U.S. patent application number 13/483359 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-20 for apparatus and method for processing information concerning biological condition, system, program and recording medium for managing information concerning biological condition.
This patent application is currently assigned to AJINOMOTO CO., INC.. Invention is credited to Takeshi Kimura, Yasushi Noguchi.
Application Number | 20120239366 13/483359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32510622 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120239366 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kimura; Takeshi ; et
al. |
September 20, 2012 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING INFORMATION CONCERNING
BIOLOGICAL CONDITION, SYSTEM, PROGRAM AND RECORDING MEDIUM FOR
MANAGING INFORMATION CONCERNING BIOLOGICAL CONDITION
Abstract
A system provided in accordance with the present invention
comprises a sever unit (100), which serves as an apparatus for
processing information concerning a biological condition
information, and a client unit (200), which serves as an
information terminal of a provider of the information on the
biological condition communicably connected to the server unit
(100) via a network (300). The server unit (100) determines a
composite index reflecting a plurality of metabolites indicative of
the biological condition based on the information on the biological
condition acquired from the client unit (200).
Inventors: |
Kimura; Takeshi;
(Kawasaki-shi, JP) ; Noguchi; Yasushi;
(Kawasaki-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
AJINOMOTO CO., INC.
|
Family ID: |
32510622 |
Appl. No.: |
13/483359 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11148352 |
Jun 9, 2005 |
8234075 |
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13483359 |
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PCT/JP03/15713 |
Dec 9, 2003 |
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11148352 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
703/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16B 40/00 20190201;
G16B 50/00 20190201; G16B 5/00 20190201 |
Class at
Publication: |
703/11 |
International
Class: |
G06G 7/60 20060101
G06G007/60 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 9, 2002 |
JP |
2002-357042 |
Aug 1, 2003 |
JP |
2003-205589 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for processing information concerning a biological
condition, comprising: a correlation formula setting unit for
setting a correlation formula represented by the following formula
1 that indicates a correlation between index data concerning a
biological condition measured in each individual and blood
concentration data measured for each metabolite in each individual;
k G k i { ( C i .times. A i ) + D i } j { ( E j .times. B j ) + F j
} + H ( 1 ) ##EQU00006## (wherein each of i, j, and k is a natural
number; each of A.sub.i and B.sub.j is data of concentration of the
metabolite in blood or values obtained from applying a function to
the concentration of the metabolite in blood; and each of C.sub.i,
D.sub.i, E.sub.j, F.sub.j, G.sub.k, and H is a constant); and a
biological condition simulation unit for simulating a biological
condition of an individual to be simulated by substituting a group
of blood concentration data measured for each metabolite in the
individual to be simulated into the correlation formula which is
set by the correlation formula setting unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/148,352, filed Jun. 9, 2005, which is a Continuation of
PCT/JP2003/015713, filed Dec. 9, 2003, which claims priority from
Japanese Application Nos. 2003-205589, filed Aug. 1, 2003, and
2002-357042, filed Dec. 9, 2002, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method
for processing information concerning a biological condition, as
well as to a system, a program, and a recording medium for managing
information concerning a biological condition. In particular, the
present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for
processing information concerning a biological condition, as well
as to a system, a program, and a recording medium for managing such
information that offer an analytical approach to determine a
combination of metabolites closely related to an index associated
with a particular biological condition. This approach is based on
the correlation between various phenomena defining biological
conditions (phenomics data) and a plurality of metabolites
(metabolomics data) that can be readily measured.
[0003] The present invention also relates to an apparatus, a
method, a system, a program, and a recording medium for determining
hepatic fibrosis stage. In particular, the present invention
relates to an apparatus, a method, a system, a program, and a
recording medium that allow the determination of a disease
condition indicative of the progression of hepatic fibrosis in
accordance with an index value of the disease condition of hepatic
fibrosis calculated on the basis of the amounts or concentration of
a plurality of metabolites (particular amino acids) that can be
readily measured.
[0004] The phrase "biological condition" as used herein refers to a
concept that includes healthy (normal) and diseased states. As used
herein, the phrase "index data concerning a measured biological
condition of an individual" refers to a concept that comprises
diagnostic data of the biological condition of an individual living
body. The term "index data" as used herein refers to a concept that
includes both quantitative data and qualitative data (e.g., sex and
presence of smoking habits).
