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 for detecting or diagnosing labor status in a pregnant female subject, the method comprising: obtaining a biological sample from said subject; testing said sample to detect the amount of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 10 in said sample; determining whether the presence of said amino acid sequences is higher than a pre-determined reference level, wherein the presence of said amino acid sequences higher than said pre-determined reference level indicates that said subject is in labor status, thereby detecting or diagnosing labor status in said subject.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the amino acid sequences comprises an oxidized amino acid.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the step of testing comprises an immunological assay.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein said biological sample is a sample collected from a cervicovaginal secretion.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein said labor status is a preterm labor status.