Category: Publication Spotlight

The measurement of cell proliferation and cell toxicity is fundamental in biomedical research, especially in fields such as cancer biology, pharmacology, and toxicology. These parameters provide essential information about cell health, growth dynamics, and the effects of external agents such as drugs, environmental toxins, or genetic modifications.

Biomedica’s EZ4U ELISA Assay Kit (BI-5000) was highlighted in a recent study that investigated the development of novel chemosensitizers targeting therapy-resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs). The metabolic activity of cells was assessed using various cell lines. The study shows that telmisartan derivatives serve as effective chemosensitizers and offer an innovative approach for targeting CSCs in different types of malignant diseases. Click below for the full publication, where you can find the abstract and key findings!

Eradication of Therapy-Resistant Cancer Stem Cells by Novel Telmisartan Derivatives. Schoepf Anna M. et al., J Med Chem. 2025; 68(1):287-306

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The DHEA ELISA Assay Kit was highlighted in recent publication that explored how low psychological resilience and physical fitness predict attrition from US Marine Corps Officer Candidate School training! For more details, reference the abstract and access the full text below.

Abstract

The objective is to examine the predictors of attrition in male and female candidates undergoing a 10-week early career military training program. 1006 candidates (79.5% male, 24.7 ± 3.2 years) consented to participating in a larger study examining predictors of injury during US Marine Corps Officer Candidates School (OCS). Participants completed a blood draw, demographic and psychological characteristics questionnaires, and two fitness tests. Participants were then grouped based on successful completion of OCS or not. Associations between potential predictors and attrition were analyzed using simple logistic regression analyses, followed by a backward stepwise elimination method. Area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the accuracy of the attrition prediction model. 260 candidates (25.8%) attritted over the 10-week training, with the highest number of discharges during week 5. Musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) was the most common cause of attrition (30%), followed by non-MSKI medical (21.5%), and volitional withdrawals (19.6%). Sex, body mass index (BMI), resilience, initial physical fitness test score, combat fitness test (CFT) score, and prior military service were all significantly associated with attrition from OCS (all p < .05). The final prediction model of attrition included CFT score (p = .027) and resilience (p = .018). Multiple demographic, psychological, and fitness characteristics are associated with attrition from an early career military training course (OCS) and may be utilized as part of early screening procedures to identify and provide guidance for individuals at risk for not completing OCS.

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The H. pylori Qualitative ELISA Kit was utilized in recent study! Scientists explored if Helicobacter pylori infection is a risk factor for developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children. Check out the details and access the full findings below.

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection has been investigated as a potential risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Some studies suggest a possible link between the two conditions. The purpose of this study is to study the relationship between H. pylori infection and NAFLD in pediatrics and its relation to NAFLD grades. A case–control study to identify predictors of NAFLD and a comparative cross-sectional approach to determine factors affecting NAFLD grades were adopted. One hundred NAFLD children (ultrasound-based) and a control group of 100 non-NAFLD children were recruited. Both groups were evaluated by detecting H. pylori stool antigen. Immunoglobulin G antibodies to Cag A (cytotoxin-associated gene A), Vac A (vacuolating cytotoxin A), Gro EL (chaperonin Gro EL), HCPC (Helicobacter cysteine-rich protein C), and Ure A (Urease subunit A) were assessed in the serum of those with positive stool antigen. H. pylori infection was significantly higher in NAFLD children compared to the control group (64% versus 25%, p-value < .001). (NAFLD children showed higher Cag A and Vac A positivity (34, 10%) versus (2%, 0%) in the control group, respectively, p-value < .001). The regression model showed that H. pylori positivity (OR (odds ratio) = 5.021, 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.105–22.815), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (Homa IR) (OR = 18.840, 95% CI: 3.998–88.789), waist percentile (OR = 1.184, 95% CI: 1.044–1.344), and triglycerides (OR = 1.029, 95% CI: 1.012–1.047) were predictors for NAFLD. Cag A positivity (OR = 2.740, 95% CI: 1.013–7.411) was associated with higher NAFLD grade (grade 2 fatty liver).