BACKGROUND ART
[0005] Bioinformatics has given birth to rapidly developing new
analytical approaches used in a variety of stages in the course of
life process, from gene expression to complex phenomena in living
organisms. Among such approaches are genomics, transcriptomics,
proteomics, and metabolomics, each expected to have a significant
impact on future bioindustries. The most important step for
practical application of bioinformatics, however, is to understand
mechanisms of a life process at a variety of levels associated with
the life phenomenon of interest.
[0006] In the early days of genome analysis, many researchers
optimistically anticipated that genome information alone would
provide sufficient clues to unveil all the life processes. The
anticipation soon turned out to be wrong and currently many believe
that genome information alone would be insufficient, and proteome
and metabolome analyses are essential to understanding life
processes. This belief, however, is much the same as the previous
hypothesis that genome information alone enables complete
understanding of everything, only involving more information.
Needless to say, complete understanding of entire life processes
should allow us to determine what exact events are taking place in
a living body. This approach relying on ever increasing amounts of
information may sound ideal for those who are seeking ultimate
goals of science, but not for businesses whose goal is to achieve
practical results with limited resources and time. Nonetheless, the
exhaustive collection of information may be beneficial, provided
that our interests are limited to particular fields in which goals
are apparent in a degree.
[0007] Understanding of life processes at gene levels requires
enormous information about gene expression, translation into
proteins, binding between proteins, functions of enzymes, and
reaction rates of metabolites at cell levels, as well as
information about communications between cells and between organs,
and models to handle such information is required for accurate
prediction. Thus, two techniques are required: one for obtaining
information and the other for modeling such information.
[0008] As opposed to the techniques for efficiently obtaining
information on life processes, which have been improved
considerably, much has to be done to develop techniques for
complete modeling at the level of a living system. The current
modeling techniques may be effective in obtaining an amount of
information sufficient to make predictions with low accuracy, but
the conventional non-modeling approaches are often more effective
in terms of cost effectiveness as far as low accuracy predictions
are concerned.
[0009] Among the greatest concerns of medical practitioners are the
correlations between clinically measurable indices and associated
biological conditions of interest, such as a disease condition, and
knowledge about mechanisms and treatments of these conditions
derived from such correlations. Thus, it has become widely
recognized that exhaustive collection of information on a living
body alone is not enough, but techniques for analyzing correlations
between a biological condition of interest, such as a disease
condition, and various measurable indices are also required.
[0010] It has been considered that a disease marker of a particular
disease condition should be specific to the disease condition and a
one-to-one or similar restrictive relationship between the marker
and the disease condition has been required. One disease, however,
can affect many metabolites, suggesting that there is not always
one-to-one relationship between the disease and the associated
metabolites. Consequently, there are only limited number of simple
metabolite markers. Generally understanding how the metabolism of
all of metabolites changes during the course of a particular
disease can provide an index defining characteristic of the
metabolism of the disease. Considering the linkage of the
metabolism, behavior of not all the metabolites, but some of the
metabolites on a metabolic map (such as amino acids) can be tracked
to determine a variation of metabolism specific to a particular
disease condition.
[0011] In one conventional approach, for example, Fischer's ratio
has been proposed as an index of hepatic cirrhosis. The Fischer's
ratio is a ratio of the branched-chain amino acids to the aromatic
amino acids or ((Ile+Leu+Val)/(Phe+Tyr)). Under the condition of
hepatic cirrhosis, the branched-chain amino acids increase, whereas
the aromatic amino acids decrease. Another approach relies on a
trainable neural network. In this approach, various clinical
indices of disease conditions and healthy subjects are entered into
a computer, and the neural network is trained and optimized based
on the entered data so that it can discriminate one data from
another (non-linear analysis) and provide diagnoses therewith (U.S.
Pat. No. 5,687,716, referred to hereinafter as Patent Document No.
1). [0012] Patent Document No. 1: U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,716
[0013] Delivery of diagnoses using the technique described in
Patent Document No. 1 requires a pre-trained neural network or a
neural network having similar parameters. Thus, the diagnostic
indices according to Patent Document No. 1 rely on the analytical
techniques and instruments specified by the Patent Document No. 1.
For this reason, the diagnostic indices according to Patent
Document No. 1 cannot be used independently of the analytical
techniques and instruments disclosed in the Patent Document No. 1
and cannot thus serve as universal standards for disease
treatment.
