Serological diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay:optimization,standardization and diagnostic criteria

Objectives To produce an enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies against Epstein Barr virus (EBV) specified nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA 1) and the 18kD EBV matrix protein, and to determine and optimize its sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods We used a combination of highly purified glutathione transferase fusion proteins of the 40kD carboxy domain of EBNA1 and the 18kD EBV matrix protein for coating ELISA plates. In three separate studies, we tested for IgA antibodies in serum specimens from 28 EBV seronegative donors, 284 EBV seropositive donors and 160 newly diagnosed NPC patients. By comparing the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis obtained for different cutoff values, we derived several quantitative parameters to evaluate assay performance, establish objective diagnostic criteria which optimize the intrinsic diagnostic capability of the assay and assess the significance of individual test results, respectively. Optimum cutoff optical density (OD) is defined as the cutoff OD where sensitivity of the assay equals its specificity, and resolution of the assay is indicated by the value of sensitivity (or specificity) determined at the optimum cutoff OD. Diagnosis of NPC was achieved by setting a cutoff zone at +/-20% of this value.Results All the EBV seronegative donors tested were not reactive, and most of the EBV seropositive donors were weakly reactive, while the majority of NPC patients were moderately or strongly reactive. While the assay was thus shown to be specific for EBV, there was an overlap in the level of these serum antibodies between few individuals of the two latter groups. It was shown that the assay performed equally well in two separate studies conducted under different testing conditions and using different collections of sera in that assay resolution determined on these occasions were 86% and 87% respectively. Diagnosis of NPC can be achieved at the same expected sensitivity of 89% and 83% determined at the lower and upper limits of the cutoff zones, with the corresponding values of specificity being 78% and 91%. It was further shown in the third study that resolution of the assay can be increased to 90% using an assay produced with a higher concentration of the same antigens, and that diagnosis of NPC can be achieved at a higher sensitivity ranging between 86% and 95% at a corresponding specificity of 93% and 86%.Conclusions After optimization and standardization, the ELISA can achieve a sensitivity ranging from 86% to 95%, with corresponding specificities of 93% and 86% respectively for the diagnosis of NPC.

Comparison of chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay based on magnetic microparticles with traditional colorimetric ELISA for the detection of serum α-fetoprotein

A chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay based on magnetic microparticles (MmPs-CLEIA) was developed to evaluate serum a-fetoprotein (AFP) in parallel with traditional colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).A systematic comparison between the MmPs-CLEIA and colorimetric ELISA concluded that the MPs-CLEIA exhibited fewer dosages of immunoreagents,less total assay time,and better linearity,recovery,precision,sensitivity and validity.AFP was detected in forty human serum samples by the proposed MPs-CLEIA and ELISA,and the results were compared with commercial electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) kit.The correlation coefficient between MPs-CLEIA and ELISA was obtained with R 2 0.6703;however,the correlation between MPs-CLEIA and ECLIA (R 2 0.9582) was obviously better than that between colorimetric ELISA and ECLIA (R 2 0.6866).

Detection of Atrazine Residue in Food Samples by a Monoclonal Antibody-based Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay

Atrazine（AT,2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropyl-amino-s-triazine）has been detected in ground water in several areas of the United States for many years,as well as in China,wherein the growth rate of its gross

Von Willebrand Factor Antigen and ADAMTS13 Activity Assay in Pregnant Women and Severe Preeclamptic Patients

The present study examined von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels and ADAMTS13 activity in pregnant and severe preeclamptic women in order to shed light on the prothrombotic state in severe preeclampsia.Thirty healthy women of childbearing age,22 second trimester pregnant women,30 third trimester pregnant women and 10 severe preeclamptic patients were recruited in this study.ADAMTS13 activity was determined by the FRETS-vWF73 assay and vWF antigen (vWF:Ag) levels by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in plasma vWF antigen levels between the severe preeclamptic and third trimester pregnant women,between third and second trimester pregnant women (P【0.05).The third trimester pregnant women had significantly lower plasma ADAMTS13 activity than second trimester pregnant women (P【0.05).Nevertheless,no significant differences in plasma ADAMTS13 activity were found between severe preeclamptic patients and the third trimester pregnant women (P】0.05).In conclusion,plasma ADAMTS13 activity is normal in severe preeclampsia despite the increased vWF:Ag levels.Prothrombotic state is involved in the pathogenesis of severe preeclampsia,as a result of endothelial injury.

