Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

JVCKENWOOD launches joint research with Oxford University and Sysmex R&D Center Europe GmbH to establish a system for predicting the onset of Pre-eclampsia using exosomes.

Copyright: Shutterstock (3d illustration of cells secreting exosomes)

overview

JVCKENWOOD Corporation (JVCKENWOOD) announces the launch of joint research with Oxford University*1 (UK) and Sysmex R&D Center Europe GmbH*2, an overseas subsidiary of Sysmex Corporation, aiming to establish a system for predicting the onset of preeclampsia using exosomes*3.

Dr Manu Vatish, Senior Clinical Fellow at the Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health has been awarded a grant from Sysmex-JVCKENWOOD for his project:  “To optimise the combination of antibody and assay method for exocounter to predict the onset of preeclampsia in first-trimester pregnancy". He commented:

 

manu"We are very excited to be working in partnership with Sysmex-JVCKENWOOD . This project is at the cutting edge of exosome research and we are confident that it will yield data that will ultimately have real clinical value".

 

 

 

ABOUT PRE-ECLAMPSIA

Preeclampsia, a hypertensive disease of pregnancy, presents with various clinical symptoms and signs—mainly high blood pressure and proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy. When it becomes severe, it causes eclampsia (convulsive seizures), restricted fetal development, and premature delivery. About 5% of pregnant women worldwide develop this disease, threatening the lives of both mother and child, but there is currently no effective treatment other than delivering the pregnancy (irrespective of gestational age). On the other hand, it has been known that taking a preventive drug from the beginning of pregnancy (before the onset of symptoms) may reduce the incidence of the disease, so a test for predicting onset is needed to appropriately prescribe the preventive drug.

 

AIMS OF RESEARCH 

The joint research aims to establish a technology for predicting the onset of preeclampsia using exosomes, and combines findings from long-term research activities by Oxford University and a diagnostic technologies using exosomes, which has jointly been being developed by JVCKENWOOD and Sysmex Corporation since 2016.

Oxford University has discovered that vesicle particles released by the placenta into the body called exosomes are effective for the early prediction of the onset of preeclampsia. The number of exosomes unique to pregnant women who have developed the disease is measured with our ExoCounter, a high-precision exosomes measurement system, and, combined with the technologies and knowledge in in vitro diagnostics field that Sysmex R&D Center Europe possesses, we will promote our joint research to establish a system for predicting the onset of the disease.

 

*1: Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford.

*2: An overseas subsidiary of Sysmex Corporation, established in Hamburg, Germany, in October 2018. In addition to exploring medical needs and technologies in Europe, developing new clinical applications, pre-marketing assessments of products, and building networks with medical and research institutes, the company works actively to acquire local R&D personnel and opportunities for new collaborations with local companies.

*3: About 50 to 100 nm vesicle particles secreted from many types of cell present in body fluids such as blood, saliva, and urine

 

Similar stories

New appointment at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Congratulations to Manu Vatish, Professor of Obstetrics & Consultant Obstetrician who has been appointed as the new Deputy Director for Maternal and Child Health Discovery at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Maternal fat metabolism in pregnancy and fetal abdominal growth influence child weight

A new study, led by researchers at the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley, USA, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology identifies, as early as the 5th month of pregnancy, patterns of fetal abdominal growth associated with maternal lipid metabolites that track newborn growth, adiposity and development into childhood.

New Professor of Obstetrics Title

Enormous well done to our new Professor Sally Collins - she was conferred the title of Professor of Obstetrics by the University's Medical Sciences Division Board.

INTERCOVID Study cited in the New Yorker

Fantastic news for our team who have been working on the INTERCOVID Study, which launched in April 2020. This week on 12th August 2022, the research findings cited in the New Yorker! This work was a combined effort from 43 institutions in 18 countries and involved more than two thousand pregnant women.

Women's Health Strategy for England Launched

The government has published the first ever Women's Health Strategy for England to tackle the gender health gap. Menopause, Endometriosis, Contraception and Fertility treatment are highlighted as some of the top issues women have asked for action on. The Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health welcome and fully support this bold and exciting strategy to help improve the health of millions of women in England.

Pregnancy is more likely with urine tests and timed intercourse

Dr Tatjana Gibbons leads study that suggests a woman's chance of conceiving is improved by using urine tests to detect the optimum time for intercourse, but further research is still needed to assess whether timed intercourse via any ovulation detection method creates a difference in live births and pregnancy rates.