AU Researchers Develop Early Diagnostic Kit For Heart Disease Risk

Visakhapatnam: A research team at Andhra University has developed an early detection kit to assess the risk of atherosclerosis, a major cause of coronary artery disease.

Kit is the founder of the Center for Advanced Applied Biological Sciences and Entrepreneurship Laboratories operating in the Department of Zoology at Andhra University. It was designed by Manikanta Sodasani and Hemsai Yadav under the guidance of Ravikiran Yedidi.

Diagnostic testing is based on a simple blood sample. Dr Yedidi said only one ml of blood was required to be processed in the laboratory to extract proteins for analysis through a native zymogram. The results may help assess future risk of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis causes blockage of coronary arteries as a result of thickening of the inner walls of the arteries. If left untreated, angioplasty, stent placement, or bypass surgery may be required.

Dr Yedidi said the research team had applied for two patents for the new in vitro diagnostic test. In collaboration with the Department of Cardiology at King George Hospital, researchers Alekhya Nagireddy and Soujanya Gondala evaluated the test using multiple patient samples and developed a working prototype.

He said the diagnostic kit will be commercialized and launched soon through Andhra University Technology Transfer. He added that early risk assessment can help individuals manage future atherosclerosis through diet and exercise.