Category: Publication Spotlight

Sclerostin is a bioactive glycoprotein primarily secreted by osteocytes that plays a crucial role in regulating bone formation and remodeling. It acts as an antagonist of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, binding to LRP5/6 co-receptors and inhibiting osteoblast activity, thereby reducing bone formation. Because of this regulatory function, sclerostin helps maintain skeletal homeostasis but also contributes to bone loss when present in excess, as seen in conditions like osteoporosis. Its bioactivity has made it a significant therapeutic target—most notably in the development of sclerostin-inhibiting monoclonal antibodies, which enhance bone formation and improve bone mineral density.

Biomedica’s Bioactive Sclerostin ELISA Kit was highlighted in a recent study investigating the association of total and bioactive serum Sclerostin levels with bone metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).  Click below for the full publications, where you can find the abstracts and key findings!

Traechslin, Cyril, et al. “Association of total and bioactive serum sclerostin levels with bone metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus.” Journal of Clinical & Translational Endocrinology, vol. 40, June 2025, p. 100393, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcte.2025.100393.

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Serotonin Sensitive ELISA Kit

Abstract

Introduction: Serotonin (5-HT) is critical for neurodevelopment and the serotonin transporter (SERT) modulates serotonin levels. Perturbed prenatal and postnatal dietary exposures affect the developing offspring predisposing to neurobehavioral disorders in the adult. We hypothesized that the postnatal brain 5-HT-SERT imbalance associated with gut dysbiosis forms the contributing gut-brain axis dependent mechanism responsible for such ultimate phenotypes.

Methods: Employing maternal diet restricted (IUGR, n=8) and high fat+high fructose (HFhf, n=6) dietary modifications, rodent brain serotonin was assessed temporally by ELISA and SERT by quantitative Western blot analysis. Simultaneously, colonic microbiome studies were performed.

Results: At early postnatal (P) day 2 no changes in the IUGR, but a ~24% reduction in serotonin (p = 0.00005) in the HFhf group occurred, particularly in the males (p = 0.000007) revealing a male versus female difference (p = 0.006). No such changes in SERT concentrations emerged. At late P21 the IUGR group reared on HFhf (IUGR/HFhf, (n = 4) diet revealed increased serotonin by ~53% in males (p = 0.0001) and 36% in females (p = 0.023). While only females demonstrated a ~40% decrease in serotonin (p = 0.010), the males only trended lower without a significant change within the HFhf group (p = 0.146). SERT on the other hand was no different in HFhf or IUGR/RC, with only the female IUGR/HFhf revealing a 28% decrease (p = 0.036). In colonic microbiome studies, serotonin-producing Bacteriodes increased with decreased Lactobacillus at P2, while the serotonin-producing Streptococcus species increased in IUGR/HFhf at P21. Sex-specific changes emerged in association with brain serotonin or SERT in the case of Alistipase, Anaeroplasma, Blautia, Doria, Lactococcus, Proteus, and Roseburia genera.

Discussion: We conclude that an imbalanced 5-HT-SERT axis during postnatal brain development is sex-specific and induced by maternal dietary modifications related to postnatal gut dysbiosis. We speculate that these early changes albeit transient may permanently alter critical neural maturational processes affecting circuitry formation, thereby perturbing the neuropsychiatric equipoise.

Ye X et al. (2024) Brain serotonin and serotonin transporter expression in male and female postnatal rat offspring in response to perturbed early life dietary exposures. Front. Neurosci. 18:1363094. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1363094

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The Dopamine Sensitive ELISA Assay was utilized in a recent study! The study explored the effects of probiotics on olanzapine-induced metabolic syndrome through the gut microbiota. For more details, reference the abstract and access to the full text below.

Abstract

Background

Maintaining gut microbial homeostasis is crucial for human health, as imbalances in the gut microbiota (GM) can lead to various diseases, including metabolic syndrome (MS), exacerbated by the use of antipsychotic medications such as olanzapine (OLZ). Understanding the role of the GM in OLZ-induced MS could lead to new therapeutic strategies. This study used metagenomic analysis to explore the impact of OLZ on the GM composition and examined how probiotics can mitigate its adverse effects in a rat model. Changes in weight, blood pressure, and lipid levels, which are key parameters defining MS, were assessed. Additionally, this study investigated serotonin, dopamine, and histopathological changes to explore their possible link with the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA).

Results

OLZ had an antagonistic effect on serotonin and dopamine receptors, and it was consistently found to alter the composition of the GM, with an increase in the relative abundance (RA) of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes phyla ratio and TM7 genera, indicating that the anticommonsal action of OLZ affects appetite and energy expenditure, contributing to obesity, dyslipidemia and increased blood pressure, which are core components of MS. Hepatic steatosis and intestinal damage in OLZ-treated rat tissues further indicate its role in MS. Conversely, the administration of probiotics, either alone or in combination with OLZ, was found to mitigate these OLZ-induced symptoms of MS by altering the GM composition. These alterations included increases in the abundances of the taxa Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Prevotella, Blautia, Bacteroides, Bacteroidales, and Ruminococcaceae and a decrease in Firmicute abundance. These changes helped maintain gut barrier integrity and modulated neurotransmitter levels, suggesting that probiotics can counteract the adverse metabolic effects of OLZ by restoring the GM balance. Moreover, this study highlights the modulation of the MGBA by OLZ as a potential mechanism through which probiotics modulate serotonin and dopamine levels, influencing metabolic health.

Conclusion

These findings emphasise the significant impact of OLZ on the GM and its contribution to MS. These findings suggest that interventions targeting the GM, such as probiotics, could mitigate the metabolic side effects of OLZ. Future research should focus on developing integrative treatment approaches that consider the health of the gut microbiome in managing antipsychotic-induced adverse effects.

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The Calprotectin ELISA Kit was utilized in a recent publication. Scientists investigated the impact of repeated microbiome elimination on intestinal immunity and disease susceptibility. Check out the abstract and access to the full text below.

Abstract

Chronic gastrointestinal diseases are a significant global health burden that can require the use of gastrointestinal-cleansing regimens for diagnostics or therapeutic treatment. These regimens are beneficial for facilitating surgical preparation, drug delivery, colorectal cancer screenings, and personal use is common among proponents of natural health and among certain populations at high risk of HIV acquisition. It remains unclear, however, whether repeated clearance of the colonic microbiome induces persistent changes in the microbiome, intestinal immunity, and viral disease susceptibility. We addressed these parameters by repeatedly administering iso-osmolar enemas to rhesus macaques prior to low-dose intra-rectal challenge with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Considering both longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses, we observed no consistent changes in the fecal microbiome or intestinal immune parameters of treated animals, nor were significant differences observed in susceptibility to SIV acquisition. Unexpectedly, enema-treated animals exhibited significantly lower setpoint viral loads after infection, although we were unable to clearly identify attributing causes. Our study demonstrates that repeated microbiome clearance using clinically administered iso-osmolar enemas is not sufficient to restructure the fecal microbiome, perturb intestinal immune parameters, or increase susceptibility to mucosal SIV challenge. This research framework serves as a model for the development of colonic-administered diagnostics and interventions.

Ortiz, Alexandra M. et al. Repeated enema administration in rhesus macaques is not sufficient to promote bacterial dysbiosis or gastrointestinal dysfunction. Mucosal Immunology, Volume 0, Issue 0. doi: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2025.06.002

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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 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.

If you have any questions about this DHEA ELISA kit or any of our other offerings, contact Eagle Biosciences here.

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.

If you have any questions about H. pylori Qualitative ELISA Kit kit or any of our other offerings, contact Eagle Biosciences here.

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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