Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing – Optical result – With reagent in absorbent or bibulous substrate
Patent
1997-09-22
1999-07-13
Chin, Christopher L.
Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
Optical result
With reagent in absorbent or bibulous substrate
435805, 435806, 435970, 436 63, 436 64, 436 65, 436164, 436817, 436906, G01N 2177, G01N 3348, G01N 3353, G01N 2100
Patent
active
059226137
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a simple, quick, non-invasive, and easy to use system for evaluating the response of a body fluid to changes in solubility levels for "free" estrogen in order to detect physiological conditions which are estrogen sensitive. The invention permits screening and early identification of estrogen dependent physiological changes and conditions in females, such as follicle growth, growth of endometrial tumors, onset of parturition, and timing of embryo implantation. The system uses anthocyanin pigments which, in the presence of body fluids that contain certain estrogen sensitive components, permit visible color responses to be observed, with those responses correlating with estrogen dependent events.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The estrogens to which the invention pertains are called "free" estrogens, and they are known to have hormone effects on certain body functions. Estrogens include a group of steroid hormones essential for normal development and for the healthy functioning of the female reproductive system. Only a small percentage of estrogen (1% of total estrogens in human females) are not chemically bound; unbound estrogens are known as free estrogens. Evaluation of "free" estrogen levels can have diagnostic importance, as observed in the growths of certain estrogen dependent tumors, occurrence of cystic ovaries, and the regulation of possible endometriosis. In some female mammals, changes in concentration of free estrogens are known to occur at the time of embryo implantation, and before the onset of parturition. It is also known that free estrogen levels vary at different times in the life span of a mammal, During fetal development, the concentration of free estrogens is known to increase in the third trimester of pregnancy, due to increased levels of one estrogen form called estriol which is produced by the adrenal glands of the fetus. Prior to delivery, free estrogen levels increase significantly in serum and saliva of different species of pregnant mammals. After delivery, free estrogen levels fall rapidly in the mother, and babies have low levels of free estrogens.
It is also known that estrogen levels increase significantly in girls before they reach puberty. As women age, their ability to produce estrogen decreases after the onset of menopause, and free estrogen levels reach very low levels between 70 and 80 years of age. Free estrogen levels also fall when ovaries are removed from all animal species. Certain activities, such as excessive sports, can also diminish free estrogen levels. Some cases of anovulation have chronic high levels of estrogen, but fail to reach peak levels of estrogen concentration and can result in a condition known as cystic ovaries.
The body regulates the total amount of free estrogen at any given time. An ovulating woman can absorb at least 9 picograms of free estrogen in her saliva. A woman who is about to deliver a baby is able to absorb at least 200 picograms of free estrogens in her saliva. An older menopausal woman will be able to absorb 1-2 picograms of free estrogens in her saliva. In each situation, the body is able to recognize when the capacity to absorb free estrogens is reached. Beyond that point, excess estrogens become bound to other components in the body fluids, thus preventing these excess estrogens from acting as hormones.
The disclosed invention evaluates how a body fluid responds to changes in its capacity to hold or absorb free estrogens; alternatively the invention is useful in evaluating changes in estrogen solubility levels in the body fluid. The invention has many useful applications, and also clinical value as a tool for identifying physiological conditions affected by changes in free estrogen levels. This is especially true in females. It can be used to evaluate how a body fluid responds to changes in the capacity of the body fluid to absorb free estrogens, such as is observed in serum and saliva estrogen levels prior to parturition. It can also be used to evaluate how the body is ab
REFERENCES:
patent: 3964871 (1976-06-01), Hochstrasser
patent: 4038485 (1977-07-01), Johnston et al.
patent: 4320009 (1982-03-01), Hilton et al.
patent: 4358288 (1982-11-01), Goldman
patent: 5200325 (1993-04-01), Blatt et al.
Markaverich. B.M. et al, "Bioflavonoid Interaction With Rat Uterine Type II Binding Sites and Cell Growth Inhibition," J. Steriod Biochem 30(1-6):71-78, 1988.
Chin Christopher L.
Phan Quang N.
LandOfFree
Method for evaluating estrogen dependent physiological condition does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method for evaluating estrogen dependent physiological condition, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method for evaluating estrogen dependent physiological condition will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2275328