Novel Method Allows In Vivo Detection of Inflammation

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a novel approach to detect inflammation in specific organs and tissues, potentially leading to blood tests for various diseases. Led by Greg Tochtrop, the team's findings, published in PNAS, focus on compounds formed during inflammation called epoxyketooctadecanoic acids (EKODEs). 

The study reveals that EKODEs, produced when reactive oxygen species (ROS) interact with linoleic acid in cell membranes, form a unique bond with the amino acid cysteine. This bond allows for the detection of EKODEs using antibodies, providing a marker for inflammation in different parts of the body.

"What makes this so interesting and so potentially valuable," Tochtrop explained, "is that we could detect unique compounds and concentrations in different tissues and organs, which means that you could potentially detect a variety of diseases with a blood test."

The research team developed antibodies to detect EKODE buildup in various tissues in both mice and humans. This method could lead to tests similar to the A1C test for diabetes, but for a range of conditions including heart disease, Alzheimer's, and various cancers.

The next phase of research aims to identify specific EKODE targets in different organs and correlate them with particular diseases. Tochtrop is particularly interested in EKODEs produced in the eye in response to age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

Beyond disease detection, this discovery has implications for drug development. "Identifying reactive cysteines is central to drug discovery right now," Tochtrop noted. "This could help uncover many reactive cysteines that could be targeted for drug discovery, which is a valuable offshoot of our research."