Evaluation of the role of H pylori infection in pathogenesis of gastric cancer by immunoblot assay

AIM： To elucidate the different serological reactions to H pylori using the immunoblotting technique for further understanding of its pathogenic role in gastric cancer. METHODS： A total of 54 patients were divided into two groups after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy： normal control group （25 patients） and gastric cancer group （29 patients）. Both groups were further divided into Hpylori （＋） and H pylori （-） subgroups based on the results of CLO test, Giemsa staining and culture. Sera were further analyzed with the immunoblotting technique （HelicoBIot 2.0, Genelabs Diagnostics, Singapore）. RESULTS： The positive rate of the immunoblotting test was as high as 88.9% in the H pylori （-） gastric cancer group and only 14.3% in the H pylori （-） normal control group with a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION： The prevalence of H pylori infection is higher in gastric cancer patients than in the normal controls, suggesting that H pylori may play a role in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer.

Development of ELISA and immunochromatographic assay for ofloxacin

Two rapid, sensitive and reliable immunoassay methods, namely competitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CI-ELISA) and colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic assay (CGIA), were developed to detect ofloxacin (OFL). The linear range of the CI-ELISA was from 0.5 to 128 ng/mL with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.35 ng/mL. Good recoveries were obtained in analyzing simulated swine urine samples. The CGIA could accurately estimate OFL at concentrations as low as 10 ng/mL in less than 10 min, and test results were read visually without any instrument.

Seropositivity rates of water channel protein 4 antibodies compared between a cell-based immunofluorescence assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in neuromyelitis optica patients

A total of 66 samples （from 27 cases with neuromyelitis optica, 26 cases with multiple sclerosis, aa 13 cases with optic neuritis） were tested for aquaporin-4 antibody by a cell-based immunofluorescence assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The sensitivities and specificities of the two assays were similar. We further analyzed an additional 68 patients and 93 healthy controls using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A Kappa test showed good consistency between the two methods in terms of detection of anti-aquaporin-4 antibody in the se of neuromyelitis optica patients. No significant correlations were identified with onset age or disea duration, suggesting that aquaporin-4 antibody is a good marker for neuromyelitis optica. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay can be used for quantifying aquaporin-4 antibody concentrations and may be useful to dynamically monitor changes in the levels of aquaporin-4 antibody during disease duration.

Simple and sensitive determination of sparfloxacin in pharmaceuticals and biological samples by immunoassay

Plasma quinolone concentrations are not routinely measured in clinical practice.However,in order to optimize quinolone treatment,monitoring of plasma concentrations could sometimes be useful particularly in critically ill patients.In this study,anti-sparfloxacin antibody was obtained by immunizing rabbits with sparfloxacin conjugated with bovine serum albumin using isobutyl chloroformate method.After the assay procedure was optimized,the standard curve of sparfloxacin was established.The practical measuring range of the competitive ELISA extended from 5 ng/mL to 2 mg/mL.The recovery rates and coefficients of variation for rat plasma,urine and tissues were 87.7-106.2% and 4.8-15.3%,respectively.To demonstrate the potential of the ELISA,a preliminary pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study of sparfloxacin in rats and quantitative analysis of sparfloxacin in several pharmaceuticals were performed and compared with high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The experimental data indicated that the proposed method would be a valuable tool in therapeutic drug monitoring(TDM) for sparfloxacin.

Development and evaluation of immunoassay for zeranol in bovine urine

A high affinity polyclonal antibody-based enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was developed for the quantification of zeranol in bovine urine. On the basis of urine matrix studies, the optimized dilution factors producing insignificant matrix interference were selected as 1：5 in pretreatment. In the improved ELISA, the linear response range was between 0.02 and 1 μg/ml, and the detection limit was 0.02 μg/ml for the assay. The overall recoveries and the coefficients of variation （CVs） were in the range of 82%-127% and 3.5%-8.8%, respectively. Thirty-six bovine urine samples spiked with zeranol （ranging from 0.2 to 10 μg/ml） were detected by the ELISA and liquid chromatography （LC） method, and good correlations were obtained between the two methods （R^2=0.9643）. We conclude that this improved ELISA is suitable tool for a mass zeranol screening and can be an altemative for the conventional LC method for zeranol in bovine urine.

