Recognition Award for Best Animal Division Poster at the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) Annual Scientific Meeting
The the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) Division of Animal Clinical Chemistry (DACC) Executive and Award Committees established in 2008 a Travel Award to be given in recognition of outstanding research in the area of animal clinical laboratory medicine for an abstract accepted and poster presented at the ADLM Annual Scientific Meeting.
The award will consist of a certificate of scientific merit, a $500 monetary cash award and travel reimbursement (up to $1000) to support the awardee’s expenses to attend (registration fee waived) a DACC meeting.
Recipients
2019 Travel Award
Douglas Thudium, Merck & Co. Inc, West Point, PA
"Comparison of Commercially Available Multiplex Rat Cytokine Methods"
Abstract
Background: The increase of therapeutic biologics and vaccines in drug development has increased the demand for cytokine measurements in non-clinical species. However, available cytokine assays for animal samples are notoriously lacking in standardization, consist of different antibody pairs, and values vary significantly across vendors. To identify the most reliable assay, we examined several rat multiplex cytokine kits with the intent of finding the best method for measuring frequently requested cytokines. In addition, rat strain, sample type, collection site, control and positive samples were investigated.
Methods: To investigate the effect of sample collection site on cytokine values, blood was collected from three sites (jugular vein, vena cava, tail vein) into EDTA plasma or serum tubes. Matched serum and EDTA plasma sets from control Wistar rats were collected from jugular vein and vena cava sites and serum and EDTA plasma were collected from the jugular of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Positive plasma samples were obtained from in vivo treatment with agents known to induce cytokines. IL-6, TNF-a and IFN-g were analyzed on the Bio-Plex 200 using magnetic microsphere-based rat cytokine methods from Bio-Rad (Bio-Plex Pro™), Millipore (Milliplex®), Thermo Fisher (ProcartaPlex™), and R&D Systems (Magnetic Luminex® Assay). Additionally, the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) Proinflammatory Rat V-PLEX kit (multi-spot 96 well format) was evaluated.
Results: The performance of the assays varied considerably, and their performance was further influenced by the sample collection site and the sample matrix examined. Initial evaluation of the Millipore, R&D Systems, and Thermo Fisher rat assays identified issues of sensitivity, or dilutional linearity that did not warrant further investigation; thus, the evaluation was mainly focused on the Bio-Rad and MSD kits. While cytokine values for both male and female Wistar rats were comparable across these platforms, cytokine values were relatively higher and more variable using the Bio-Rad rat kit as compared to the MSD kit. Furthermore, serum samples were more variable than EDTA plasma samples, and vastly lower cytokines values were noted for terminal vena cava EDTA samples compared to interim jugular or tail vein collections. Finally, serum and plasma cytokine values for Wistar and SD rats were similar.
Conclusion: Our comprehensive evaluation of sample type, collection site, and available cytokine assays demonstrated that the least variable and most reliable data was generated from vena cava EDTA plasma samples. Rat serum resulted in considerably higher and more variable values. The Bio-Rad kit provided consistent data for the terminal EDTA plasma samples; however, interim jugular samples were highly variable. The MSD platform demonstrated the lowest and least variable values, and could be considered if interim sampling (e.g., jugular) is needed. Although our findings suggest guidelines for cytokine measurements in rat samples, careful monitoring of the performance of existing assays is recommended due to the potential variability observed with these cytokine assays.
2018 Travel Award
Melanie Quinlan, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA
"Preclinical Investigations of Platelet Function using the Chrono-Log Model 700 Aggregometer"
Abstract
The Chrono-Log Model 700 Aggregometer has been used to evaluate in vivo effects on platelet function in humans and pre- clinical species. We describe two in vitro investigations where the Chrono-Log Aggregometer was used to help characterize suspected platelet dysfunction observed during preclinical in vivo studies. The first investigation was to determine if in vitro exposure to Compound A in monkey or human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) could produce inhibitory effects on platelet function. Blood (anticoagulated with sodium citrate) was collected from 4 monkey and 5 human donors. PRP and platelet poor plasma (PPP) were prepared by centrifugation. Platelet counts for PRP were performed and adjusted to a count of ~250,000/μL with respective PPP for all samples. Compound A was diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride and added to PRP samples at a constant volume (25 μL) to achieve final drug concentrations ranging from 0.3 μM to 5 μM. Verapamil was prepared as a stock solution and diluted to obtain a final concentration of 0.175 mg/mL (356 μM) in PRP for use as a positive control. Platelet aggregation for each sample was measured on the ChronoLog 700 using collagen as agonist. Results demonstrated a dose- dependent inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation (%) with Compound A at concentrations of ≥1 μM (monkeys) and 5.0 μM (humans) when incubated with monkey and human PRP. These in vitro findings correlated with macroscopic observations of hemorrhage and petechiae in an in vivo monkey toxicology study at comparable systemic exposure and informed on potential translatability to hu- mans. In contrast, Compound B had a potential platelet activation liability based on decreased platelet counts observed in an in vivo monkey study. We evaluated the ability of Compound B to elicit platelet activation in vitro using monkey PRP. Blood was collected from 4 stock monkeys, and PRP and PPP were prepared as described previously. Compound B (10 μL) was added to PRP samples to achieve final concentrations ranging from 0.001 μM to 0.5 μM and platelet aggregation (%) was measured for 10 minutes. Collagen (10 μL) was added to one tube of PRP from each monkey and served as a control for normal platelet aggregation. Addition of Compound B alone to monkey PRP caused 30% and 70% aggregation at concentrations of 0.1 μM and 0.5 μM, respectively. These findings provided pharmacokinetic thresholds for the desired pharmacologic effect relative to the platelet activation liability. The Chrono-Log 700 Aggregometer has proven to be a valuable tool for characterizing effects on platelet function in preclinical pharmaceutical development.
