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A recent study shows a strong association between the development of hyperphosphatemia in dogs with chronic kidney disease and increased serum levels of fibroblastic growth factor-23 (FGF-23)

Study:
Miyakawa H, Hsu H-H, Ogawa M, Akabane R, Miyagawa Y, Takemura N. Association between serum fibroblast growth factor-23 concentration and development of hyperphosphatemia in normophosphatemic dogs with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2021;35(5):2296-2305. Full Text.


Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common, irreversible, and progressive disease in dogs. In patients with CKD, mineral metabolism disorders such as hyperphosphatemia, renal hyperparathyroidism, and decreased calcitriol synthesis also occur because of impaired renal function. These disorders are termed CKD—mineral and bone disorder (MBD). Hyperphosphatemia (abnormally high serum phosphate levels) is known to be a prognostic factor for shorter survival time in dogs with CKD.

The role of FGF-23 in CKD

Fibroblast growth factor-23 is released from osteocytes in response to increased serum phosphorus and calcitriol concentrations and promotes phosphate excretion into the urine by downregulation of the sodium-phosphate co-transporter in renal proximal tubular cells and inhibition of calcitriol synthesis. Fibroblast growth factor-23 acts by binding to the FGF receptor-α-klotho complex.13 In humans, cats, and dogs with CKD, circulating FGF-23 concentrations have been shown to increase in the advanced CKD stages. Increased FGF-23 concentration in CKD patients is associated with various mechanisms, such as a decreased clearance of FGF-23 because of decreasing glomerular filtration rate (GFR), compensation for the accumulation of phosphate in the body, and compensation for decreased klotho protein concentrations. Blood FGF-23 concentrations in dogs with CKD have been shown to become increased earlier than serum phosphorous concentrations therefore, FGF-23 has been noted as an early marker of CKD-MBD.

Researchers hypothesized that FGF-23 predicts development of hyperphosphatemia in normophosphatemic dogs with CKD. If correct, FGF-23 may be a useful marker of when to initiate a phosphate-restricted diet to prevent the development of hyperphosphatemia.


About the MedFrontier Intact FGF23 Assay

  • low sample volume required – only 20ul
  • ONLY assay that measures the full-length active form (intact form) of FGF23
  • superior dynamic range of 10-3000 pg/uL
  • CLEIA technology

The MedFrontier Intact FGF23 Assay was developed and manufactured by Minaris Medical.


IF you have any questions about this product or any of our other products, contact us here.

GA-Map Validated on MAGPIX

The Genetic Analysis GA-Map® Dysbiosis Text Lx has been validated on the Luminex MAGPIX system. The company proudly announced the successful completion of validation at the beginning of February. Previously, the GA-Map Dysbiosis Test Lx was only validated for the Luminex 200.

GA-Map Dysbiosis Test Lx Principle

The GA-Map Dysbiosis Test Lx is a tool that allows mapping of the intestinal microbiota profile for a selected set of bacteria in a sample. The GA-Map Dysbiosis Test is based on advances in DNA profiling using probes targeting variable regions (V3 to V7) of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene to characterize and identify bacteria present. The targets are identified in a molecular multiplex assay that utilizes the Single Nucleotide Primer Extension (SNuPE) technology patented by professor Knut Rudi of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (​NMBU) (US6617138). A unique algorithm takes advantage of all the data generated by the detection of the SnuPE products to determine the microbiota profile in the sample. The algorithm is incorporated in the GA-Map Dysbiosis Analyzer software that accompanies the test.

Luminex MAGPIX Validation

The MAGPIX® instrument is the most affordable instrument of the Luminex’s xMAP instruments. The MAGPIX system is already a widely used platform and a large number of laboratories have already installed this system for performing other tests.

The human microbiome market is accelerating both in terms of evidence-based research and pharma products launched. The market’s need for a validated microbiome test is growing with this market. Thus, the news today that more labs can start microbiome testing with GA-Map on MAGPIX will fuel this growth and create more research opportunities.

