VEGF-D Biomarker Diagnostic Method for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is difficult to diagnose due to its similar early signs and symptoms with other lung diseases, such as asthma and emphysema, necessitating a diagnostic assay to differentiate it from other respiratory disorders.

Innovation Solution

A diagnostic method utilizing VEGF-D concentration in biological samples to differentiate LAM from other lung disorders, including tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and chylous or cystic lung disorders, by correlating elevated VEGF-D levels with the presence of LAM, using techniques like ELISA assays and computer tomography scans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If classical diagnostic methods (chest X-rays, CT scans, lung biopsies) are used to diagnose LAM, then structural abnormalities can be detected, but the disease cannot be effectively differentiated from other respiratory disorders with similar symptoms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddisease differentiation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from detecting structural parameters (anatomical abnormalities via imaging and biopsy) to detecting biochemical parameters (VEGF-D protein concentration in serum). This parameter change enables differentiation of LAM from other respiratory disorders by measuring a specific molecular marker that is elevated in LAM patients but not in patients with other conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If structural imaging and biopsy methods are employed, then lung abnormalities can be visualized, but early LAM cases with similar symptoms to asthma and emphysema remain difficult to distinguish

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddisease-specific diagnostic information

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces VEGF-D as an intermediary biomarker that mediates between the disease pathology and the diagnostic measurement. Instead of directly observing structural changes that are non-specific, the VEGF-D protein serves as a measurable intermediary that provides disease-specific information, enabling accurate differentiation of LAM from other respiratory disorders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The method effectively differentiates LAM from other respiratory disorders with high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for accurate diagnosis and treatment, as demonstrated by elevated VEGF-D levels in LAM patients compared to healthy controls and patients with other lung conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a VEGF-D antibody specific to VEGF-D and bound to a solid support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntigen-antibody binding: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8278060B2Use of VEGF-D in the diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) disease

Publication Date: 2012.10.02 UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

AI summary

Described herein are methods of diagnosing lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) that permits differentiating LAM from another lung disorder. Methods of treatment are also provided.