The M30 Apoptosense® ELISA is a non-invasive test for the detection of apoptosis of epithelially derived cells. Caspases are activated in apoptotic cells and cleave intracellular protein substrates. Keratin 18 (K18) is one such substrate, expressed by many epithelial cells (e.g. hepatocytes, intestinal cells, breast cells, prostate cells). Cleaved K18 is released into the circulation after cell death. The main uses of M30 Apoptosense® ELISA are to:
# Measure apoptosis of tumor cells in response to cytotoxic drugs (breast, prostate and other forms of carcinomas).
# Measure hepatocyte apoptosis to aid the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and steatosis in patients with hepatitis C virus infection.
# Serve as a biomarkers of epithelial apoptosis in liver and intestinal graft-versus-host disease.