Check out the full press release here.


If you have any questions about the GA-Map Dysbiosis Test Lx or our other offerings, contact us here.

The Eagle Bioscience’s Glutathione Total Assay Kit was highlighted in a recent publication on the protective effects of perindopril against indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage through modulation of DDAH-1/ADMA and ACE-2/ANG-(1-7) signaling pathways. Check out the abstract and full article below.


Abstract

Indomethacin is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; however, its clinical utility is accompanied by serious adverse reactions including peptic ulcers. The current study aims to investigate the protective potential of perindopril against indomethacin-induced gastric injury in rats. Perindopril (4 mg/kg) was administered orally for 7 days and indomethacin (60 mg/kg, single oral dose) was administered on the 7th day, 1 h after perindopril administration. Pantoprazole was used as a standard agent. Ulcer index (UI), preventive index ratio (PI), histopathological examination, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers were investigated. Perindopril significantly decreased UI while increased PI and counteracted histopathological aberrations induced by indomethacin. It alleviated indomethacin-induced oxidative stress by lowering NO while increasing GSH content and superoxide dismutase activity. Perindopril significantly downregulated TNF-α and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), while significantly upregulated COX-2, PGE-2, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-1 (DDAH-1), ANG-(1-7), and ACE-2 expression. Together, these findings suggest the gastroprotective effects of perindopril through modulation of DDAH-1/ADMA and ACE-2/ANG-(1-7) signaling.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Perindopril attenuated gastric histopathological damage.
  • It increased GSH content and SOD activity while decreased NO content.
  • It modulated gastric ADMA and DDAH-1 activity.
  • It reduced TNF-α, while increased COX-2 and PGE-2 expression.
  • It upregulated ACE-2 activity and ANG-(1-7) protein expression.

Mohamed Y.T., Naguib I.A., Abo-Saif A.A., Mohamed W.R. Protective effects of perindopril against indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage through modulation of DDAH-1/ADMA and ACE-2/ANG-(1-7) signaling pathways. Drug Chem. Toxicol. (2021).


If you have any questions about the Glutathione Total Assay Kit or our other offerings, please contact us here.


New data suggests the Cov19 FluoBolt-DAT detects antibodies against the new Omicron variant.

Quantitative Duplex Antibody Test (DAT) for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2

The Cov19 FluoBolt-DAT allows the simultaneous and quantitative measurement of antibodies against the S1 RBD AND Nucleocapsid antigen of SARS-CoV-2. In contrast, other antibody assays detect all antibodies generated against the S1- OR NC-protein. This test, however, is epitope specific. It detects immune-dominant antibodies species, i.e. the most important antibodies generated by either vaccination or infection.

This is demonstrated by the fact, that it detects anti-S1RBD against all dominant virus variants identified so far. The data indicates (see chart below) that the S1RBD part of the Cov19 FluoBolt-DAT assay detects the immune-dominant epitope and that individuals testing S1RBD -positive in the FluoBolt-DAT test have developed significant amounts of antibodies against this epitope. Therefore, they might be well protected against all current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants

Cov19 FluoBolt-DAT

Benefits of the Cov19 FluoBolt-Dat Assay:

    • Only One Single Measurement Required
    • Small Sample Size Need – 10 uL
    • Results within 60 minutes

    Other Cov19 FluoBolt-DAT Resources:


    Check out our other COVID-19 assays here.

    If you have any questions about this kit or our other offerings, contact us here.

The Eagle Bioscience’s Coronavirus COVID-19 IgG ELISA Assay was recently highlighted in a publication on the decline of Sars-CoV-2 antibodies over 6-month follow-up in obstetrical healthcare workers (HCW). Researchers investigated the longitudinal presence of serum Sars-CoV-2 specific antibodies for both Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) in obstetrical HCWs at a tertiary hospital. Check out the full article below.