2017 Travel Award
Charles Bull, Allergan, LLC, Irvine, CA
"Comparison of Two Multispecies Hematology Analyzers Used in Nonclinical Drug Safety Studies: Sysmex XT-2000iV vs Siemens Advia 120"
Abstract
Background: Complete blood counts and white blood cell differentials are standard panels used in the assessment of drug safety. This evaluation was conducted to compare the Sysmex XT-2000iV automated hematology analyzer to the Siemens Advia 120.
Methods: Analytical performance of intra-run imprecision and linearity were assessed using quality control material. Blood specimens from laboratory animals originally collected for nonclinical drug discovery and development studies, (Sprague-Dawley Rats n=58, Dogs n=32, NZW Rabbits n=19, Cynos n=45), were analyzed side by side for routine hematology parameters on both platforms. Correlation data generated from these same sample analyses were evaluated using regression statistics and percent bias.
Results: Analytical performance data from assessments of within-run imprecision and linearity were comparable between platforms. Regression values were considered satisfactory (R ≥0.90) across all species analyzed, with exceptions that were primarily believed to be related to minor methodology differences. Percent bias data was generally within ±5%, yet the bias of some parameters (e.g. RETIC%), were greater and attributable to inherently low numeric result values.
Conclusions: Comparison of these systems revealed some differences in results, but none were considered significant enough to interfere with the interpretation of nonclinical study data. Our data demonstrated that the analytical performance results of the two platforms, including assessments of intra-run imprecision, linearity, and correlation, were satisfactory. To fully validate a comparison of these two platforms a greater number of sample analyses would be needed. The Sysmex XT2000iV had comparable performance and acceptable correlation to the Siemens Advia 120 when used to support nonclinical studies.
2016 Travel Award
Tammy Lambert, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, PA
“Evaluation of the Meso Scale Discovery Rat Skeletal Troponin I Assay in Rat and Mouse”
Abstract
Skeletal troponin I (sTnI) is a member of the troponin complex of regulatory proteins required for muscle contraction. Recent evidence suggests that skeletal muscle injury results in leakage of sTnI into blood and measurement of serum or plasma levels of sTnI may provide a noninvasive biomarker of muscle injury. Our objective was to evaluate the Meso Scale Discovery® (MSD) Rat Skeletal Troponin I Assay for measurement of skeletal troponin I in rat serum. Acceptable precision (CV ≤10%) and accuracy (RE ±13%) of standard curve values were observed across 10 analytical runs. Precision of sTnI values in rat serum samples was excellent (CVs ≤10%) at concentrations in the range of 5-150µg/L; less precision was observed (CV=21%) in the area of the LLOQ (0.27µg/L). Dilutional linearity (y=1114.8x – 4782.2; r2=0.99) and recovery (101-106%) of sTnI in rat serum was demonstrated. Serum sTnI was stable for up to 6 months at -80oC. Serum sTnI values in clinically healthy Wistar rats (n=20/sex) were below LLOQ to 11.4µg/L for males and at or below LLOQ for females. In two nonclinical safety studies, sTnI increases (up to 1984µg/L) correlated with histologic evidence of myofiber degeneration and/or necrosis and increases in AST and aldolase. In mice, sTnI increases (474 to 1859µg/L) were observed in plasma of muscular dystrophy mutant mice (C57BL/10ScSn-mdx/J) compared to wild-type C57BL mice (0.38-3.09µg/L). In conclusion, the MSD rat skeletal troponin I assay performed well and sTnI increases correlated with skeletal muscle injury in rats and mice.
2015 Travel Award
Irina Kirpich, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
“The role of ethanol and dietary fat in the disruption of intestinal barrier integrity and liver injury in an animal model of alcoholic liver disease”
Abstract
Introduction/Aim: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) ranks among major causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. ALD includes a spectrum of pathologies from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis characterized by inflammation with the potential progression to fibrosis and cirrhosis over time. Although, animal models of ALD do not recapitulate all components of human ALD, they are important tools in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced liver steatosis, inflammation and injury. Dietary fat and alcohol both play important roles in the pathogenesis of ALD. Diets enriched in saturated fatty acids protect against ALD, whereas linoleic acid (LA), a major unsaturated fatty acid in the American diet, is known to exacerbate alcohol-induced liver injury. However, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) are not completely understood. It is well documented that ethanol-induced endotoxemia due to the disruption of intestinal barrier integrity plays an important role in the ALD development. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of different types of dietary fat on intestinal barrier integrity and consequent liver injury in an animal model of ALD.
Materials and Methods: In this study we employed a Lieber-DeCarli ad libitum EtOH feeding model, a widely accepted animal model of ALD. C57BL/6N mice were fed either an unsaturated fat (USF, LA enriched) or a saturated fat (SF, medium triglycerides enriched [MCT]) control or EtOH-containing diets for 8 weeks. Control mice were pair-fed on an isocaloric basis. Initially, all mice were given the control liquid maltose dextrin diets (SF or USF, no EtOH) for one week. Ethanol was gradually increased every 3-4 days from 11.2% to 35% of total calories. Liver injury and steatosis; intestinal morphology and inflammation; intestinal permeability and blood endotoxin levels were evaluated.