Conclusions: H. pylori infection could increase the risk of NAFLD in children. Triglycerides, waist circumference, and Homa IR are significant independent predictors of NAFLD.

Barakat, Sana, et al. “Is helicobacter pylori infection a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children?” European Journal of Pediatrics, vol. 184, no. 1, 27 Nov. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-024-05867-y.

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Free soluble RANKL (sRANKL), the unbound and bioactive form of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand, has gained attention for its roles beyond bone remodeling and immune responses. In the context of male reproductive physiology, free sRANKL interacts with its receptor RANK, which is expressed in testicular cells, including Sertoli and Leydig cells. This interaction influences several critical processes such as Sertoli cell maturation, germ cell survival, and testosterone synthesis. Sertoli cells provide essential support and nutrients to developing sperm cells, while Leydig cells are responsible for androgen production. Therefore, the presence and activity of free sRANKL in the testicular microenvironment are essential for maintaining optimal spermatogenesis and endocrine function.

Biomedica’s Free Soluble RANKL (sRANKL) ELISA Assay Kit was highlighted in 2 recent studies! Both studies identified RANKL (receptor activator of NF-kB ligand) signaling as a regulator of male reproductive function and discovering that Denosumab stimulates spermatogenesis in infertile men. Click below for the full publications, where you can find the abstracts and key findings!

Andreassen, Christine H., et al. “Denosumab stimulates spermatogenesis in infertile men with preserved Sertoli cell capacity.” Cell Reports Medicine, vol. 5, no. 10, Oct. 2024, p. 101783, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101783.

Blomberg Jensen, Martin, et al. “Rankl regulates male reproductive function.” Nature Communications, vol. 12, no. 1, 23 Apr. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22734-8.

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The Dopamine ELISA Assay Kit was featured in a new study that focused on the role of Vitamin D3 in the mitigation of sodium arsenite induced neurotoxicity in male rats. Check out the abstract and full text!

Abstract

Arsenic is associated with various neurological disorders, notably affecting memory and cognitive functions. The current study examined the protective effects of vitamin D₃ (Vit. D₃) in countering oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptosis induced by sodium arsenite (SA) in the cerebral cortex of rats. Male Wistar rats were subjected to a daily oral administration of sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂, SA) at a dosage of 5 mg/kg, along with 500 IU/kg of Vit. D₃, and a combination of both substances for four weeks. The results indicated that Vit. D₃ effectively mitigated the SA-induced increase in oxidative stress markers, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO), the decrease in antioxidants (reduced glutathione; GSH, superoxide dismutase; SOD, catalase; CAT, and glutathione peroxidase; GPx), as well as the increase in pro-inflammatory markers including, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and amyloid-beta (Aβ)1–42. Furthermore, Vit. D₃ reversed the alterations in the neurochemicals acetylcholinesterase (AchE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), dopamine (DA), and acetylcholine (Ach) and ameliorated the histopathological changes in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, immunohistochemical analyses revealed that Vit. D₃ reduced the SA-induced overexpression of cerebral cysteine aspartate-specific protease-3 (caspase-3) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the cerebral cortex of male rats. Consequently, the co-administration of Vit. D₃ can protect the cerebral cortex against SA-induced neurotoxicity, primarily through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-astrogliosis effects.

Abdou, Heba Mohamed, et al. “Role of vitamin D3 in mitigating sodium arsenite-induced neurotoxicity in male rats.” Toxicology Research, vol. 13, no. 6, 5 Nov. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1093/toxres/tfae203.

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The Progesterone ELISA Assay Kit was utilized in a recent publication! The publication explored menstrual effects on thermoregulation while exercising in the heat.  Check out the abstract and full text!