[0014] Metabolites used as the diagnostic indices specified by the
technique described in Patent Document No. 1 may be examined for
their relationship on the metabolic map as well as for their
chemical, physiological, or pharmacological findings to analyze
mechanisms of diseases. The analysis by matching known metabolic
findings and the like with the diagnostic indices may enable
analysis of links between a disease condition and a metabolism.
Such an analysis may also provide information to prove
effectiveness of certain metabolites as diagnostic indices or
information that provides very useful clues to make new
metabological discoveries. However, with the prior-art techniques,
researchers have to manually perform each of these analyses.
[0015] In view of the foregoing problems, it is an objective of the
present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for
processing information concerning a biological condition, as well
as to a system, a program, and a recording medium for managing such
information that provide an analytical approach to determine a
combination of metabolites closely related to an index associated
with a particular biological condition. This approach is based on
the correlation between various phenomena defining biological
conditions (phenomics data) and a plurality of metabolites
(metabolomics data) that can be readily measured.
[0016] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
to an apparatus, a method, a system, a program, and a recording
medium that allow the determination of a disease condition
indicative of the progression of hepatic fibrosis in accordance
with an index value of the disease condition of hepatic fibrosis
calculated on the basis of the amounts or concentration of a
plurality of metabolites (particular amino acids) that can be
readily measured.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention has been devised based on many
findings that the present inventors have found out in the course of
their extensive studies. A variety of experiments have proved that
amino acids are metabolites that can be measured with high
accuracy, and that the deviation among the measurements is
significantly smaller than the deviation among individuals.
[0018] Data as to postprandial concentration of metabolites in
blood is known to reflect the change in a certain condition
involved with metabolisms, such as gene expression. Blood has
relations to all organs and thus may reflect a change in a certain
organ.
[0019] Under a particular biological condition (for example,
disease condition such as hepatic fibrosis), expression of multiple
genes involved in metabolism may be affected. Also, the behavior of
most of metabolites present in blood are linked to other
metabolites, so that even if a metabolite most closely related to a
particular biological condition is not measurable, another
metabolite linked to the first metabolite may be affected.
[0020] The present inventors have found that the correlations among
blood concentrations of a variety of metabolites in an individual
(in particular, amino acids) serve as a highly effective index of a
biological condition. That is, by analyzing the relationship
between the accurately measured blood concentrations of limited
range of metabolites such as amino acids and a particular
biological condition, a combination of metabolites phenomenally
associated with the particular biological condition can be
searched. Indices that can discriminate between healthy individuals
and individuals in a particular condition can be used in early
diagnosis of the particular condition.
[0021] To achieve the above-described objectives, each of the
apparatus for processing information concerning a biological
condition, the method for processing information concerning a
biological condition, and the program for allowing a computer to
execute the method according to the present invention is
characterized by comprising:
[0022] a correlation formula setting unit for (or a correlation
formula setting step of) setting a correlation formula represented
by the following formula 1 that indicates a correlation between
index data concerning a biological condition measured in each
individual and blood concentration data measured for each
metabolite I in each individual; and a biological condition
simulation unit for (or a biological condition simulation step of)
simulating a biological condition of an individual to be simulated
by substituting a group of blood concentration data measured for
each metabolite in the individual to be simulated into the
correlation formula which is set by the correlation formula setting
unit (or the correlation formula setting step):
k G k i { ( C i .times. A i ) + D i } j { ( E j .times. B j ) + F j
} + H ( 1 ) ##EQU00001##
(wherein each of i, j, and k is a natural number; each of A.sub.i
and B.sub.j is data of concentration of the metabolite in blood or
values obtained from applying a function to the concentration of
the metabolite in blood; and each of C.sub.i, D.sub.i, E.sub.j,
F.sub.j, G.sub.k and H is a constant.)
[0023] According to the apparatus, the method, and the program
described above, a correlation formula represented by the formula 1
that indicates a correlation between index data concerning a
biological condition measured in each individual and the blood
concentration data measured for each metabolite in each individual
is set, and a biological condition of the individual of interest is
simulated by substituting into the set correlation formula a group
of blood concentration data measured for each metabolite in the
individual to be simulated. Thus, the apparatus, the method, and
the program enable effective simulation of the condition of health,
the condition of disease progression, the condition of disease
treatment, the risk of future disease, the efficacy of a drug, the
side effect of a drug, and various other conditions based on the
blood concentration of metabolites in the individual.
