Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc, Hercules, Calif, a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research and clinical-diagnostic products, has introduced the new Bio-Plex Pro™ human diabetes assay panels for its Bio-Plex® suspension-array system.

Offered as one-multiplex and two-singleplex assays designed to achieve favorable working-assay ranges, the assay delivers accurate and reproducible multiplex measurements of human-diabetes and obesity markers.

The user-friendly multiplex analysis system allows for simultaneous analysis of up to 100 different biomolecules (proteins, peptides, or nucleic acids) in a single microplate well. Researchers can increase the amount of information they obtain from rare or volume-limited samples, such as mouse or rat serum and decipher complex interrelationships among proteins involved in signal-transduction pathways. The microplate platform allows the automated analysis of 96-well plates with a throughput of more than 1,800 assay points—for a 23-plex assay—in 30 minutes.

The suspension-array system is built around three core technologies: the family of fluorescently dyed microspheres (beads) from Luminex Corp; a flow cytometer with two lasers and associated optics to measure biochemical reactions occurring on the surface of the microspheres; and a high-speed digital signal processor to manage the fluorescent output.

The system integrates assay kits, software, calibration and validation tools, and instrumentation.

The product features:

•    A premixed 12-plex of analytes (C-peptide, ghrelin, GIP, and visfatin) that includes GLP-1, glucagon, IL6, insulin, leptin, PAi-1, resistin, TNF—work with magnetic beads, preblended detection antibodies, standards, and controls. The singleplex assays (adiponectin and adipsin) may be mixed together to form a 2-plex assay.
•    The reagent kit includes an assay buffer, wash buffer, streptavidin-PE, 96-well filter plate, sealing tape, and panel-specific instructions required to prepare assays and acquire data.
•    The diluents kit allows researchers to choose the appropriate diluents kit for diluting samples, standards, and controls.
 
The three main types of human diabetes are Type 1, Type 2, and gestational. While Type 1 diabetes is known to have a genetic basis, the underlying causes of Type 2 and gestational diabetes include both genetic and environmental (behavioral) factors.
 
Based on Centers for Disease Control and Preventions’s national health interview survey statistics, some 7% of the US population has diabetes and of these approximately 30% are undiagnosed. Approximately 1.5 million people annually are diagnosed with diabetes nationwide, with annual economic costs estimated at approximately $98 billion.

The obesity epidemic is a main contributor to the projected rise in these numbers. According to the World Health Organization, over 50% of the population of the United States, Europe, and Australia, and low- to moderate-income countries such as India, Russia, Mexico, and Egypt are overweight or obese and at risk for developing diabetes.

More than 83% of diagnosed cases of diabetes are Type 2. Overall, 75% of those suffering from diabetes will succumb to heart disease or stroke. Approximately $92 billion is spent annually in the United States on direct medical costs resulting from diabetes.