The use of this technology could lead to improved diagnosis of individuals with early stage liver disease.

Summary
Consumption of large quantities of alcoholic beverages has been
identified as a major cause of cirrhosis of the liver. The process of
cirrhosis of the liver is incompletely understood, with the underlying
steps remaining obscure. However, the generation of
malondialdehyde, a compound that is known to be toxic and
mutagenic by inactivating enzymes within liver tissues, has been
identified as a marker for early stage disease. Researchers at the
University of Nebraska Medical Center have identified a protein
adduct, comprised of malondialdehyde and acetaldehyde, that is
present in the liver of individuals that consume large quantities of
ethanol. Antibodies which can detect these adducts have been
developed and can be used for the detection of early stage liver
disease, using standard assays such as FITC, FACS, and Western
Blotting. The use of this technology could lead to improved
diagnosis of individuals with early stage liver disease.

Market Value
Those who consume large quantities of alcoholic beverages have
an increased risk of developing chronic liver disease. Early
detection of disease onset is critical to improved patient outcome.
The use of this technology allows for improved detection of early
stage disease progression, leading to earlier initiation of
appropriate treatment regimens.

Features and Benefits
• Multiple detection methods
• Early Detection

Early Stage

Patent Issued 6,814,951 and 5,939,535

(TID 58)

UNeMed Corporation offers a variety of licensing options and collaborative development opportunities with University of Nebraska Medical Center.