[0024] The term "simulation" as used herein refers to a concept
comprising obtaining numerical values based on a set model (e.g.,
"correlation formula" according to the present invention) and
evaluating the obtained numerical value based on a predetermined
threshold value to determine the presence of a particular
biological condition.
[0025] For example, the present invention can be applied to
diagnosis for predicting the risk of the onset of a disease after a
certain period of time. Specifically, a correlation formula is
constructed based on the previously obtained data of concentrations
of metabolites in blood (e.g., blood amino acid levels obtained 10
years ago) and index data concerning the current disease or health
condition. By substituting the current data of concentration of
metabolites in blood into the correlation formula, the future
disease or health condition can be effectively simulated.
[0026] The present invention can also be used to simulate efficacy
and side effects of drug administration (e.g., efficacy of drug
administration such as interferons (IFNs)) and to simulate changes
in biological conditions caused by stress or other factors (e.g.,
changes in biological conditions when the subject is stimulated by
meals for example).
[0027] The correlation formula may be set by the correlation
formula setting unit for (or the correlation formula setting step
of) setting the formula by either of the following two approaches:
first substitute the blood amino acid levels of clinical data into
the formula 1 and then determine each constant in the formula 1, or
use a predetermined correlation formula. In the latter approach,
the correlation formulae with each constant determined by the first
approach may be previously stored in a predetermined file of a
memory unit and a desired correlation formula is then selected from
the file, or the correlation formulae previously stored in a memory
unit of another computer may be downloaded via a network.
[0028] In each of the apparatus for processing information
concerning a biological condition, the method for processing
information concerning a biological condition, and the program
according to the next invention, the correlation formula setting
unit (or the correlation formula setting step) in the apparatus,
the method, or the program described above is characterized by
comprising:
[0029] a correlation determining unit for (or a correlation
determining step of) determining a correlation between the index
data concerning the biological condition measured in each
individual and each metabolite based on the index data and the
group of blood concentration data measured for each metabolite in
each individual;
[0030] a correlation formula generating unit for (or a correlation
formula generating step of) generating a correlation formula
involving a plurality of metabolites for the biological condition,
the generation being carried out according to a predetermined
calculation method and based on the correlation as to each
metabolite determined by the correlation determining unit (or the
correlation determining step); and
[0031] an optimization unit (or an optimization step) for
optimizing the correlation formula based on the correlation
coefficient for the index data concerning the biological condition
of the correlation formula determined by the correlation formula
generating unit (or the correlation formula generating step).
[0032] This is a more specific example of the correlation formula
setting unit (correlation formula setting step). According to the
apparatus, the method, and the program described above, a
correlation between index data concerning the measured biological
condition of each individual and each metabolite is determined
based on the index data and the group of blood concentration data
measured for each metabolite in each individual, a correlation
formula (correlation function) for a plurality of metabolites for
the biological condition is generated by a predetermined
calculation method and based on the correlation of each metabolite
determined, and the correlation formula is optimized based on the
correlation coefficient for the index data concerning the
biological condition of the determined correlation formula. Thus,
it is possible to use a formula highly correlated with the
biological condition as a composite index reflecting a biological
condition and allow effective calculation of the composite index,
which consists of measurable metabolites highly correlated with the
biological condition, such as amino acids.
[0033] As used herein, the phrase "to optimize the correlation
formula based on the correlation coefficient" means to select a
correlation formula, for example, so that the correlation
coefficient ranks high (for example, top 20) or, preferably, is
maximized.
[0034] It is also made possible to obtain a composite index for
each biological condition, so that the results of a single test
for, for example, blood amino acid levels may be sufficient to
screen many biological conditions. This leads to a significant
reduction in the cost of testing.
[0035] It is further made possible to diagnose the presence of a
biological condition in the past for which the biological condition
index was not available at the time of testing, by analyzing the
past data once the composite index has been determined.
[0036] It is further made possible to develop a treatment for a
biological condition using the composite index as a marker, because
the metabolites composing the composite index for the biological
condition are the potential cause or the outcome of the biological
condition.
[0037] As used herein, the "index data concerning a biological
condition" may be actual numerical data such as those of various
measurements and test results, or it may be any numerical value
assigned, for example, to a healthy or diseased condition, as shown
in the following example. In the latter case, a particular disease
condition can be analyzed by assigning a numerical value to the
disease or the levels of the disease even if the actual numerical
data are not available:
(Examples) healthy=0, obesity=1; healthy=1, mild diabetes=2, severe
diabetes=3, etc.
