using complex imaging machinery to visualize coronary arteries, the invention uses immunoassays to detect antibody levels, substituting a simpler biochemical mechanism for a complex mechanical one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If invasive testing (cardiac catheterization) is performed to detect non-obstructive CAD, then detection accuracy is improved, but patient harm increases making the test contraindicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidpatient harm

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple, low-cost blood test that can be performed repeatedly without significant harm or cost to the patient. The disposable nature of the blood sample allows for easy retesting if needed, providing accurate information without the risks associated with invasive catheterization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of information

If no diagnostic testing is performed for subclinical CAD, then patient risk remains unknown, but avoiding unnecessary testing prevents potential harm from false positives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease informationVSAvoidfalse positive harm

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where antibody levels provide information about disease presence and progression. The quantitative measurement of anti-MAA antibodies creates a feedback loop that allows clinicians to assess risk, monitor changes over time, and make informed decisions about further testing or treatment without relying on invasive procedures.

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 method allows for the early identification of atherosclerotic lesions and prediction of cardiac event risks, enabling appropriate treatment strategies and monitoring of disease progression, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

determining the presence and level of antibodies that bind malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adducts (MAA adducts), specifically IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntibody-antigen binding:

Data Source

PatentUS11542341B2Kit for detecting coronary artery disease comprising an MAA protein adduct and reagents that bind to antibodies

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 BOARD OF RGT UNIV OF NEBRASKA

AI summary

In various embodiments methods are provided for identifying a mammal having an elevated risk for an adverse cardiac event (e.g. an MI) and/or determining the prognosis for the mammal. In certain embodiments the methods comprise determining, or causing to be determined, the presence and/or level of antibodies that bind a malondialdehyde acetaldehyde adduct (MAA adduct) in a biological sample from the mammal, where an elevated level of anti-MAA adduct antibodies, as compared to the level found in a normal healthy mammal is an indicator that that said mammal has one or more atherosclerotic lesions and/or is at elevated risk for a myocardial infarction.