Abstract

Women may be challenged to maintain thermoregulation due to hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the menstrual cycle phase on core temperature, hydration status, and perceived exertion while exercising under uncompensable heat gain. Eleven eumenorrheic women (24.4 ± 1.1 yrs, 65.7 ± 2.4 kg, 22.7 ± 1.5% body fat) walked for two 180-min trials in a heat chamber (35 °C and 30% relative humidity) during early-follicular (EF) and mid-luteal (ML) phases. Subjects completed three intervals of 50 min of exercise at 50% VO₂max. Physiological strain index (PSI), core temperature (T_C), perceived heat (PH), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured throughout both trials. Nude body weight (NBW) and blood samples were collected pre- and post-trial. Blood samples were analyzed for hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), serum estrogen, progesterone, and aldosterone. NBW showed a main effect of time (p = 0.002, η_p² = 0.62). Aldosterone showed main effect of time (p = 0.004, η_p² = 0.59) and phase (p = 0.014, η_p² = 0.47), peaking post exercise in both EF and ML (527.6.1 ± 89.0 pg·mL⁻¹ vs 827.4 ± 129.5 pg mL⁻¹ respectively, p = 0.014). Estradiol and progesterone showed main effects of phase (p = 0.007, η_p² = 0.53; p = 0.045, η_p² = 0.30) but not time (p = 0.68, p = 0.32). T_C showed main effect of time (p < 0.001, η_p² = 0.89) and phase, peaking at 170 min (EF: 37.8 ± 0.1 °C vs. ML: 38.0 ± 0.1 °C, p = 0.032, η_p² = 0.38). Main effect of time was seen for PSI (p = 0.002, η_p² = 0.88), PH (p = 0.004, η_p² = 0.66), and RPE (p = 0.026, η_p² = 0.80). Sweat rate, Hct, Hb, and percent dehydration were not different between the phases. In conclusion, subjects demonstrated elevated Tc and basal aldosterone in ML corresponding with elevations in estrogen and progesterone. Aldosterone significantly increased following exercise in the heat but remained elevated in ML. These results indicate that elevated Tc during ML is maintained during exercise in the heat despite similar perceived heat and effort between phases.

Christison, Katherine S., et al. “Menstrual cycle effects on thermoregulation while exercising in the heat.” Journal of Thermal Biology, vol. 127, Jan. 2025, p. 104036, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.104036.

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Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in regulating bone metabolism. It is a decoy receptor for the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), which is involved in the process of bone resorption. OPG is primarily produced by osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) but can also be found in other tissues like endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and certain immune cells.

OPG is an important regulator not just for bone metabolism but also in inflammation. It modulates immune cell activity, cytokine production, and tissue remodeling in response to inflammation. Elevated OPG levels can be a sign of ongoing inflammatory processes in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and other autoimmune disorders.

Biomedica’s Osteoprotegerin ELISA Assay Kit (BI-20403) was highlighted in a recent study! The study assessed serum OPG levels during acute inflammatory states induced by a bacterial or viral infection in children. The researchers investigated whether OPG increases during acute inflammatory states and if its levels correlate with other biomarkers. Click below for the full publication, where you can find the abstract and key findings!

Giannakopoulos, Aristeidis, et al. “Osteoprotegerin in infection-induced acute inflammatory states in children.” Heliyon, vol. 10, no. 6, Mar. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27565.

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The Testosterone ELISA Assay Kit was employed in a recent study that explored the effects of cluster vs. traditional sets complex training on physical performance adaptations of trained male volleyball players. Check out the details and access the full findings below.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the impact of different set configurations during combination of resistance and plyometric training (complex [COX]) on jumping ability, power output, strength, and hormonal adaptations in young male volleyball players after a 6-week training period. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with twenty-four trained male volleyball players under the age of 19, who were assigned to one of two groups for lower-body COX training: cluster sets (CS-COX: n = 8) or traditional sets (TS-COX: n = 8), with an additional active control group (CON: n = 8). The players underwent evaluations for countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ), spike jump (SPJ), T-test change of direction speed (T-test CODS), one repetition maximum (1RM) in the back squat and leg press, and the Wingate Anaerobic Test before and after the 6-week training intervention (12 sessions in total). Blood samples were also collected before and after training to assess resting testosterone and cortisol responses. Following the training, both the CS-COX and TS-COX groups exhibited significantly greater (p = 0.001) changes than the CON group in the variables, while similar improvements in maximal strength, mean power output, and testosterone adaptations were observed following the training (p < 0.05). Moreover, the CS-COX group demonstrated greater improvements in CMVJ (effect size [ES] = 0.36), SPJ (ES = 0.06), T-test CODS (ES = -0.60), and peak power output (ES = 0.72), along with greater reductions in resting cortisol (ES = -0.30) levels compared to the TS-COX group after the 6-week intervention (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results indicate that incorporating cluster sets during COX training sessions led to more favorable changes in bio-motor ability, peak power output, and cortisol adaptations, with greater consistency and uniformity in adaptations among the players compared to traditional set configurations.