Results: After 8 weeks of EtOH feeding significant liver injury and steatosis were observed in USF+EtOH compared to pair-fed group. These effects of EtOH were blunted by SF diet containing MCT. Serum ALT levels, as a marker of liver injury, was significantly higher (p<0.05) in USF+EtOH group (44.91+2.81 IU/L) compared to SF+EtOH fed animals (27.27+1.92 IU/L). Hepatic triglyceride content was also higher in USF+EtOH compared to SF+EtOH fed animals (100.2+8.1 vs 68.76+7.96 mg/g liver, p<0.05). The effects of ethanol on intestinal integrity associated with different types of fat were evaluated by measuring the intestinal permeability to FD-4. Significantly increased gut permeability was observed in the ileum segments of the mice fed USF+EtOH, this event was accompanied by a 4.5-fold (p<0.05) increase of blood LPS levels compared to control animals. A moderate, but not significant, increase of LPS levels was found in SFD+EtOH compared to pair-fed group. Significantly elevated intestinal TNF-α and MCP1 mRNA levels as a markers of inflammation were detected only in USF+EtOH group.
Conclusion: The current data demonstrated that EtOH and unsaturated, but not saturated, fat promote liver injury associated with increased gut permeability. Intestinal inflammation caused by USF+EtOH likely play a critical role in the gut leakiness, elevated blood endotoxemia and consequent liver injury in an animal model of ALD.
2014 Travel Award
Chanmaly Phanthalangsy, Phanthalangsy, Manchester, CT
“Validation of Thrombin-Antithrombin III Complex by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay in Humans, Non-Human Primates, and Canine Citrated Plasma to Support Pre-clinical and Clinical Coagulation Studies”
Abstract
Background: The conversion of prothrombin into active thrombin is a significant event within the coagulation cascade. Thrombin is primarily inhibited by antithrombin (ATIII) in which results in a stable inactive proteinase/ inhibitor complex. The concentration of thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) can be measured, and represents a sensitive clinical biomarker for the diagnosis of thrombotic disease in the coagulation cascade.
Methods: Siemens Enzygnost® TAT micro immunoassay (Catalog #:OWMG15) was validated in human, non-human primate (NHP), and canine citrated plasma. The concentration of TAT was measured in-vitro quantitatively through a sandwich enzyme immunoassay and used two different antibodies directed against thrombin and ATIII, respectively. The first incubation step consists of TAT binding to peroxidase-conjugated antibodies that are attached to the surface of the microtitration plate against thrombin. The second incubation step consists of a reaction in which the enzyme-conjugate antibodies are bound to the free ATIII determinants. Any unbound constituents and excess enzyme-conjugated antibodies are removed by a series of washes after each incubation. The enzymatic reaction between hydrogen peroxide and chromogen is stopped by the addition of diluted sulphuric acid. This results in a color intensity change which is proportion to the concentration of TAT. TAT concentrations are measured photometrically through the SPECTRAmax 384plus reader within the kit standard concentration range of 2 to 60 μg/L. For higher TAT concentrations, the sample was diluted using Sekisui TAT deficient material (Catalog #: 203) for humans and normal TAT levels (<4 μg/L) for NHP and canine.
Results: Intra-assay was established through 5-10 replicates and the %CV was ≤4.6 for human, ≤10.8 for NHP, and ≤8.3 in canine. Inter-assay precision was established through a minimum of 3 separate assay runs and the %CV was ≤1.50 for human, ≤15.5 for NHP, and ≤11.4 in canine. The limit of blank was established by analyzing 10 replicates and determined to be 0.135 μg/L for human and 1.3 μg/L for NHP. The lower limit of quantitation was determined as 2.36 μg/L with a %CV of 11.28 in human and 2.10 μg/L with a %CV of 15.7 in NHP. The upper limit of quantitation was determined as 60.15 μg/L and %CV of 4.58 in human and 60.0 μg/L and %CV of 13.4 in NHP. Dilutional linearity was determined using samples near the upper limit of the assay calibration curve, and spiked recovery was determined using samples spiked with several concentrations of kit calibrators. All results were within 20% of the expected value. Sample freeze/ thaw stability was performed using samples with concentrations near the lower and middle limits of the assay calibration curve and consist of 4 freeze/thaw cycles. All results were within 20% of the expected value. Sample stability was performed for human and canine samples frozen at -80 °C. Human samples were stable up to and including 3 months, and canine samples were stable up to and including 2 weeks.
Conclusion: All outlined criteria for the validation of TAT in human, NHP, and canine were met and used to support pre-clinical and clinical coagulation studies.
2013 Travel Award
Samantha Wildeboer, Pfizer, Oakdale, CT
“Validation of an Automated Cystatin C Assay in Canine Serum, Plasma, and Urine to Support Pre-Clinical Toxicology Studies”
Abstract
Background: Cystatin C is a cysteine proteinase inhibitor formed at a constant rate and freely filtered by the healthy kidney, making it a desirable biomarker of renal function. Serum, plasma and urine concentrations of Cystatin C are dependent on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and a reduction in GFR causes a rise in the concentration of Cystatin C. Unlike creatinine, Cystatin C has not been shown to be affected by factors such as muscle mass, age or nutrition. In addition, a rise in creatinine does not become evident until the GFR has fallen by approximately 50%, whereas Cystatin C is a more sensitive marker of kidney dysfunction. Here, we validated an automated human Cystatin C assay for use in pre-clinical canine studies.