[0038] In case of diseases with no existing indices, the present
invention also enables determination of the presence of biological
conditions that have no effective diagnostic indices available and
thus have been difficult to diagnose.
[0039] In each of the apparatus for processing information
concerning a biological condition, the method for processing
information concerning a biological condition, and the program
according to the next invention, the optimization unit (or the
optimization step) in the apparatus, method, or program described
above is characterized by further comprising a metabolite selecting
unit (metabolite selecting step) for selecting some of the
metabolites, in which the plurality of metabolites selected by the
metabolite selecting unit (metabolite selecting step) are used to
construct the correlation formula, to calculate the correlation
coefficient for the index data concerning the biological condition,
and to optimize the combination of metabolites based on the
correlation coefficient for the index data concerning the
biological condition and the number of the metabolites.
[0040] This is a more specific example of the optimization unit
(optimization step). According to the apparatus, the method, and
the program described above, some of the metabolites are selected,
the correlation formula is constructed using the plurality of
metabolites selected, the correlation coefficient for the index
data concerning the biological condition is calculated, and the
combination of metabolites is optimized based on the correlation
coefficient and the number of the metabolites. Thus, the apparatus,
the method and the program enable exhaustive and automatic removal
of selected amino acids and thus allow effective determination of a
composite index for a biological condition.
[0041] As used herein, the phrase "to optimize the combination of
metabolites based on the correlation coefficient and the number of
the metabolites" means to select a combination of metabolites so
that the correlation coefficient ranks high (for example, top 20)
and the number of the metabolites is minimized. Preferably, the
correlation coefficient is maximized and the number of the
metabolites is minimized.
[0042] In each of the apparatus for processing information
concerning a biological condition, the method for processing
information concerning a biological condition, and the program
according to the next invention, the optimization unit (or the
optimization step) in the apparatus, method, or program described
above is characterized by further comprising a calculation formula
splitting unit for (calculation formula splitting step of)
splitting the calculation formula, in which the calculation formula
split by the calculation formula splitting unit (calculation
formula splitting step) is used to calculate the correlation
formula involving a plurality of metabolites for the biological
condition, and the combination of the splits is optimized based on
the correlation coefficient for the index data concerning the
biological condition.
[0043] This is a more specific example of the optimization unit
(optimization step). According to the apparatus, the method, and
the program described above, the calculation formula is split, and
the split calculation formula is used to calculate the correlation
formula involving a plurality of metabolites for the biological
condition and to optimize the combination of the splits based on
the correlation coefficient for the index data concerning the
biological condition. Thus, the apparatus, the method, and the
program enable exhaustive and automatic splitting of each
calculation formula and thus allow effective determination of a
composite index for a biological condition.
[0044] As used herein, the phrase "to optimize the combination of
the splits based on the correlation coefficient" means to select a
combination of splits so that the correlation coefficient ranks
high (for example, top 20) and, preferably, so that the correlation
coefficient is maximized.
[0045] In each of the apparatus for processing information
concerning a biological condition, the method for processing
information concerning a biological condition, and the program
according to the present invention, the optimization unit (or the
optimization step) in the apparatus, method, or program described
above is characterized by further comprising a metabolic map
splitting unit for (or a metabolic map splitting step of) splitting
the calculation formula based on the metabolic map information, in
which the calculation formula split by the metabolic map splitting
unit (metabolic map splitting step) is used to calculate the
correlation formula involving a plurality of metabolites for the
biological condition.
[0046] This is a more specific example of the optimization unit
(optimization step). According to the apparatus, the method, and
the program described above, the calculation formula is split based
on the metabolic map information and the calculation formula split
is used to calculate the correlation formula involving a plurality
of metabolites for the biological condition. Thus, the apparatus,
the method and the program enable automatic split of the
calculation formula based on the biochemical information of the
metabolic map of metabolites involved in a biological condition if
such metabolic maps are already known.
[0047] Alternatively, the relationship among the metabolites in the
calculated correlation formula may be converted into a numerical
value, which in turn is projected onto a metabolic map to allow
estimation of metabolic flux or rate-limiting steps of the
metabolism.
[0048] In each of the apparatus for processing information
concerning a biological condition, the method for processing
information concerning a biological condition, and the program
according to the next invention, the metabolite in the apparatus,
method, or program described above is an amino acid.