Rong, Bo, and Chen Xiu. “Effects of cluster vs. traditional sets complex training on physical performance adaptations of trained male volleyball players.” Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 1 Dec. 2024, pp. 822–833, https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.822.

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Frailty is a syndrome characterized by the gradual decline in physical function, strength, and endurance, typically associated with aging. Frailty increases the risk of falls, fractures, disability, and death, making early detection and intervention critical. The onset of frailty is often subtle and difficult to identify in its early stages, which is why there is increasing interest in finding reliable biomarkers for its detection.

Sclerostin has emerged as a potential biomarker for the early detection of frailty due to its involvement in both bone metabolism and muscle function. Studies suggest that changes in sclerostin levels are associated with age-related declines in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function — all of which are central components of frailty.

Biomedica’s Sclerostin ELISA Kit was used in a first time study that explored the association between circulating sclerostin levels and frailty. Click below for the full publication, where you can find the abstract and key findings!

Baek, Ji Yeon, et al. “Elevated circulating Sclerostin levels in frail older adults: Implications beyond bone health.” Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 40, no. 1, 28 Feb. 2025, pp. 73–81, https://doi.org/10.3803/enm.2024.2100.

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The BI-CAT Adrenaline & Noradrenaline ELISA Assay Kit was utilized in a recent study that focused on if low-dose glucagon is needed and effective in preventing fasted exercise-induced hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes. Check out the abstract and full text details below!

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the plasma glucose (PG) response during spontaneous fasted morning moderate-intensity exercise with and without injection of subcutaneous glucagon in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) treated with an automated insulin delivery (AID) system.

Methods:
Ten adults (four female) with T1D (age 50 [42–67] years, diabetes duration: 22 [14–44] years, HbA1c: 55 [47–69] mmol/mol) treated with the MiniMed™ 780G AID system participated in a proof-of-concept two-period, crossover trial. Fasting participants undertook a 45 min bout of continuous moderate-intensity (~60% V̇O_2peak) exercise on a cycle ergometer followed by 1 h of rest. Before exercise, 150-μg glucagon was administered subcutaneously on visit 1 (GLUC) but not on visit 2 (NO-GLUC). Temporary target on the AID was activated 15 min before until 15 min after exercise cessation. Blood samples were taken at 5- and 15-min intervals for measuring PG and biomarkers. Data were analysed using paired t tests or repeated measures ANOVA.

Results
Time in range (3.9–10.0 mmol/L) was 100% on both study visits. No hypoglycaemia (<3.9 mmol/L) occurred in either arm. The GLUC arm had significantly higher mean PG (p = 0.01), area under the PG curve (p = 0.01), coefficient of variation (p < 0.01), peak PG (p = 0.01) and PG at the end of exercise (p < 0.01). No differences in endogenous gluco-regulatory hormones were observed between visits.

Conclusion
Adults with T1D treated with the MiniMed™ 780G can perform spontaneous fasted moderate-intensity exercise without hypoglycaemia. Therefore, glucagon was not needed for prevention of hypoglycaemia in such situations.

Lundemose, Sissel Banner, et al. “Is low‐dose glucagon needed and effective in preventing fasted exercise‐induced hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes treated with the minimed 780g, an automated insulin delivery system?” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 27 Nov. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.16103.

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