Methods: The DakoCytomation Cystatin C immunoparticles (LX002) is a purified immunoglobulin fraction of rabbit antiserum directed against Cystatin C covalently coupled to uniform polystyrene particles. Immunoparticles are mixed with sample and a reaction buffer (S2361) and measured by turbidity on the Siemens Advia 1800 analyzer. Cystatin C concentration is extrapolated from a standard curve generated using DakoCytomation Cystatin C calibrator (X0974). DakoCytomation Cystatin C quality control (X0973) along with colony canine serum, sodium heparin plasma, EDTA plasma and urine with no additives were tested. Serum, plasma, and urine samples with varying levels of Cystatin C were created using Cystatin C canine E. Coli recombinant protein (BioVendor LLC, RD472009100) to test the dynamic range of the assay.
Results: Limit of Blank was established by analyzing 10 replicates of 0.9% NaCl (w/v) diluent down to 0.1 mg/L. The lower limit of quantitation was verified with canine urine performed in duplicate for 10 days at 0.3 mg/L, with an acceptable %CV of 16.2. Intra-assay precision was performed with 20 replicates of spiked (recombinant) sample and % CV was ≤ 5.6 for canine serum, plasma and urine. Acceptable inter-assay precision was established with three levels of quality control, all values falling within ± 2SD and %CV ≤ 5.9, similar to results obtained for intra-assay precision. Spiked recovery was established using each sample matrix spiked with 10% calibrator material, and all results were within 20% of the expected value. Sample frozen(-80°C) stability was performed on sample pools spiked with re-combinant Cystatin C protein, at low, mid and high values along the assay calibration curve. Serum and plasma samples were considered stable out to 6 months and for three freeze-thaw cycles. The urine pools showed increased variability, and it was concluded that the recombinant protein that was spiked in the urine matrix was contributing to the variability seen. To further test urine stability, all timepoints and freeze-thaw cycles were repeated with urine samples spiked with calibrator(10%). Follow-up testing confirmed stability out to 3 months and three freeze-thaw cycles.
Conclusion: The DakoCytomation Cystatin C assay met all outlined criteria for validation and is appropriate for use in canine serum, plasma and urine samples to support pre-clinical toxicology studies.
2012 Travel Award
Debra Wescott, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ
“NT pro-BNP Method Comparison in Cynomolgus Monkeys with Congestive Heart Failure”
Abstract
Background: Brain-natiuretic peptide (BNP) is increased significantly with heart failure. BNP is a 32-amino acid polypeptide secreted primarily by the left ventricle when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently (e.g. in cases of heart failure). At the time of release, inactive N terminal pro-brain natiuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) is cleaved from the precursor peptide pro-BNP and is co-secreted in quantities directly proportional to its biologically active counterpart BNP and in close correlation with the severity of heart failure.
Methods: An experiment was conducted to compare commercially available NT pro-BNP immunoassay kits. Two human assay kits manufactured by Mesoscale Discovery (MSD) and Millipore, respectively and a third assay kit specifically designed for use in monkeys manufactured by Wuhan EIAab Science Co. were included in the comparison. The amino acid sequence of NT pro-BNP shares approximately 90% homology between non-human primates (NHP) and humans. Ten cynomolgus monkeys were used to obtain a normal range of values for NT pro-BNP. Serum samples were collected and assayed using the MSD kit/instrument, the Millipore kit/BioPlex instrument and the EIAab kit/Triturus instrument.
Results: The average baseline level of NT pro-BNP for the ten naive monkeys was 0.00 ng/mL (MSD), 0.004 ng/mL (Millipore), 16.34 (ELISA). To provide monkey serum with elevated NT pro-BNP, four cynomolgus monkeys were tachypaced into congestive heart failure. A pre-paced, post surgery serum sample was drawn for NT pro-BNP and separated into three ali-quots. The animals were then paced at 240 bpm. For 4 weeks with serum samples obtained at 2 and 4 weeks of pacing. Each sample was analyzed in all kits. In the human kits, a result of 0.00 ng/mL was observed for all samples indicating a lack of cross reactivity between the human and NHP peptides of these assays. Therefore the baseline result of 16.34 ng/mL from the naïve monkey study was used for comparison with the congestive heart failure study. Using the monkey specified ELISA kit, NT pro-BNP ranged from 7.62-22.2 ng/mL for the pre-paced samples with an increase to 12.0-34.5 ng/mL for the 4-week paced samples. Individual NT pro-BNP results were well correlated with severity of heart failure symptoms in the paced monkeys and echocardiographic determination of decrease cardiac function and cardiac dimensions. In the two monkeys with the most severe symptoms and cardiac failure, the level of NT pro-BNP was twice that of naïve monkeys. The remaining two animals demonstrated changes in their echocardiograms but were asymptomatic at 4-weeks. NT-pro-BNP was 0.7-1.5x levels of naïve monkeys.
Conclusions: Despite 90% sequence homology between humans and monkeys, good cross reactivity was not ob-served. These result clearly demonstrate that non-human primate assessments of NT pro-BNP must be carried out using monkey-specific assay kits. In the heart failure animals, NT pro-BNP levels were well correlated with severity of heart failure, further validating the ELISA assay kit. Due to inherent variability of NT pro-BNP among monkeys, pretest values are necessary to interpret results adequately.
2011 Travel Award
Jeffrey H. Bock. Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton, CT
“Comparison of Sysmex Flow Cytometric and Microscopic Bone Marrow Differentials in Wistar Rats" [K. A. Criswell, J. H. Bock, R. P. Giovanelli]
Abstract
Background: Preclinical drug trials frequently require evaluation of animal bone marrow to evaluate hematopoietic safety. Microscopic bone marrow evaluation is time-consuming and requires highly trained individuals. Flow cytometric determination of peroxidase activity, cell size, and lymphocyte immunophenotyping has previously been used for rodent bone marrows.
