Katherine Garvey '99 - Honors

The Development of ELISA Methods for the Measurement of Oxidized LDL and Autoantibodies Against Oxidized LDL in Human Serum

Abstract

PA significant risk factor for the development of heart disease is oxidized low-density lipoproteins. Currently there are no methods which specifically measure oxidized LDL in serum. Therefore we are developing ELISA methods which specifically detect modified LDL (mLDL) and autoantibodies against mLDL in human serum. This sensitive assay has detected mLDL in concentrations as small as 50 ng/mL serum. Optimal assay conditions such as serum and antibody dilutions, as well as blocking agents and washing buffers have been determined. Ultimately this assay will be used to quantify levels of oxidatively modified LDL in patient serum, which can then be correlated with other risk factors to better predict a patient’s risk for developing heart disease.

Faculty Mentor: Amy Olson, PhD, RD