Sekisui XenoTech now offers human liver tissue microarrays (TMA) and a microsomal pool for studying and developing new treatments for fatty liver disease (FLD). The microsomes and arrays feature non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and other liver tissue from the company’s Research Biobank . The initiative is part of Sekisui XenoTech’s ongoing commitment to furthering knowledge of hepatic diseases.

“Fatty liver disease is a highly pervasive condition that has a very significant impact on the health of modern society. We are supporting hepatology researchers with these collections of high-quality human tissues to advance basic knowledge of FLD and to develop new treatments for the illness,” explained Maciej Czerwinski, Ph.D., Sekisui XenoTech Director of Consulting who led the effort to establish the company’s research Biobank and develop the microarrays.

Nipah Virus Infection (NiV) is an emerging infectious disease of public health importance in the South-East Asia Region (source: World Health Organization). Along with Hendra virus (HeV), NiV is part of a new genus designated Henipavirus. Fruit bats have been identified as the natural reservoirs. Nevertheless, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, cats and dogs can also be infected and transmit the virus.

Symptoms of NiV infection are similar to influenza and in some cases can lead to encephalitis. The case fatality rate is high (40-70%) and there is no specific treatment. While able to bind with cellular EphrinB2, NiV G Protein (NiV-G) exhibits the antigenic epitopes and conformation necessary for specific antigen–antibody recognition. For this reason, Meridian Life Science have recently developed new Nipah virus glycoprotein (NiV-G) products suitable for the R&D projects of NiV using ELISA tests.

Released by the kidneys, Renin is an enzyme which belongs to the Renin-Angiotensin system (RAS) and is involved in blood pressure homeostasis.

In healthcare, Renin assay blood tests can be performed to find the cause of high blood pressure (hypertension). When tested alongside with Aldosterone measurements, one can obtain a complete understanding of an individual’s hormone balance.

Aldosterone Regulatory Hormone Signalling pathway. Souce Arbor Assay

In preclinical and fundamental research, a Renin ELISA test therefore becomes of interest to monitor this biomarker in various disease states particularly when analyzed together with other biomarkers like Aldosterone and Cortisol. Different disorders can then be differentiated such as Primary and Secondary Hyperaldosteronism, Cushing syndrome, and Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency)…

Enteroviruses are common human viruses causing rather mild symptoms. However many different species and serotypes (incl. Echoviruses, Polioviruses, Coxsackieviruses A and B) can cause serious illness (like EV71 & Coxsackie A16 with Hand Foot and Mouth Disease or EV70 with acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis, neurologic dysfunction and permanent polio-like paralysis).

In this brief post, you will discover recent Antigen & Antibody developments made in this field by Meridian Life Sciences.