Methods: The Sysmex XT-2000iV hematology analyzer contains gates that may be manually set to capture individual populations. Therefore, it has the potential to further automate bone marrow analysis. This study was conducted to validate the cellular populations observed in Sysmex cytograms from rat bone marrow. Rats were treated with 0, 50, or 100 U/kg erythropoietin (EPO) or with 0, 5, 20, or 40 mg/ kg cyclophosphamide (CP). Pharmacologic modulation of hematopoietic populations with these compounds was evaluated using flow cytometric, microscopic, and Sysmex technologies.
Results: Erythropoietin produced a dose-dependent decrease in M:E (myeloid to erythroid ratio). Sysmex and manual mean M:E values were 1.3, 0.9, 0.8 vs. 1.3, 0.8, 0.7, respectively for the EPO-treated groups. Linear regression of M:E ratio was 0.8090 and 0.8996 for Sysmex and flow cytometric differentials and Sysmex and microscopic differentials, respectively. CP produced a decrease in bone marrow cellularity. Total nucleated cell count (TNC) decreased from 59.4 in controls to 51.5, 33.7, and 16.1 x 103 cells in CP-treated groups. Sysmex and manual mean M:E values were 1.0, 1.1, 2.9, 9.0 and 1.1, 1.1, 2.1, 5.0, respectively in the CP cohort, demonstrating the instrument’s ability to measure progressive changes in M:E. The linear regression between Sysmex and flow cytometry in CP-treated rats for M:E ratio reached 0.7819. Outliers in the flow method were due to extremely hypocellular bone marrow, resulting in flow results that failed to match microscopic differentials. In contrast, the linear regression for M:E between Sysmex and microscopic differentials was 0.9158 in CP-treated animals. This demonstrates that Sysmex technology can more accurately delineate bone marrow M:E ratio in rats under extreme hypocellularity conditions than flow cytometry. Lymphoid and erythroid populations overlapped in the Sysmex cytogram. Subsequent experiments depleted lymphocytes using a magnetic cell sorting (MACS) method (B cells with anti-rat CD45RA and T cells with anti-rat OX52). The positively selected populations were reanalyzed to demonstrate the specificity of each component cell type within the Sysmex cytogram. MACS effectively removed all lymphocytes from the samples and the recovered aliquots definitively linked Sysmex cytogram location for recovered lymphocytes. The average standard deviation from six bone marrows that were analyzed four times each for lymphocyte population was 0.37. An anti-myeloid MACS method was also used to verify the location of the myeloid population within the Sysmex histogram.
Conclusion: These studies demonstrate that the bone marrow populations achieved good separation when analyzed by the Sysmex XT-2000iV coupled with antilymphocyte MAC. Sysmex gating into mature and immature populations of myeloid and erythroid cells, and of lymphocytes was comparable to those achieved by flow cytometry or microscopic evaluations. This suggests that the Sysmex technology holds significant promise in demonstrating increased reproducibility while reducing analysis time and cellular expertise required to evaluate rodent bone marrow.
2010 Travel Award
David F. Adams, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, PA
“Evaluation of Species Specific Calibrations for Measuring Albumin in Urine of Dogs and Monkeys using an Automated Human Immunoturbidometric Assay" [D. F. Adams, K. M. Lynch, T. S. Sellers, and D. Ennulat.]
Abstract
The Siemens human immunoturbidometric microalbumin assay for the ADVIA® 1650 Chemistry System is an immunological method used to assess and/or monitor renal disease in clinical medicine. Application of this method for nonclinical species could provide a reliable and automated method for assessing kidney injury in nonclinical safety studies. However, the antihuman antibody used in this assay demonstrated only partial cross-reactivity to dog and cynomolgus monkey albumin. Here we describe the use of commercially available dog and cynomolgus monkey albumin to create species-specific calibrations for accurately measuring albumin in urine from beagle dogs and cynomolgus monkeys using the Siemens assay on the ADVIA 1650 Chemistry System. Stock solutions of dog and cynomolgus monkey albumin diluted in diH2O to concentrations of 500 mg/L were used to prepare multi-point calibration curves. Intra- and interassay precision was acceptable (CVs < 5%) using commercially available human controls (albumin concentrations of 30-40 mg/L and 150-200 mg/L) and dog and monkey urine. Linearity was demonstrated in both species across the calibration range of 5 to 500 mg/L (dog: R2= 0.9999, monkey: R2 = 0.9997). Additionally, the stock 500 mg/L calibrators were stable at -70oCfor 2 months. Spike/recovery evaluations demonstrated acceptable recovery (87-104%) in both species. Mean (min-max) urinary albumin (normalized to creatinine) values in clinically healthy beagle dogs and cynomolgus monkeys were 0.43 (0.03-2.80) mg/mmol and 1.47 (0.41-8.69) mg/mmol, respectively (n = 24/species). Additionally, urinary albumin concentrations for 20 clinically healthy beagle dogs correlated well (y = 2.87x + 12.93, R2 = 0.9488) with albumin concentrations measured using a dog specific microalbumin ELISA method. Species-specific calibration of the Siemens human immunoturbidometric microalbumin assay provides an easily adaptable automated method for measurement of urinary albumin concentrations in dogs and monkeys
2010 Travel Award
Cynthia I. Starks, Huntingdon Life Sciences, East Millstone, NJ
"The Determination of Enzygnost Thrombin Anti-Thrombin III Complex in Pig Citrated Plasma to Support Pre-Clinical Toxicology Studies" [C. Starks, B. Litzenberger, M. Genato, J. Dharmadhikari, C. McDonough].