Abstract

The Problem

Limited data exists on the temporal trend of the Sars-CoV-2 immunologic response and duration of protection following natural infection. We sought to investigate the presence and duration of Sars-CoV-2 serum antibodies in obstetrical healthcare workers (HCW) on serial assessments over a 6-month period, and to assess rates of vaccine acceptance and reported vaccine side effects among this cohort.

Method of Study

A prospective cohort study of a convenience sample of obstetrical HCWs at a tertiary hospital. Serum Sars-CoV-2 antibodies for Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) were measured longitudinally at four intervals: baseline, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months. Participants completed voluntary surveys on COVID19 testing, high-risk exposures, vaccine acceptance, and vaccine side effects.

Results

One hundred twenty-six of 150 (84%) HCWs who volunteered for participation completed all four blood draws. Prevalence of seropositive HCWs based on positive Sars-CoV-2 IgG antibodies increased from 2% at baseline to 31% at 12 weeks but declined to 21% by 6 months. Forty-two percent (19/43) of the participants considered seropositive for Sars-CoV-2 IgG antibodies at any of the initial three blood draws converted to seronegative status at the 6-month follow-up. Eighty-seven percent (72/83) of participants who responded to a follow-up survey were willing to accept the COVID19 vaccine. Rates of acceptance did not differ by participant antibody status. Those that experienced symptoms with the first injection were more likely to have positive Sars-CoV-2 IgG antibodies (36.8% vs. 9.6%, p = .01).

Conclusion

Sars-CoV-2 IgG antibodies wane over time and may not provide prolonged and robust immune protection. This underscores the importance of vaccination and continued research in this area while the COVID19 pandemic continues.

Kiefer M.K., Allen K.D., Russo J.R., et al. Decline in Sars-CoV-2 antibodies over 6-month follow-up in obstetrical healthcare workers. Am. J. Reprod. Immunol. (2021)


If you have any questions about the Coronavirus COVID-19 IgG ELISA Assay or our other offerings, please contact us here.

Dopamine Sensitive ELISA Assay Utilized in Recent Publication

The Eagle Bioscience’s MedFrontier Intact FGF23 Assay was utilized in a recent publication to determine intestinal phosphorus absorption in patients with moderate chronic kidney disease (CDK) and healthy adults. Find the abstract and full text below.


Abstract

Reducing intestinal phosphorus absorption is a cornerstone in CKD-MBD management. Yet, knowledge gaps include how CKD pathophysiology affects intestinal phosphorus absorption. In vivo rodent studies suggest that intestinal phosphorus absorption remains inappropriately normal in early-moderate CKD, despite declining 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D). We measured intestinal phosphorus absorption in patients with moderate CKD versus healthy adults using a direct radiotracer method. Patients with CKD and healthy adults matched for age, sex, and race were enrolled in this 8-day controlled diet study: the first 6 days outpatient and the final 2 days inpatient. Oral and intravenous doses of 33P and serial blood and urine sampling determined intestinal phosphorus absorption during the final 2 days. Secondary outcomes included fasting biochemistries and 24-hour urine phosphorus (uP). In total, n=8 patients with CKD (eGFR=29-55 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and n=8 matched healthy controls completed the study. On a controlled diet, no difference in fractional intestinal phosphorus absorption was detected between patients with CKD and healthy adults (0.69 versus 0.62, respectively; P=0.52), and this was similar for 24-hour uP (884 versus 935 mg/d, respectively; P=0.70). Fractional intestinal phosphorus absorption was not significantly related to 24-hour uP. Patients with CKD had higher serum intact PTH and intact FGF23 and lower 1,25D. The relationship between 1,25D and fractional intestinal phosphorus absorption was not statistically significant. Intestinal phosphorus absorption with typical dietary intake did not differ in patients with moderate CKD compared with controls, despite lower serum 1,25D levels. In this setting, a relationship between 24-hour uP and fractional or absolute intestinal absorption was not evident. Further investigation is needed to determine what factors influence intestinal phosphorus absorption in CKD and the apparent lack of compensation by the intestine to limit phosphorus absorption in the face of declining kidney function and reduced 1,25D. Whether this is evident across a range of dietary phosphorus intakes, as well as CKD severity, also needs to be determined.

