Measurement of total and free prostate specific antigen (PSA) in human serum samples using an ultra-microanalytical system.

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a serine protease used for the screening of prostate cancer. The total portion of PSA (tPSA) can be found in its free form (fPSA), or bound to other proteins forming a stable complex. A heterogeneous sandwich-type UltraMicro Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (UMELISA) has been developed for the measurement of tPSA and fPSA in human serum samples. Strips coated with a high affinity monoclonal antibody (MAb) directed against PSA are used as solid phase, to ensure the specificity of the assay. Biotinylated MAbs specific for tPSA and fPSA ensured sensitivity, given the high affinity binding to streptavidin. The assay was completed in 1.5 h, with a measuring range 0.019-20 µg/L (tPSA), and 0.009-20 µg/L (fPSA). The intra- and inter-assay CV were lower than 9%. Recovery percentages were 96-105%. High correlations were found between the values of the UMELISA PSA standards and the International Reference Standards 96/670 (R2 = 0.9996) and 96/688 (R2 = 0.9989). The assay did not recognize any of the interfering molecules tested. Regression analysis of serum samples showed a good correlation with Roche Elecsys total PSA (n = 631, R2 = 0.986, ρc = 0.992), BioMérieux VIDAS TPSA (n = 631, R2 = 0.989, ρc = 0.993) and Roche Elecsys free PSA (n = 164, R2 = 0.973, ρc = 0.979), all with a relative difference below 15%, and a p < 0.001. A retrospective study of the use of UMELISA PSA in Cuba was carried out. The analytical performance characteristics of UMELISA PSA support its use for the quantification of tPSA and fPSA in human serum samples in a single kit, making it an affordable diagnostic assay available to Cuban Public Health System and developing countries. Between the years 2014-2020, more than 3 million Cuban patients have benefited from the test for free.

An enzyme immunoassay to determine human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in serum and urine samples using an ultra-microanalytical system.

The determination of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) in biological fluids is of great interest in the early pregnancy diagnostics, the evaluation of pregnancy disorders, as a tumor marker, as a screening procedure for anti-doping control, and many other purposes. A simple sandwich-type UltraMicro Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (UMELISA) has been developed for the measurement of HCG in serum and urine samples. Strips coated with a high affinity MAb directed against HCG are used as solid phase, to ensure the specificity of the assay. The HCG assay was completed in 1.5 h, with a measuring range of 0.76-400 mIU/mL. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were lower than 10 %, depending on the HCG concentrations evaluated. Recovery percentages were 96.43-97.16 % (serum) and 98.10-99.04 % (urine). The assay detected intact HCG, nicked HCG, HCG ß, and nicked HCG ß, and did not recognize any of the interfering molecules tested. Regression analysis showed a good correlation with Elecsys in serum (n = 1459, r = 0.952, ρc = 0.948) and urine (n = 869, r = 0.988, ρc = 0.978). A good correlation was also found with 84 RIQAS samples analyzed with the kits Elecsys (r = 0.969, ρc = 0.957), Architect (r = 0.982, ρc = 0.970), Dimension (r = 0.989, ρc = 0.977), and Bioscience (r = 0.992, ρc = 0.980), all with a p < 0.01. Comparison with transvaginal ultrasonography in early pregnancy detection showed a specificity and a sensitivity of 100 % (n = 2385, κ = 1). The analytical performance characteristics of UMELISA HCG endorse its use for the quantification of HCG in serum and urine samples. This assay will make a cost-effective diagnostic kit accessible to low-income countries and is now available in the Cuban Public Health System.

Establecimiento de condiciones más eficientes para la producción de biosensores de glucosa / Establishment of more efficient conditions for the production of glucose biosensors

Los biosensores son dispositivos móviles que permiten detectar de forma rápida y sencilla enfermedades del metabolismo e infecciones víricas de interés veterinario y clínico, como el rotavirus y la hepatitis B y C. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar las variables significativas del proceso de producción de los biosensores de glucosa fabricados en el Centro de Inmunoensayo (La Habana, Cuba). Se produjeron ocho corridas experimentales teniendo en cuenta los procedimientos normativos de operación implementados en la planta de producción de biosensores y se realizaron las evaluaciones de calidad correspondientes (pruebas de exactitud) para liberar analíticamente los lotes producidos. Los experimentos realizados proporcionaron información acerca de cuáles variables deben controlarse con más cuidado durante la producción a fin de evitar altos niveles de productos no conformes o el comportamiento errático del proceso. Las variables seleccionadas para el estudio fueron las relacionadas con la preparación de la solución enzimática. Con los resultados obtenidos se realizó un análisis de regresión múltiple para determinar los factores estadísticamente significativos del modelo, obteniéndose un coeficiente de determinación superior al 90 por ciento, logrando explicar el 98,637 por ciento de la variación entre los valores de porcentaje de exactitud y la media. Los factores que resultaron ser significativos fueron la concentración de la enzima glucosa oxidasa, la concentración del mediador eléctrico y la conductividad del agua ultrapura para un nivel de confianza del 95 por ciento. El análisis realizado arrojó resultados satisfactorios demostrando que variando parámetros del proceso productivo es posible disminuir los valores del porcentaje de exactitud(AU)