Three sensitive and reliable serological assays for detection of potato virus A in potato plants

Vegetative propagation of seed potato often allows passaging of viruses to seed tubers,resulting in significant yield losses and reduction of potato tuber quality.Thus,virus detection approach is crucial for effective virus management programs and the production of virus-free seed potatoes.Among the reported potato-infecting viruses,potato virus A(PVA)is considered as one of the most important viruses in potato-growing regions worldwide.This study prepared four hybridoma lines secreting PVA-specific monoclonal antibodies(MAbs)(2D4,8E11,14A6 and 16H10)using purified PVA virions as an immunogen.Western blotting results indicated that all the four MAbs reacted strongly and specifically with the putative capsid protein of PVA.Using these four MAbs,this study developed antigen-coated plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ACP-ELISA),Dot-ELISA and Tissue print-ELISA for detection of PVA infection in potato plants.The results indicated that PVA can be detected in crude tissue extracts from infected potato plants diluted up to 1:327680(w/v,g m L^(-1))by ACP-ELISA or up to1:10240 by Dot-ELISA.The Tissue print-ELISA is the quickest and easiest approach among the three serological assays,and is more suitable for onsite large-scale potato screening programs.Further analyses of field-collected potato samples showed that the sensitivities and specificities of the three serological approaches were similar to those of RT-PCR in PVA detection and confirmed that PVA is currently widespread in Yunnan and Zhejiang provinces of China.Hence,the results strongly suggest that these highly sensitive serological approaches based on PVA-specific MAbs are useful and powerful for PVA-free seed potato production programs and PVA field surveys.

Development and Validation of a Simoa Assay for Determination of Recombinant Batroxobin in Human Serum

Recombinant batroxobin(S3101)is a thrombin-like serine protease that binds to fibrinogen or is taken up by the reticuloendothelial system.A literature survey showed no adequate method that could determine sufficient concentrations to evaluate pharmacokinetic parameters for phase I clinical studies.Therefore,a sensitive method is urgently needed to support the clinical pharmacokinetic evaluation of S3101.In this study,a sensitive bioanalytical method was developed and validated,using a Quanterix single molecular array(Simoa)assay.Moreover,to thoroughly assess the platform,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and electrochemiluminescence assay were also developed,and their performance was compared with that of this novel technology platform.The assay was validated in compliance with the current guidelines.Measurements with the Simoa assay were precise and accurate,presenting a valid assay range from 6.55 to 4000 pg/mL.The intra-and inter-run accuracy and precision were within-19.3%to 15.3%and 5.5%to 17.0%,respectively.S3101 was stable in human serum for 280 days at-20℃and-70℃,for 2 h prior to pre-treatment and 24 h post pre-treatment at room temperature(22℃-28℃),respectively,and after five and two freeze-thaw cycles at-70℃and-20oC,respectively.The Simoa assay also demonstrated sufficient dilution linearity,assay sensitivity,and parallelism for quantifying S3101 in human serum.The Simoa assay is a sensitive and adequate method for evaluating the pharmacokinetic parameters of S3101 in human serum.

Determnation of ochratoxin A in grain by monoclonal antibody－based enzyme－linked immunosorbent assay

The simple rapid and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods, di-rect and indirect ELISA, for quantitation of ochratoxin A in cereal had been developed by theutilization of monoclonal antibody on immunomicroplate. Direct FLIAS was found to be less timeconsuming than indirect ELISA. For direct FLISA, recovery of 1 -500 ppb OA added to wheat was78.9-100.0% and rice was 88.9- 120.0%. For indirect EI.IAS, recovery of 1-500 ppb OA addedto wheat was 79.0- 110.0% and rice was 82.0 120.0%. The minimal detection level for OA was Ippb. Analyses of 31 samples that caused humanintoxicant for OA showed that the ELISA resultsagreed wtll with those obtained by thin-layer chromatogrdphy.

ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY OF HUMAN PLACENTA TYPE GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE AND ITS APPLICATION IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF HEPATOCARCINOMA

GST-π was purified from human placenta and its antiserum was raised in rabbits. The antibody IgC was purified and degraded into Fab' fragment which was conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) using N-succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimido-methyl) cyclo-hexane-1-carboxylate (SMCC) as crosslinking reagent to produce Fab'-HRP conjugate. A sandwich ELISA was established for the microquantitative determination of GST-π. The sensitivity was 11 pg/tube, which was far more sensitive than the radioimmunoassay so far reported. Using this method, the serum GST-π of 41 cases normal adult was found to be 1.06±0.94 ng/ml. The upper limit of the normal value was 2.6 ng/ml. In 30 cases of primary hepatocarcinoma, the level of serum GST-π was 24.4± 17.4 ng/ml, which was 23 times higher than the normal average value (P<0.01). The positive rate was 90%. In contrast, serum GST-π in 25 cases of chronic hepatitis was determined to be 1.74±1.16 ng/ml, which was not significantly different from the normal value (P>0.05). The pseudo-positive rate was 12.0%.