Stremke E.R, Wises G.N., Moe S.M., et al. Intestinal Phosphorus Absorbtion in Moderate CKD and Healthy Adults Determined Using a Radioisotopic Tracer. J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. (2021) 32(8):2057-2069


If you have any questions about the MedFrontier Intact FGF23 Assay or our other offerings, please contact us here.

Dopamine Sensitive ELISA Assay Utilized in Recent Publication

The Eagle Bioscience’s Dopamine Sensitive ELISA Assay was utilized in a recent publication on how Hexachloronaphthalene (HxCN) impairs the dopamine pathway in an in vitro model of PC12 cells. This is the first study to demonstrate that HxCN administered in vitro inhibits dopamine biosynthesis and secretion through the regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase and VMAT1 expression. Check out the abstract and full article below.


Abstract

Among polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), listed by the Stockholm convention as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), hexachloronaphthalenes are considered the most toxic and raise the highest concern. Of these, 1,2,3,5,6,7-hexachloronaphthalanene (PCN67) is considered the main congener affecting human health due to its hepatotoxicity and its ability to disturb the reproductive, endocrine, and hematological systems. It is also prevalent in human serum/plasma, milk, and adipose tissue. However, little is known about its neurotoxicity, despite the fact that anorectic effects have been observed in workers occupationally exposed to PCNs and in animal research on PCN67. Since dopamine is involved in many aspects of food intake, the aim of this study was to confirm whether PCN67 affects dopamine synthesis in differentiated PC12 cells, a widely used model of neurosecretion. Our results show that exposure to PCN67 resulted in diminished dopamine content and release. Moreover, PCN67 also affected the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and lowered the expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 1 (VMAT1). In addition, significantly lower expression of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, glutathione peroxidase and copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, was observed in comparison to the vehicle. In conclusion, PCN67 appears to disturb dopaminergic transmission by altering tyrosine hydroxylation, reducing VMAT1 expression and impairing antioxidant protection. Our study provides a potential mechanism for how PCN67 may cause dopamine deficiency and contribute to neuronal death by affecting cellular antioxidant potency; however, this conclusion requires further research.

Lisek M., Boczek T., Stragierowicz J., et al. Hexachloronaphthalene (HxCN) impairs the dopamine pathway in an in vitro model of PC12 cells. Chemosphere. (2021) 287:3.


If you have any questions about the Dopamine Sensitive ELISA Assay or our other offerings, please contact us here.

Anti-Beta2 Glycoprotein 1 IgG Publication Spotlight

The Eagle Bioscience’s Anti-Beta2 Glycoprotein 1 IgG ELISA was recently highlighted in a publication on the effects of hydroxychloroquine onantiphospholipid antibodies-inhibited endometrial angiogenesis. Check out the abstract and full-text article below.


Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by thrombotic events and/or pregnancy morbidity (≥3 recurrent early miscarriage or fetal death or a prematurity <34 weeks of gestation) with persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). It is reported that aPLs damage the placental tissue by binding to β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) on the surface of trophoblast and endothelial cells. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is considered to be beneficial in the treatment of obstetrical APS and shown to restore the aPL-inhibited invasion and differentiation of trophoblast. However, not enough evidence exists regarding the effect of HCQ on endometrial angiogenesis. The aim of our study was to assess whether HCQ has an effect on aPL-inhibited endothelial angiogenesis. In this research, to explore the effect of HCQ for angiogenesis, we investigated: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) viability by CCK-8; HUVECs migration by wound healing; HUVEC angiogenesis by Matrigel assay in vitro; mRNA expression of MMP-2 and VEGF by real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR); protein expression of VEGF, MMP-2 by western blot. We found that HCQ treatment significantly restored the expression of aPL-inhibited VEGF and MMP-2. HCQ restored aPL-inhibited HUVEC proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in vitro. In conclusion, aPLs inhibit HUVECs angiogenesis, however, HCQ can restore the effect of aPL-inhibited HUVECs migration and angiogenesis in vitro, demonstrating its beneficial therapeutic role in obstetrical APS.

