Can diagnose heart disease by saliva

According to a report by a research group led by the University of Texas (Austin) at the recent American Dental Research Association meeting, heart disease can be diagnosed early with just a few drops of saliva and a born chip. learn nano.

The experimental nano-bio chip could one day be used to analyze patient saliva right on an ambulance, a dental clinic or a pharmacy; Help save lives of many people as well as damage caused by heart disease. This device is about the size of a credit card and can give results within 15 minutes.

John T. McDevitt - chief investigator and designer of nano-bio chips - said: 'Many patients with heart disease, especially women without specific symptoms, should have medical support. learning has slowed down compared to the long-term damage caused to heart tissue. Our new test method promises to significantly improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosis of heart disease '.

McDevitt - professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Texas (Austin) - collaborated with scientists and doctors at Kentucky University, Louisville University, and the Center for Health Sciences - University Texas in San Antonio.

Scientists and engineers at the University of Texas (Austin) are working on developing a line of nano-bio-sensor chips used in modern saliva tests.The acid-green silicon chip contains a series of microscopic test tubes to complete the process of examination and diagnosis of heart disease from saliva samples.The back-mounted circular object is made of stainless steel plates that make the chip 100 times cheaper than made from silicon.(Photo: Glen Simmons)

McDevitt and colleagues relied on the presence of many serum proteins, which are important contributors as well as indicators of heart disease. Initially microelectronics and microchip manufacturing processes were studied for the electronics industry. They then developed a series of biologically programmed micro-microbial sensors to identify the proteins in saliva.

Scientists at the University of Kentucky Dental University have tested 32 proteins related to atherosclerosis, thrombosis and coronary heart disease in saliva samples of 56 people with heart disease. and 59 saliva samples of healthy people.They found high levels of particularly high proteins in saliva samples of patients with heart disease . Specific proteins in saliva are an accurate indicator for diagnosing the same disease as plasma proteins when applying current testing methods.

Dr. Craig S. Miller (of the Kentucky research group) said: 'This is indeed interesting findings, because the application of this test method can help diagnose faster, quickly find patients. a treatment regimen to save their lives. '

The test also shows that patients who are currently suffering from heart disease need to be treated quickly. It also helps patients know that they are at risk for future heart disease.

The mechanism of action of the new diagnostic method is as follows: The patient takes saliva samples into a test tube. The saliva sample was then transferred to a credit card size test card containing a nano biological chip. The card is inserted into the analyzer just like using an ATM card. The analyzer will perform operations and analyze patient's condition immediately.

McDevitt said: 'What's new here is the ability to identify proteins in the same environment and use non-invasive saliva samples with low protein ratios that make testing difficult even with Modern, expensive laboratory equipment '.

Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of deaths in developed countries, including the United States. In 2008, an estimated 770,000 more Americans had coronary artery disease, and an additional 430,000 would relapse. According to McDevitt, 'Clearly we need more effective methods for diagnosing cardiovascular disease'.

The new technology is still in clinical trials, but will be a "good candidate" for future commercial development at Texas company LabNow, Inc. (Austin) - this is a new entry company, licensing a chip technology laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin. The company's first product is in the process of manufacturing with the goal of testing HIV immune function and can be applied in resource-poor areas like Africa.

The study was funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research under the National Institutes of Health.