Biosensors are mobile devices that allow rapid and easy detection of metabolic diseases and viral infections of veterinary and clinical interest, such as rotavirus and hepatitis B and C. The objective of this work was to determine the significant variables of the production process of the glucose biosensors manufactured in the Immunoassay Center (Havana, Cuba). Eight experimental runs were carried out taking into account the normative operating procedures of the biosensor production plant. Accuracy tests were carried out to release produced batches. The experiments provided information about which factors should be carefully controlled during the manufacture procedure in order to avoid high levels of faulty products or the erratic behavior of the process. The factors selected for the study were those related with the preparation of the enzymatic solution. A multiple regression analysis was carried out to determine the statistically significant factors of the model. The coefficient of determination was higher than 90 percent, and the 98.637 percent of the variation between the values of percentage of accuracy and the mean value could be explained. The significant factors were the concentration of the glucose oxidase enzyme, the electric mediator concentration, and the ultrapure water conductivity (95 percent confidence level). The analysis carried out showed satisfactory results. In the present study, it was demonstrated that varying parameters of the production process it is possible to decrease the accuracy percentage values(AU)

Establecimiento de condiciones más eficientes para la producción de biosensores de glucosa / Establishment of more efficient conditions for the production of glucose biosensors

Los biosensores son dispositivos móviles que permiten detectar de forma rápida y sencilla enfermedades del metabolismo e infecciones víricas de interés veterinario y clínico, como el rotavirus y la hepatitis B y C. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar las variables significativas del proceso de producción de los biosensores de glucosa fabricados en el Centro de Inmunoensayo (La Habana, Cuba). Se produjeron ocho corridas experimentales teniendo en cuenta los procedimientos normativos de operación implementados en la planta de producción de biosensores y se realizaron las evaluaciones de calidad correspondientes (pruebas de exactitud) para liberar analíticamente los lotes producidos. Los experimentos realizados proporcionaron información acerca de cuáles variables deben controlarse con más cuidado durante la producción a fin de evitar altos niveles de productos no conformes o el comportamiento errático del proceso. Las variables seleccionadas para el estudio fueron las relacionadas con la preparación de la solución enzimática. Con los resultados obtenidos se realizó un análisis de regresión múltiple para determinar los factores estadísticamente significativos del modelo, obteniéndose un coeficiente de determinación superior al 90 por ciento, logrando explicar el 98,637 por ciento de la variación entre los valores de porcentaje de exactitud y la media. Los factores que resultaron ser significativos fueron la concentración de la enzima glucosa oxidasa, la concentración del mediador eléctrico y la conductividad del agua ultrapura para un nivel de confianza del 95 por ciento. El análisis realizado arrojó resultados satisfactorios demostrando que variando parámetros del proceso productivo es posible disminuir los valores del porcentaje de exactitud(AU)

Biosensors are mobile devices that allow rapid and easy detection of metabolic diseases and viral infections of veterinary and clinical interest, such as rotavirus and hepatitis B and C. The objective of this work was to determine the significant variables of the production process of the glucose biosensors manufactured in the Immunoassay Center (Havana, Cuba). Eight experimental runs were carried out taking into account the normative operating procedures of the biosensor production plant. Accuracy tests were carried out to release produced batches. The experiments provided information about which factors should be carefully controlled during the manufacture procedure in order to avoid high levels of faulty products or the erratic behavior of the process. The factors selected for the study were those related with the preparation of the enzymatic solution. A multiple regression analysis was carried out to determine the statistically significant factors of the model. The coefficient of determination was higher than 90 percent, and the 98.637 percent of the variation between the values of percentage of accuracy and the mean value could be explained. The significant factors were the concentration of the glucose oxidase enzyme, the electric mediator concentration, and the ultrapure water conductivity (95 percent confidence level). The analysis carried out showed satisfactory results. In the present study, it was demonstrated that varying parameters of the production process it is possible to decrease the accuracy percentage values(AU)

Obtención de un conjugado peroxidasa-antígeno de superficie del virus de la hepatitis B / Obtention of a peroxidase-hepatitis B virus surface antigen conjugate