Dong Y., Lu Y., Xia Y., Wang X. Effect of hydroxychloroquine on antiphospholipid antibodies inhibited endometrial angiogenesis. J. Matern. -Fetal Neonatal Med. (2021).


If you have any questions about the Anti-Beta2 Glycoprotein 1 IgG ELISA or our other offerings, please contact us here.

The Eagle Bioscience’s 25-OH Vitamin D ELISA Assay was highlighted in a recent publication by the Department of Oncology at Gerogetown Univeristy in DC. Researchers determined how the vitamin D receptor is linked to disease outcome in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen (TAM). Check out the abstract and full text article below.


Abstract

We determined how vitamin D receptor (VDR) is linked to disease outcome in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen (TAM). Breast cancer patients (n = 581) in four different datasets were divided into those expressing higher (above median) and lower levels of VDR in pretreatment ER+ tumors. Across all datasets, TAM-treated patients with higher pretreatment tumor VDR expression exhibited significantly longer recurrence-free survival. Ingenuity pathway analysis identified autophagy and unfolded protein response (UPR) as top differentially expressed pathways between high and low VDR-expressing ER+ cancers. Activation of VDR with vitamin D (VitD), either calcitriol or its synthetic analog EB1089, sensitized MCF-7-derived, antiestrogen-resistant LCC9 human breast cancer cells to TAM, and attenuated increased UPR and pro-survival autophagy. Silencing of VDR blocked these effects through the IRE1α-JNK pathway. Further, silencing of VDR impaired sensitivity to TAM in antiestrogen-responsive LCC1 cells, and prevented the effects of calcitriol and EB1089 on UPR and autophagy. In a preclinical mouse model, dietary VitD supplementation induced VDR activation and reduced carcinogen-induced ER+ mammary tumor incidence. In addition, IRE1α-JNK signaling was downregulated and survival autophagy was inhibited in mammary tumors of VitD-supplemented mice. Thus, activation of VDR is predictive of reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence in ER+ patients, possibly by inhibiting antiestrogen-promoted pro-survival autophagy.

Li, Y., Cook, KL., Yu, W., et al. Inhibition of Antiestrogen-Promoted Pro-Survival Autophagy and Tamoxifen Resistance in Breast Cancer through Vitamin D Receptor. Nutrients. (2021) 13(5):1715


If you have any questions about the 25-OH Vitamin D ELISA Assay or our other offerings, contact us here.

GA-map Technical Spotlight

This week Eagle Biosciences is highlighting a revolutionary test in the microbiome industry. The GA-map® Dysbiosis Test Lx was developed by Genetic Analysis in Norway. The GA-map ® is a tool that allows mapping of the intestinal microbiota profile for a selected set of bacteria in a sample. The test is based on advances in DNA profiling using probes targeting variable regions (V3 to V7) of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene to characterize and identify bacteria present. The targets are identified in a molecular multiplex assay that utilizes the Single Nucleotide Primer Extension (SNuPE) technology patented by professor Knut Rudi of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (​NMBU) (US6617138). A unique algorithm takes advantage of all the data generated by the detection of the SnuPE products to determine the microbiota profile in the sample. The algorithm is incorporated in the GA-map® Dysbiosis Analyzer software that accompanies the test.

Check out this video for a quick overview of the GA-map ® Dysbiosis Test Lx Platform equipment and techniques.

Note: This test is for research use only and not to be used for diagnostic procedures


If you have any questions about the GA-map® Dysbiosis Test Lx or our other offerings contact us here.