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this project was to determine if the performance of the Siemens Diagnostics EIA test kit Enzygnost Thrombin Anti-Thrombin III Complex (TAT) (product #OWMG-15 or equivalent) was fit-for-purpose when analyzing pig citrated plasma to support pre-clinical safety assessment toxicology studies. Since the method is specific for human, matrix effect interference was evaluated.
Methods and Materials: The Siemens Diagnostics EIA test kit Enzygnost Thrombin Anti-Thrombin III Complex (TAT) (product #OWMG-15 or equivalent) is a sandwich enzyme immunoassay. TAT concentrations are quantified by measuring the test sample solution absorbance at a specified wavelength and comparing the values with those from a standard curve. The color intensity is proportional to the concentration of TAT. The calibration range was 2 to 60 ug/L. The Spectra Max 340 PC 384 Microplate Reader version 1.0 was used for testing. There were no design modification made to this assay, however a second control was made from the two highest standards provided in the kit. in order to demonstrate adequate analytical quality control over the calibration range (kit only offers 1 QC material).
Results: The Intra-assay precision and accuracy was conducted by analysing QCs and a pooled pig sodium citrated plasma in duplicate replicates of 5 within one run. The Intraassay precision measurements ranged from 2.6% to 4.2 % RSD for QC samples and 8.4% RSD for Pig sodium citrated plasma pool. The recovery of the QCs ranged from 84.1%to 86.9 %. The Inter-assay precision and accuracy was performed by analysing QCs and pool pig sodium citrated plasma in separate runs against at least three independent standard curves. The Inter-assay precision measurements ranged from 7.2 to 8.1 % relative standard deviation (RSD) for QC samples and 10.7 % RSD for the pig sodium citrated plasma pool. Matrix Effect was performed by preparing spiked samples, which consist of mixing each QC level with the pooled pig sodium citrated plasma at a 1:20 dilution. The mean recovery of the spikes samples ranged from 95.6% to 99.2 %. The assay was used on a study to evaluate treatment effects of a test device applied to a coagulopathic swine model. The group mean values. for pretest and two post treatment timepoints were 25.42 ug/L, 30.67 ug/L and 41.79 ug/L respectively.
Conclusion: The quantitative method for the measurement of Thrombin Anti-Thrombin in pig sodium citrated plasma using the Siemens Diagnostics EIA test kit Enzygnost Thrombin Anti- Thrombin III Complex (TAT) (product #OWMG-15 or equivalent) is fit-for-purpose when analyzing pig citrated plasma. The pre-clinical safety trial results demonstrates that the assay translates from human to pig and can serve as a biomarker for hemostasis evaluations.
2009 Travel Award
Janet DiPiero. Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ
A Comparison Study of the Hemoglobin A1c Assay in Rats and Monkeys using Siemens Advia® 1800 Chemistry System and Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
Abstract
This comparison study was designed to determine if the Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) assay using Siemens Advia® 1800 (Advia 1800) automated chemistry system was applicable for veterinary samples and would produce accurate results based on species. A study was designed to compare the automated assay to Hemoglobin Electrophoresis (electrophoresis), which is the universally accepted method for evaluating Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Electrophoresis is a process that causes movement of particles in an electric field, resulting in formation of "bands" that separate toward one end or the other in the field. The components then move away from each other at different rates, and when separated, form a series of distinctly pigmented bands. The bands are then compared with those of a normal sample with the concentration of HbA1c reported out as a percentage of total hemoglobin. Siemens Advia HbA1c automated assay is based on a two part methodology. First a total hemoglobin (tHb) concentration is determined by converting all different forms of hemoglobin into a single form to be measured spectrophotometrically, then a latex agglutination inhibition method is used for the measurement of specific HbA1c. The concentration of HbA1c and the concentration of tHb are measured and the ratio is reported as percent HbA1c.
Whole blood samples were obtained in tubes containing the anticoagulant potassium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (K2-EDTA) from 11 non-diabetic and 3 diabetic cynomologus monkeys via the femoral vein and 12 Zucker Diabetic Fatty lean (ZDF lean) and 2 Zucker Diabetic Fatty obese (ZDF obese) rats bled by cardiac puncture. Samples were aliquoted and stored at -80°C for approximately 1 month. One set of samples was sent to a reference laboratory for analysis of HbA1c by the electrophoresis method, and the other set of aliquots was analyzed on the Advia 1800. The results for HbA1c by electrophoresis were compared to the automated assay for cross reactivity in each species and correlation between methods.Results showed that the Advia 1800 automated assay did exhibit cross reactivity in each species and correlated to the standard electrophoresis method. For each method tested, an approximate 2-fold increase in HbA1c results were observed in the diabetic rat and monkey populations when compared to their respective non-diabetic populations.These findings indicate that selection of the automated Siemens Advia HbA1c assay can be used for veterinary testing in both rats and monkeys.
2009 Travel Award
Karen M. Lynch, GLAXOSMITHKLINE, Dept of Safety Assessment, King of Prussia, PA
Development of an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay for the measurement of regucalcin in serum and urine of rats.
