New Delhi, April 28 (IANS) A team of Korean researchers has developed a new technology that uses body fluids to make accurate diagnoses of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in just 10 minutes.
Studies show that more than 50 per cent of the population aged 65 and older experience symptoms of osteoarthritis, while rheumatoid arthritis is known to be a serious chronic disease that affects approximately 1 in 100 people throughout their lifetime.
Although osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may appear similar, they differ in both their causes and treatments, making accurate differentiation at the early diagnosis stage critically important. Until now, diagnosis has relied on X-rays, MRI scans, and blood tests, which are time-consuming, costly, and limited in accuracy.
Researchers from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), in collaboration with Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital focussed on synovial fluid, found in the human joints.
The research team examined the differences in the composition of metabolites — byproducts of chemical processes occurring within the body — in synovial fluid.
By analysing these metabolic differences, they developed a technology capable of distinguishing between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis within 10 minutes, as well as assessing the severity of rheumatoid arthritis.
The research team utilised Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) technology, a phenomenon in which the optical signals of molecules are amplified several million times. This technology amplifies signals from trace molecules present in synovial fluid and, through a combination of AI-based analysis and mathematical algorithms, detects minute substances responsible for arthritis.
In addition, the team developed a simple and rapid diagnostic method using a sensor composed of a sea urchin-shaped gold nanostructure formed on a paper surface with high moisture absorption, enabling efficient detection via body fluids.
The researchers conducted tests using this technology on 120 patients.
The findings, published in Small, a globally renowned scientific journal in the field of nanomaterials, showed that osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis could be diagnosed and distinguished with an accuracy of over 94 per cent.
Furthermore, the technology achieved over 95 per cent accuracy in determining the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. These findings demonstrate that the technology not only significantly reduces the time and cost of arthritis diagnosis but also ensures a high level of diagnostic accuracy.
“If this technology is commercialised, it will not only aid in diagnosis but also be highly useful in monitoring treatment progress,” said lead researcher Dr. Ho Sang Jung, from the Advanced Bio and Healthcare Materials Research Division at KIMS.
“We also plan to continue expanding our research to cover a wider range of diseases in the future,” he added.
–IANS
rvt/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
