Urinary Podocyte Detection for Preeclampsia Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack effective and reliable means to diagnose preeclampsia in pregnant mammals, leading to potential maternal and fetal morbidity and unnecessary treatment.

Innovation Solution

The use of urinary podocytes and plasma microvesicles, specifically detecting elevated levels using antibodies such as anti-podocin, anti-VEGFR-1, and flow cytometry, to classify pregnant mammals as having or not having preeclampsia.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current diagnostic methods are used for preeclampsia, then treatment can be provided, but unnecessary treatment and patient suffering occur due to lack of accurate diagnosis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidunnecessary treatment and patient suffering

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical diagnostic methods (urine protein measurement, blood pressure monitoring) with a biological marker system using antibodies that specifically bind to preeclampsia-related antigens. This immunological approach provides more accurate detection of the actual pathological process rather than just its consequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces specific antibodies as intermediary substances that mediate between the preeclampsia pathology and the diagnostic detection system. These antibodies serve as highly specific mediators that bind to disease-related antigens, enabling accurate detection without the need for invasive procedures or complex measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If no diagnostic method is used, then unnecessary treatment is avoided, but maternal and fetal morbidity and death occur due to undiagnosed preeclampsia

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematernal and fetal morbidity and deathVSAvoiddiagnosis capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary diagnosis of preeclampsia through detection of specific biological markers before severe symptoms develop. By measuring antibody-antigen complexes early in pregnancy or at the onset of mild symptoms, the system allows for preventive intervention before maternal and fetal complications arise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces inadequate conventional diagnostic approaches with a sensitive immunological detection system that can reliably identify preeclampsia through specific antibody-antigen interactions, enabling timely diagnosis and prevention of severe outcomes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional diagnostic methods are used, then treatment can be initiated, but diagnostic precision is insufficient leading to both false positives and false negatives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic sensitivity and specificityVSAvoidclassification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces non-specific conventional diagnostic methods with highly specific immunological detection using antibodies that target preeclampsia-related antigens. This substitution enables precise measurement of disease presence through specific antigen-antibody binding, reducing both false positives and false negatives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs colorimetric or fluorescent detection methods where antibody-antigen complexes produce detectable color or fluorescence changes. This allows for precise, objective measurement of marker presence and concentration, enabling accurate classification of pregnant patients with high sensitivity and specificity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 allows for accurate identification of preeclampsia, reducing maternal and fetal risks by providing a clear diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary treatment, with high sensitivity and specificity for podocyturia and elevated microvesicle markers.

Implementation Method 1

The determining step can comprise using an antibody to detect podocytes. The antibody can be an anti-podocin antibody. The antibody can be an anti-podocalyxin antibody. The antibody can be an anti-nephrin antibody. The antibody can be an anti-synaptopodin antibody.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntigen-antibody binding:

Implementation Method 2

The determining step can comprise using flow cytometry. The determining step can comprise using an antibody to detect the microvesicles. The antibody can be an anti-VEGFR-1 antibody.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow cytometry:

Data Source

PatentUS9557342B2Markers for preeclampsia

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH

AI summary

This document provides methods and materials related to determining whether or not a pregnant mammal (e.g., a pregnant human) has preeclampsia. For example, methods and materials related to the use of urinary podocytes to determine whether or not a pregnant human has preeclampsia are provided.