Development of an Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Seromonitoring Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia Using Recombinant Lipoprotein LppQ of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp mycoides SC as Antigen

Mycoplasma mycoides subsp mycoides SC （MmmSC） is the etiological agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia （CBPP）. The lipoprotein LppQ encoded by lppQ gene is specific to MmmSC and is found in the type strain and in field strains isolated in Europe, Africa, and Australia, as well as in vaccine strains. No serological cross-reactions were observed with the related mycoplasmas of the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. The N-terminal domain of the mature lipoprotein LppQ is hydrophilic, and it induces a strong, specific, early, and persistent immune response in naturally and experimentally infected animals. Mycoplasma-specific TGA （Trp） codons are utilized as stop codons in most other organisms. The lppQ N-terminal fragment from MmmSC HVRI X strain, the Chinese strain for CF antigen production, was mutated with one-step overlapping extension PCR. Sequence analysis confirmed the successful mutation from A to G in codon 198 in the lppQ gene. The fragment containing the mutation site was subcloned into the pET32a expression vector. The recombinant protein with molecular weight of 42 kDa was purified using the Ni-NTA His.Bind purification kit, with a purity of up to 95%. Western blot indicated that the standard positive serum of CBPP could react with the recombinant protein. The purified protein was diluted to 0.35 μg mL^-1, and coated to microtiter enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） plates. Indirect ELISA reaction conditions were optimized. The value of P/N was determined to be 4.8 （0.934/0.193）, the sensitivity to be 95.8% （46/48）, and the specificity to be 98.9% （161/163）. 3 817 cattle serum samples from three different provinces were detected by the indirect ELISA and CFT. The Kappa value is 0.63, which is middle or high agreement between the two methods.

SERODIAGNOSIS OF CLONORCHIASIS BY ENZYME—LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY WITH HRP—SPA

In thes paper the authors used the Horseradish peroxidase labelledstaphylococcal protein A(HRP—SPA)in ELISA,for the detection of Clo-norchis sinensis infection.Serum tests were made on 116 confirmed cases ofclonorchiasis,103(88.8%)of them showed positive,while only 6(4.4%)werepositive among 138 healthy people.Samples were collected on filter paperstrips,111(95.7%)cases were positive among 116 comfirmed cases tested,but only 2(1.5%)were positive out of 138 healthy persons.The resultswere similar to those obtained by sheep antihuman IgG.Animal experimentalso showed that the SPA—ELISA can be used for the diagnosis ofclonorchiasis.In an endemic area,stool egg positive rate was 8.8%(62/703).whenchecked with SPA—ELISA,the rate of conformity in both filter paperstrips and stool examinations was 90.3(56/62).Among 641 serum testsfrom individuals negative in stool examinations,only 35(5.5%)reactedpositively.The authors suggested—that SPA—ELISA with soluble Clo-norchis antigens could be used in a large scale seroepidemiological surveyin endemic areas.

Immunoregulatory Effect and Mechanism of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in A Mouse Oral Cancer Model

Objective:This investigation delineates the anti-cancer potency of epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG)in an oral cancer mouse model,with a focus on its effect on T-cell activation.Methods:An oral cancer model was established in male Balb/c mice using 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide(4-NQO).The mice were systematically grouped and administered graded concentrations of EGCG.Key parameters such as body weight,hydration levels,tumor volume,and mass were meticulously tracked.T-cell activity and cytokine expression profiles,focusing on interleukin-2(IL-2),interferon-gamma(IFN-γ),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),were quantified using ELISA.A comprehensive statistical evaluation included one-way ANOVA,Tukey’s HSD multiple comparison test,and the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric assessment.Results:EGCG-administered cohorts exhibited a pronounced reduction in tumor size and mass,with the high-dose group showing the greatest efficacy.ELISA findings corroborated a significant increase in T-cell activity and concomitant upregulation of key cytokines,including IL-2,IFN-γ,and TNF-α(P<0.05).Conclusion:This investigation confirms the tumor-suppressive efficacy of EGCG in a murine oral squamous cell carcinoma model.The therapeutic effects of EGCG are mediated through T-cell activation and the upregulation of pivotal cytokine expression,highlighting its potential immunomodulatory role in oral cancer treatment.

A MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY RECOGNIZING NON DERIVATIVE 13 HYDROXY GIBBERELLINS AND THEIR GLUCOSIDES *

The production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody (MAb AB10) against GA 3 glucoside as well as GA 3 is described. MAb AB10 was derived from an immunogen in which human serum albumin (HSA) was linked to GA 3 at carbon 3. This antibody showed high affinity for GA 3 glucoside as well as for 13 hydroxy gibberellins (GA 1, GA 3, GA 5, etc). The affinity of MAb AB10 for 13 hydroxy GAs was significantly reduced by methylation of the 7 oic acid but not by glycosylation of 3 hydroxyl group. Based on this antibody, both of competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for GA 3 glucoside and for GA 3 were developed. These two ELISAs displayed linear detection ranges from 0 2 pmol to 20 pmol. Using these assays, the fluctuation of GA 3 like and GA 3 glucoside like substances in the leaves of Rumex japonicus was investigated. The results indicated that the glycosylation of free GAs was connected with leaf senescence and that the function of 6 benzyl amino purine in retarding the leaf senescence was probably related to delaying the process of glycosylation of free GAs.

Expression of Bt Protein in Transgenic Pest-resistant Rice

[Objective] The aim of this study was to study on expression of Bt protein in transgenic pest-resistant rice. [Method] Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measure Bt protein expression in different tissues of transgenic pest-resistant rice at same growth stage. [Result] Absolute content of Bt protein from high to low was as follows： leaves 〉 immature seeds and glumes 〉 roots 〉 stems in different tissues of transgenic rice in grain-filling stage; Bt protein content of trans- genic rice changed a little in different growth stages （including tillering stage, booting stage, and grain-filling stage）; in general, its level declined a little in later growth stage, but the resistibility would not be influenced significantly. [Conclusion] The ex- periment is significant for pest prevention and transgenic rice breeding.

Preparation and Application of Monoclonal Antibodies Specific for Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid (SA) is widely distributed in many monocots and dicots and has many physiological effects. It can induce heat production in the thermogenic inflorescences of Arum lily([1]), block the biosynthesis of ethylene, and more attractively, it seems to be an important natural signal molecule in the induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in tobacco, cucumber and other plants([2,3]). Studies in recent years showed that SA was also intimately related to the resistance of plants to aboitic stress, for example, SA increased chilling resistance of maize seedlings. Hence, SA has been accepted as a kind of new plant hormones. Up to date, the quantification of SA usually has been performed by HPLC[4,5], which often needs a large quantity of sample and a verbose pretreatment. Compared to HPLC, immunoassays, including radio-immunoassays (RIA) and enzyme-immunoassays (EIA), are easy to perform and have been widely used in the quantification of other plant hormones, such as IAA([6]), ABA([7,8]), GAs([9]), cytokinins et al([10]), and jasmonic acid (JA)([11]), and other low-molecular-weight, none-immunogenic compounds in plants([12]). Till now, only an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for SA based on polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) has been developed by our group([13]), although Bennett et al([14]) had prepared SA PAbs using 4-aminosalicylic acid linked to KLH as immunogen in goat. However, the sensitivity of the ELISA we established formerly was relatively low, and also relatively larger quantity of sample is needed than other ELISAs for plant hormones. In this paper, an ELISA for SA based on monoclonal antibody raised against SA-NH-CH2-NH-KLH was introduced, and the fluctuation of SA content in cucumber leaves after inoculated with Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae was determined.

Construction and Expression of Tp0453 Recombinant Protein of Treponema pallidum and Development of Indirect ELISA for Diagnosinq Syphilis

Objectives： To clone and express Tp0453 outer membrane protein of Treponema pallidum, and to evaluate its significance in the serodiagnosis of syphilis. Methods： The immuno-dominant epitope of Tp0453 gene was amplified from the complete genome of T.pallidum by polymerase chain reactions （PCR）, subcloned into the expression vector Pqe32 to generate recombinant plasmid Pqe32/Tp0453, and was then expressed in E. coli M15. The fusion protein was purified with Ni-NTA affinity purification. Indirect ELISA was developed to detect human serum IgG antibody to T. pallidum. Results： The recombinant Tp0453 protein was successfully expressed and purified. The recombinant protein had a molecular weight of approximately 32KDa.Indirect ELISA to the recombinant protein was developed.Sixty control sera were tested by ELISA and yielded a sensitivity of 100% （30/30） and a specificity of 100% （30/30）. While testing for T. pallidum in human sera, the sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 96.8% and 100%, respectively, when compared with TPPA test results. The concordance of results between the ELISA test and the TPPA test was 98.2%. Conclusion： The recombinant Tp0453 outer membrane protein elicited a strong immunoreaction to anti-T.pallidum IgG antibody and has great potential use in ELISA for the serodiagnosis of syphilis.