Squalene epoxidase in the diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases
AssigneeThe Chinese University of Hong Kong
InventorsJun Yu, Dabin Liu, Chi-Chun Wong
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides a method for providing a diagnosis or prognosis of a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a subject by detecting expression level of the Squalene Epoxidase (SQLE) gene. A kit and device useful for such methods are also provided. In addition, the present invention provides a method for treating NAFLD by suppressing SQLE gene expression or activity.
Claims27
A method for assessing risk for a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a subject, comprising the steps of:
- (a) measuring Squalene Epoxidase (SQLE) level in a sample taken from the subject,
- (b) comparing the SQLE level obtained in step (a) with a standard control, and
- (c) determining the subject, who has an increased SQLE level compared with the standard control, as having an increased risk for NAFLD.
-15. (canceled)
A method for assessing likelihood of mortality from NAFLD-HCC in a NAFLD-HCC patient, comprising the steps of:
- (a) measuring SQLE level in a sample taken from a first patient,
- (b) comparing the SQLE level obtained in step (a) with SQLE level from a second sample of the same type obtained from the second NAFLD-HCC patient and measured by step (a), and
- (c) determining the patient, who has a higher SQLE level compared with the SQLE level determined in the sample of the same type obtained from the second NAFLD-HCC patient and measured by step (a), as having a higher likelihood of mortality from NAFLD-HCC compared with the second NAFLD-HCC patient;
- (or, determining the patient, who has a lower SQLE level compared with the SQLE level determined in the sample of the same type obtained from the second NAFLD-HCC patient and measured by step (a), as having a lower likelihood of mortality from NAFLD-HCC compared with the second NAFLD-HCC patient.
-27. (canceled)
A kit for detecting the presence or risk of an NAFLD in a subject, comprising (1) a standard control that provides an average amount of SQLE protein or SQLE mRNA or an average copy number of SQLE genomic sequence;
- and (2) an agent that specifically and quantitatively identifies SQLE protein, SQLE mRNA, or SQLE genomic sequence.
-34. (canceled)
A method for inhibiting progression of an NAFLD in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an SQLE inhibitor.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.