Abstract
Regucalcin is a calcium-binding protein involved in regulation of intracellular homeostasis. The abundance of regucalcin in liver and kidney suggests that measurable amounts of regucalcin in serum or urine can reflect liver or kidney injury. A rat-specific assay for measurement of regucalcin in rat serum or urine was developed using a sandwich immunoassay format and Meso Scale Discovery® (MSD) platform. Recombinant rat regucalcin was expressed by baculovirus in SF9 cells with a flag/hexahis tag engineered on the N-terminus. The flag/hexahis/regucalcin was solubilized from cell lysate pellet, purified by Ni-NTA, refolded, and reprocessed under non-denaturing conditions on Ni-NTA followed by size exclusion chromatography. Purified rat regucalcin was used to immunize rabbits for polyclonal antibody production. Reactivity of the antibodies with the recombinant regucalcin protein was confirmed by demonstration of acceptable linearity (0.1-1000 ng/mL). All standards demonstrated acceptable precision (CV<15%) and accuracy (Relative Error + 10%) compared to nominal values when analyzed in duplicate over 8 analytical runs. Specificity of the assay for native rat regucalcin was demonstrated with dilutional linearity (y=142.47x +263.97; r2=0.997) using freshly prepared rat liver homogenate (0.98-22.1 ng/mL). Acceptable intra- and inter-assay precision (CVs <15%; 0.58-71.6 ng/mL) was demonstrated for rat serum, plasma, urine and liver homogenates. Acceptable recoveries (88%-119%; 0.186-18.6 ng/mL) were observed for rat liver homogenates, serum and plasma. Linearity (y=133.62x + 484.07; r2=0.999) and recovery (115-130%) of regucalcin in rat urine (10-100 ng/mL) were also demonstrated. Regucalcin is not detectable in the serum of naïve, clinically healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats however preliminary investigations have shown that regucalcin increases during liver or renal injury in the rat. In a 4-day study with methapyriline (150mg/kg), regucalcin was detected (0.4-0.5 ng/mL) in Day 5 serum samples from 2 of 5 high dose rats with periportal necrosis and maximum ALT increases (11X and 35X control). In a 7-day toxicity study with a compound that caused hepatobiliary degeneration in male SD rats, serum regucalcin was increased in 2 of 10 treated rats on Day 8 (up to 9 ng/mL). In contrast, low levels of regucalcin are normally present in urine of control rats (0.19-0.78 ng/μmol creatinine), and regucalcin has demonstrated potential for use as a marker of nephrotoxicity. In male Wistar rats given single doses of the proximal tubular toxicants hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD; 100mg/kg ip) or potassium dichromate fixanal (25mg/kg sc), mean urinary regucalcin (normalized to creatinine) values were increased at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours postdose (up to 65-fold control) in both studies, and maximum regucalcin changes preceded maximum urinary albumin increases by 12 to 36 hours in both studies, suggesting potential use as an early marker of kidney injury in the rat. In conclusion, a sensitive and precise rat-specific immunoassay has been developed for measurement of regucalcin in serum, plasma, tissue homogenates and urine using the Meso Scale Discovery® platform. Further investigations to assess the potential use of regucalcin as a biomarker of drug-induced tissue injury in rats are warranted.
2008 Travel Award
Qing H. Meng MD, PhD, Assistant Professor Department of Pathology Royal University Hospital, College of Medicine University of Saskatchewan
Beneficial Effects of Soy Isoflavones on Insulin Secretion, Glucose Control, and Cataract Prevention in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Abstract
Objectives: Isoflavones, mainly derived from soybean, are a group of biologically active substances with a chemical structure similar to that of estrogen. Although studies have shown the beneficial effects of soy protein consumption on diabetes, the effective components and the underlying mechanisms of soy protein have not been fully understood. In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects and mechanisms of soy isoflavones using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.
Materials and methods: Diabetes (type 1) was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg STZ. Diabetic rats were then randomly divided into 3 groups (n=9 each group) and received a special diet supplemented with 20% casein (control), 20% low-isoflavone soy protein (LIS), and 20% high-isoflavone soy protein (HIS) for 8 weeks, respectively. Serum lipid and glucose levels were measured on a Beckman Synchron LX20. Serum insulin was assayed using a commercial immunoassay kit by ELISA (Mercodia). Methylglyoxal, a glucose metabolite and strongly associated with diabetes and diabetic complications, was quantitated by HPLC.
Results: The body weights of diabetic rats in the HIS group were significantly increased compared to those in the LIS or control group (303.11 ± 15.65 vs. 257.14 ± 8.81 or 255.43 ± 11.9 g, p < 0.05). Compared with the LIS or control rats, serum glucose levels were significantly reduced (19.50 ± 1.85 vs 28.24 ± 3.56 or 26.94 ± 1.82 mmol/L, p < 0.05, respectively) and serum insulin levels were significantly increased (2.46 ± 0.35 vs 0.55 ± 0.04 or 0.39 ± 0.04 μg/L, p < 0.01, respectively) in the HIS rats. Serum methylglyoxal concentrations were lower in HIS rats than that in the LIS or control rats (0.77 ± 0.09 vs 1.57 ± 0.17 or 1.91 ± 0.28 nmol/L, p < 0.05). Serum glutathione levels were significantly increased in the HIS rats compared to the LIS or control rats. (13.26 ± 1.61 vs 7.35 ± 1.55 or 5.54 ± 1.10 mmol/L, p < 0.01). Serum HDL cholesterol levels were significantly increased in the HIS rats compared to that of the LIS or control rats but no significant changes in total cholesterol and triglycerides were observed. Immunohistostaining demonstrated increased insulin production in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans in diabetic rats treated with the HIS compared to the LIS or control group. Moreover, the death rate of diabetic rats was reduced. The development of cataracts was significantly delayed and the incidence of cataracts of diabetic rats was markedly decreased in the HIS group compared to that in the LIS or control group (p<0.05). There were no differences in all the above parameters between the LIS and control rats.