Se preparó un conjugado para la determinación de anticuerpos contra el antígeno de superficie del virus de la hepatitis B por inmunoensayo enzimático tipo sandwich de doble Ag. Se utilizó la peroxidasa, el antígeno de la vacuna cubana contra la hepatitis B y el método de conjugación del periodato. Se evaluó la actividad enzimática, la actividad inmunológica y la actividad específica del conjugado. La enzima y el antígeno conservaron su actividad luego de la conjugación y se escogió la dilución óptima de trabajo 1/200. Se concluyó que el conjugado obtenido presentaba adecuada especificidad, detectabilidad y reactividad, y podía considerarse apto para su utilización(AU)

A conjugate was prepared for the determination of antibodies against the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus by double Ag sandwich ELISA. Peroxidase, the antigen of the Cuban vaccine against hepatitis B, and the periodate-conjugation method were used. The enzymatic activity, the immunological activity and the specific conjugate activity were evaluated. The enzyme and the antigen conserved their activity after conjugation, and the optimal working dilution 1/200 was selected. It was concluded that the conjugate obtained had an adequate specificity, detectability and reactivity, and could be considered apt for its use(AU)

Obtención de un conjugado peroxidasa-antígeno de superficie del virus de la hepatitis B / Obtention of a peroxidase-hepatitis B virus surface antigen conjugate

Se preparó un conjugado para la determinación de anticuerpos contra el antígeno de superficie del virus de la hepatitis B por inmunoensayo enzimático tipo sandwich de doble Ag. Se utilizó la peroxidasa, el antígeno de la vacuna cubana contra la hepatitis B y el método de conjugación del periodato. Se evaluó la actividad enzimática, la actividad inmunológica y la actividad específica del conjugado. La enzima y el antígeno conservaron su actividad luego de la conjugación y se escogió la dilución óptima de trabajo 1/200. Se concluyó que el conjugado obtenido presentaba adecuada especificidad, detectabilidad y reactividad, y podía considerarse apto para su utilización.

A conjugate was prepared for the determination of antibodies against the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus by double Ag sandwich ELISA. Peroxidase, the antigen of the Cuban vaccine against hepatitis B, and the periodate-conjugation method were used. The enzymatic activity, the immunological activity and the specific conjugate activity were evaluated. The enzyme and the antigen conserved their activity after conjugation, and the optimal working dilution 1/200 was selected. It was concluded that the conjugate obtained had an adequate specificity, detectability and reactivity, and could be considered apt for its use.

Monoclonal antibody against free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin.

Spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with free native human chorionic gonadotropin hormone beta-subunit (beta hCG) were fused with mouse myeloma cells (P3/X63-Ag8) and one hybridoma secreting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), was obtained. This hybridoma specifically recognizes beta hCG and does not cross-react with other human glycoprotein hormones, such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The MAb was of the IgG(1) subclass and ascitic fluid from this hybridoma was purified by affinity chromatography on Protein A-Sepharose CL-4B column to isolate the IgG(1) active fraction. The affinity constant of this MAb was 1.5 x 10(10)M(-1).

Comportamiento de algunos parámteros determinantes de efectos adversos inducidos por inmunoglobulinas intravenosas / Performance of some determinant parameters of intravenous immnuglobulin-induced adverse effects

Los análisis de laboratorio de las inmunoglobulinas intravenosas ofrecen información sobre 3 aspectos fundamentales: seguridad, estabilidad y eficacia. En este estudio se analizan las variables que pueden determinar reacciones adversas, entre las mas importantes se pueden citar los niveles de inmunoglobulina A, inmunoglobulina E, activadores de la precalicreína, agregados de inmunoglobulina G, isoaglutinina y activación espontánea del complemento. Los bajos niveles de contaminantes están de acuerdo con el pequeño porcentaje de reacciones secundarias encontradas con su uso clínico (AU)

Comportamiento de algunos paramteros determinantes de efectos adversos inducidos por inmunoglobulinas intravenosas / Performance of some determinant parameters of intravenous immnuglobulin-induced adverse effects

Los analisis de laboratorio de las inmunoglobulinas intravenosas ofrecen informacion sobre 3 aspectos fundamentales: seguridad, estabilidad y eficacia. En este estudio se analizan las variables que pueden determinar reacciones adversas, entre las mas importantes se pueden citar los niveles de inmunoglobulina A, inmunoglobulina E, activadores de la precalicreina, agregados de inmunoglobulina G, isoaglutinina y activacion espontanea del complemento. Los bajos niveles de contaminantes estan de acuerdo con el pequeno porcentaje de reacciones secundarias encontradas con su uso clinico