[0049] This is a more specific example of the metabolite. Since the
metabolite is an amino acid, the apparatus, the method and the
program make it possible to take advantage of properties of amino
acids, such as high accuracy of measurements of the metabolites and
significantly smaller deviation among measurements as compared to
deviation among individuals, so that reliable composite index for a
biological condition can be obtained.
[0050] The present invention also relates to a system for managing
information concerning a biological condition. The system is
characterized by comprising:
[0051] an apparatus for processing information concerning a
biological condition; and
[0052] an information terminal of a provider of information about
the biological condition, the information terminal being
communicably connected via a network to the apparatus for
processing information;
[0053] wherein the apparatus for processing information concerning
the biological condition comprises: [0054] a correlation formula
setting unit for setting a correlation formula represented by the
following formula 1 that indicates a correlation between index data
concerning a biological condition measured in each individual and
blood concentration data measured for each metabolite in each
individual; [0055] a blood concentration data group acquiring unit
for acquiring from the information terminal a group of blood
concentration data measured for each metabolite in an individual to
be simulated; [0056] a biological condition simulating unit for
simulating a biological condition of the individual to be simulated
by substituting the group of blood concentration data measured for
each metabolite in the individual to be simulated, the data being
obtained at the blood concentration data group acquiring unit, into
the correlation formula which is set by the correlation formula
setting unit; and [0057] an analysis result sending unit for
sending the results of the simulation of the biological condition
of the individual simulated by the biological condition simulating
unit to the information terminal which is a sender of the group of
blood concentration data;
[0058] wherein the information terminal comprises: [0059] a sending
unit for sending the group of blood concentration data to the
apparatus for processing information concerning the biological
condition; and [0060] a receiving unit for receiving the results of
the simulation corresponding to the group of blood concentration
data that have been sent by the sending unit, from the apparatus
for processing information concerning the biological condition:
[0060] k G k i { ( C i .times. A i ) + D i } j { ( E j .times. B j
) + F j } + H ( 1 ) ##EQU00002##
wherein each of i, j, and k is a natural number; each of A.sub.i
and B.sub.j is data of concentration of the metabolite in blood or
values obtained from applying a function to the concentration of
the metabolite in blood; and each of C.sub.i, D.sub.i, E.sub.j,
F.sub.j, G.sub.k and H is a constant.
[0061] According to the system described above, a correlation
formula represented by the following formula 1 that indicates a
correlation between index data concerning a biological condition
measured in each individual and data of concentrations of
metabolites in blood measured in each individual is set, a group of
blood concentration data measured for each metabolite in an
individual to be simulated is acquired from the information
terminal, the group of blood concentration data measured for each
metabolite in the individual to be simulated is substituted into
the set correlation formula set to simulate a biological condition
of the individual, the results of the simulation of the biological
condition of the individual are sent to the information terminal to
which the group of blood concentration data has been sent, the
information terminal sends the group of the blood concentration
data to the information processing apparatus, and the results of
the simulation corresponding to the sent group of the blood
concentration data are received from the information processing
apparatus. Thus, the system enables effective simulation of the
condition of health, the condition of disease progression, the
condition of disease treatment, the risk of future disease, the
efficacy of a drug, the side effect of a drug, and other conditions
based on the blood concentration of metabolites in the
individual.
[0062] The term "simulation" as used herein refers to a concept
comprising obtaining numerical values based on a set model (e.g.,
correlation formula according to the present invention) and
evaluating the obtained numerical value based on a predetermined
threshold value to determine the presence of a particular
biological condition.
[0063] For example, the present invention can be applied to
diagnosis for predicting the risk of the onset of a disease after a
certain period of time. Specifically, a correlation formula is
constructed based on the data of previously obtained concentrations
of metabolites in blood (e.g., blood amino acid levels obtained 10
years ago) and index data concerning the current disease or health
condition. By substituting the current data of concentrations of
metabolites in blood into the correlation formula, the future
disease or health condition can be effectively simulated.
[0064] The present invention can also be used to simulate efficacy
and side effects of drug administration (e.g., efficacy of drug
administration such as interferons (IFNs)) and to simulate changes
in biological conditions caused by stress or other factors (e.g.,
changes in biological conditions when the subject is stimulated by
meals for example).
