Labor biomarkers, methods comprising same, and methods targeting same
View Patent ↗The present invention provides methods of predicting or detecting labor in a female subject and methods of testing a compound for an ability to delay the onset of labor. The present invention also provides methods of testing a labor marker useful in the diagnostic methods, isolated peptides identified in the present invention, methods for inhibiting labor, utilizing the peptides, and kits comprising methods of the present invention.
1. A method of predicting or detecting labor in a female subject, comprising
a. determining an amount of a first peptide in a biological sample of said female subject, said first peptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID No: 10;
b. comparing said amount of said first peptide to a reference standard for said first peptide;
c. determining an amount of a second peptide, said second peptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID No: 7, wherein said amount is an amount in said biological sample or an additional biological sample of said female subject; and
d. comparing said amount of said second peptide to a reference standard for said second peptide,
whereby if:
(i) both
(i a) said amount of said first peptide is higher than an upper limit of a range defined by said reference standard for said first peptide; and
(i b) said amount of said second peptide is higher than an upper limit of a range defined by said reference standard for said second peptide,
then said female subject is in labor;
and if:
(ii) both
(ii a) said amount of said first peptide is higher than said upper limit of said range defined by said reference standard for said first peptide; and
(ii b) said amount of said second peptide is lower than a lower limit of said range defined by said reference standard for said second peptide,
then said female subject is not in labor.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said first peptide comprises an oxidized amino acid.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said second peptide comprises an oxidized amino acid.
4. The method of claim 1 , whereby at least one of (a) the step of determining said amount of said first peptide; and (b) the step of determining said amount of said second peptide comprises an immunological assay.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of (a) said biological sample and (b) said additional biological sample is a cervicovaginal secretion.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said labor is a preterm labor.