Conclusions: Ingestion of high soy isoflavones not only lowers glucose levels but also reduces the death rate and the incidence of cataracts in diabetic rats, which is demonstrated for the time. The beneficial effects of soy isoflavones are attributed to increased insulin secretion and antioxidant protection.
2008 Travel Award
M. M. Kuo. PhD, Amgen, Inc., Seattle, WA
Short-term and Long-term Stability of Sorbitol Dehydrogenase in Cynomolgus Monkey Serum
Abstract
Objective: Sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) along with other liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is used to assess hepatotoxicity in preclinical studies. The purpose of this study was to determine short-term and long-term stability of SDH under various storage conditions.
Methods: Serum samples from 10 different cynomolgus monkeys were spiked with extract of cynomolgus liver to achieve final SDH activities of approximately 100, 50, 25 and 12.5 U/L. To assess long-term storage stability, multiple serum aliquots for each level were frozen at -200C and -800C for 24 hrs, 48 hrs, 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, and 3 months. The frozen aliquots were thawed at room temperature (RT) and analyzed on the Olympus AU400 chemistry analyzer for AST, ALT and SDH at the above time points. To assess short-term storage stability, duplicate aliquots from each level were placed at RT and 40C for 1 hr, 2 hrs, 4 hrs, 6 hrs, 8 hrs and 24 hrs and analyzed for AST, ALT and SDH. In addition, to assess the effects of preanalytical and processing conditions neat (unspiked) aliquots of blood from one cynomolgus monkey were centrifuged 30 or 90 minutes after collection. Samples were analyzed for AST, ALT and SDH immediately after centrifugation and again after the following incubation conditions: 1 hr at 40C, 3 hrs at 40C, 3hrs at 40C + 2.5 hrs at RT.
Results:
Short-Term and Long-Term Stability (%CV)
- Storage Conditions AST ALT SDH
- RT for 24 hrs 1.6 1.3 3.5
- 40C for 24 hrs 1.1 1.0 2.2
- -200C for 3 months 2.8 50.8 6.9
- -800C for 3 months 1.5 1.6 5.8
Preanalytical and Processing Conditions (%CV)
- Processing Conditions AST ALT SDH
- 30 min Post Collection 1.1 0.0 0.9
- 90 min Post Collection 0.9 1.2 2.5
Conclusion: AST, ALT and SDH were stable up to 24 hours at room temperature and 40C, and up to 3 months at -800C. AST and SDH were stable up to 3 months at -200C, but ALT became unstable by 7 days. Variations in preanalytical and processing conditions had no effect on ALT, AST, and SDH stability up to 5.5 hours.
2007 Travel Award
Octavia M. Peck-Palmer, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Comparison of Analytical Performance of Three Murine Insulin Enzyme-Linked Immunoassays
Abstract
Background: As research continues to grow exponentially in the fields of diabetes, obesity and metabolic disease, the analysis of insulin concentration in rodent disease models is paramount. Commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA) can conveniently be performed by using a small amount of sample for the quantification of insulin in serum or plasma. Pre-analytical variables such as hemolysis need to be controlled especially in fasting animals since insulin concentrations in the fasting state is usually close to the limit of detection of the assays. During hemolysis, an insulin-degrading enzyme present in the red blood cells is responsible for the loss of insulin. Previous studies have shown that diamide, a thiol-oxidizing agent, prevents the hemolysis-induced loss of insulin without interfering with the assays studied.
Objective: To determine the analytical performance of 3 different commercially available ELISA kits and to determine if diamide is needed to prevent hemolysis-induced insulin loss.
Methods: Murine insulin ELISA kits were purchased from Alpco Diagnostics, Linco Research Inc. or Crystal Chem, Inc. to investigate precision, accuracy, and diamide effect. Testing was performed following manufacturer’s instructions. Optical density was measured using the ELx800TM ELISA plate reader. Data was converted to ng/mL using a quadratic parametric equation using Gen5TM software. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 4 (GraphPad Software Inc.). Precision and accuracy were expressed as the percentage of the coefficient of variation (%CV) and the percentage of recovery from the expected value. A commercial quality control material was used (Millipore Corporation, Billerica, MA) at different dilutions ranging from 0.2, to 6.4 ng/mL. Diamide was tested at a final concentration of 5 mM. Percent recovery from the expected insulin concentration or percent difference between mice insulin samples treated with and without diamide was calculated to measure the effect of diamide in the assays. Heparinized plasma from 18 hours fasting male and female CD-1 mice (n=20) or 18 hours fasting or fed GSK-3 female wild type (n=16) was obtained and stored at -20° C until assayed.
Results: Precision ranged from 31% to 2.6%, 12% to 0.7%, and 18% to 0.9% for the Alpco, Linco or Crystal Chem kits at concentrations of 0.2, 3.5, and 6.4 ng/mL, respectively. Accuracy averaged 120%, 101% and 109% for the Alpco, Linco or Crystal Chem assay kits for the range of concentrations tested. Percent recovery of insulin in a commercial material without diamide averaged 129%, 105%, and 111%; and 119%, 108% and 116% with diamide for the Alpco, Linco or Crystal Chem kits respectively. Percent difference between insulin concentrations in fasting and fed stages in the same GSK-3 wild type animal without diamide averaged an increase of 20%, 2.3% and 23%; and a decrease of 7%, 8% and 5% for diamide treated samples for the Alpco, Linco or Crystal Chem kits, respectively.
Conclusion: The murine ELISA Linco kit has the highest precision and accuracy at fasting insulin concentrations. When hemolysis is avoided during the pre-analytical process, diamide may not be needed to prevent hemolysis-induced insulin loss in the fasting stage.