Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of N-linked glycan profiles of blood or blood component proteins as biomarkers for diagnosing diabetes mellitus and for monitoring the efficacy of anti-diabetic therapy. Specifically, the present invention relates to detecting changes in the amounts of N-linked glycans as diagnostic biomarkers for diabetes mellitus and as indicators of the efficacy of anti-diabetic therapy over time.

Abstract: The use of N-linked glycosylation pattern of serum proteins as a biomarker for evaluating the efficacy of intervention therapies for diabetes is disclosed. As disclosed herein, changes in the N-linked glycosylation of total plasma proteins precedes and predicts the decrease in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) associated with successful treatment of diabetes. Therefore, measuring changes in N-linked glycosylation of total serum plasma proteins over time may be used as a biomarker to evaluate or access the efficacy of an intervention therapy for diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of N-linked glycan profiles of blood or blood component proteins as biomarkers for diagnosing diabetes mellitus and for monitoring the efficacy of anti-diabetic therapy. Specifically, the present invention relates to detecting changes in the amounts of N-linked glycans as diagnostic biomarkers for diabetes mellitus and as indicators of the efficacy of anti-diabetic therapy over time.

Abstract: A method for accurately measuring an amount of natriuretic peptides in a sample that has stood for at least 24 hours, in a plastic tube or a tube coated with silicone. This method makes it possible to measure natriuretic peptides stably and conveniently. Also provided is a method for measuring the amount of natriuretic acid in a sample at the time of collection by measuring the amount of natriuretic peptide in a blood sample at two periods of time after collection.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the degradation of mammalian natriuretic peptides, in particular BNP, by using containers wherein the face coming into contact with specimens are made of a material is disclosed. Said material inhibits the activation of a substance, which in turn, degrades the peptides. This method makes it possible to collect specimens for measuring natriuretic peptides stably and conveniently. Also provided is a method for measuring natriuretic peptides by using these containers.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the degradation of mammalian natriuretic peptides, in particular BNP, by using containers wherein the face coming into contact with specimens are made of silicone or plastics. This material inhibits the activation of a substance, which in turn, degrades the peptides. This method makes it possible to collect specimens for measuring natriuretic peptides stably and conveniently. Also provided is a method for measuring natriuretic peptides by using these containers.

Abstract: An immunoassay specific for mammalian &ggr;-BNP derivatives, which uses the first antibody reactive with mammalian &agr;-BNP and the second antibody reactive with mammalian prepro-BNP or &ggr;-BNP derivatives and not &agr;-BNP, and at least one of the first and the second antibodies is optionally labeled detectably labeled or immobilized.

Abstract: An immunoassay specific for mammalian &ggr;-BNP derivatives, which uses the first antibody reactive with mammalian &agr;-BNP and the second antibody reactive with mammalian prepro-BNP or &ggr;-BNP derivatives and not &agr;-BNP, and at least one of the first and the second antibodies is optionally labeled detectably labeled or immobilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sandwich immunoassay for rapidly and readily measuring N-peptide using two kinds of monoclonal antibodies recognizing different portions of the N-peptide. The method for measuring N-peptide or a precursor thereof includes the steps of: incubating a mixture containing a sample and a first monoclonal antibody recognizing a portion of N-peptide; adding a labelled second monoclonal antibody recognizing a portion of N-peptide to the mixture, followed by further incubation; and detecting the resulting antigen-antibody complex in the mixture. Alternatively, the method includes the steps of: incubating a mixture containing a sample, a first monoclonal antibody recognizing a portion of N-peptide, and a labelled second monoclonal antibody recognizing another portion of N-peptide; and detecting the resulting antigen-antibody complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sandwich immunoassay for rapidly and readily measuring N-peptide using two kinds of monoclonal antibodies recognizing different portions of the N-peptide. The method for measuring N-peptide or a precursor thereof includes the steps of: incubating a mixture containing a sample and a first monoclonal antibody recognizing a portion of N-peptide; adding a labelled second monoclonal antibody recognizing a portion of N-peptide to the mixture, followed by further incubation; and detecting the resulting antigen-antibody complex in the mixture. Alternatively, the method includes the steps of: incubating a mixture containing a sample, a first monoclonal antibody recognizing a portion of N-peptide, and a labelled second monoclonal antibody recognizing another portion of N-peptide; and detecting the resulting antigen-antibody complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sandwich immunoassay for rapidly and readily measuring N-peptide using two kinds of monoclonal antibodies recognizing different portions of the N-peptide. The method for measuring N-peptide or a precursor thereof includes the steps of: incubating a mixture containing a sample and a first monoclonal antibody recognizing a portion of N-peptide; adding a labelled second monoclonal antibody recognizing a portion of N-peptide to the mixture, followed by further incubation; and detecting the resulting antigen-antibody complex in the mixture. Alternatively, the method includes the steps of: incubating a mixture containing a sample, a first monoclonal antibody recognizing a portion of N-peptide, and a labelled second monoclonal antibody recognizing another portion of N-peptide; and detecting the resulting antigen-antibody complex.