[0065] In the system for managing information concerning a
biological condition according to the next invention, the
correlation formula setting unit in the system described above is
characterized by comprising:
[0066] a correlation determining unit for determining a correlation
between the index data concerning the biological condition measured
in each individual and each metabolite based on the index data and
a group of blood concentration data measured for each metabolite in
each individual;
[0067] a correlation formula generating unit for generating the
correlation formula involving a plurality of metabolites for the
biological condition, the generation being carried out according to
a predetermined calculation method and based on the correlation as
to each metabolite determined by the correlation determining unit;
and
[0068] an optimization unit for optimizing the correlation formula
based on the correlation coefficient for the index data concerning
the biological condition of the correlation formula determined by
the correlation formula generating unit.
[0069] This is a more specific example of the correlation formula
setting unit. According to the system described above, in the
biological condition information processing apparatus, a
correlation between index data concerning a measured biological
condition of each individual and each metabolite is determined
based on the index data and a group of blood concentration data
measured for each metabolite in each individual, a correlation
formula (correlation function) for a plurality of metabolites for
the biological condition is generated by a predetermined
calculation method and based on the correlation of each metabolite
determined, and the correlation formula is optimized based on the
correlation coefficient for the index data concerning the
biological condition of the determined correlation formula. Thus,
the system enables the use of a formula highly correlated with the
biological condition as a composite index reflecting the biological
condition and allows effective calculation of the composite index,
which consists of measurable metabolites highly correlated with the
biological condition, such as amino acids.
[0070] As used herein, the phrase "to optimize the correlation
formula based on the correlation coefficient" means to select a
correlation formula, for example, so that the correlation
coefficient ranks high (for example, top 20) or, preferably, is
maximized.
[0071] It is also made possible to obtain a composite index for
each biological condition, so that the results of a single test
for, for example, blood amino acid levels may be sufficient to
screen many biological conditions. This leads to a significant
reduction in the cost of testing.
[0072] It is further made possible to diagnose the presence of a
biological condition in the past for which the biological condition
index was not available at the time of testing, by analyzing the
past data once the composite index has been determined.
[0073] It is further made possible to develop a treatment for a
biological condition using the composite index as a marker, since
the metabolites composing the composite index for the biological
condition may be the potential cause or the outcome of the
biological condition.
[0074] As used herein, the "index data concerning a biological
condition" may be actual numerical data such as those for various
measurements and test results, or it may be any numerical value
assigned, for example, to a healthy or diseased condition, as shown
in the following example. In the latter case, a particular disease
condition can be analyzed by assigning a numerical value to the
disease or the levels of the disease even if the actual numerical
data are not available:
Examples
[0075] healthy=0, obesity=1; healthy=1, mild diabetes=2, severe
diabetes=3, etc.
[0076] In case of diseases with no existing indices, the present
invention also enables determination of the presence of biological
conditions that have no effective diagnostic indices available and
thus have been difficult to diagnose.
[0077] In the system for managing information concerning a
biological condition according to the next invention, the
optimization unit in the system described above is characterized by
further comprising a metabolite selecting unit for selecting some
of the metabolites, in which the plurality of metabolites selected
by the metabolite selecting unit are used to construct the
correlation formula, to calculate the correlation coefficient for
the index data concerning the biological condition, and to optimize
the combination of metabolites based on the correlation coefficient
for the index data concerning the biological condition and the
number of the metabolites.
[0078] This is a more specific example of the optimization unit.
According to the system described above, some of the metabolites
are selected, the correlation formula is constructed using the
plurality of metabolites selected, the correlation coefficient for
the index data concerning the biological condition is calculated,
and the combination of metabolites is optimized based on the
correlation coefficient and the number of the metabolites. Thus,
the system enables exhaustive and automatic removal of selected
amino acids and thus allows effective determination of a composite
index for a biological condition.
[0079] As used herein, the phrase "to optimize the combination of
metabolites based on the correlation coefficient and the number of
the metabolites" means to select a combination of metabolites so
that the correlation coefficient ranks high (for example, top 20)
and the number of the metabolites is minimized. Preferably, the
correlation coefficient is maximized and the number of the
metabolites is minimized.
[0080] In the system for managing information concerning a
biological condition according to the next invention, the
optimization unit in the system described above is characterized by
further comprising a calculation formula splitting unit for
splitting the calculation formula, in which the calculation formula
split by the calculation formula splitting unit is used to
calculate the correlation formula involving a plurality of
metabolites for the biological condition, and the combination of
the splits is optimized based on the correlation coefficient for
the index data concerning the biological condition.
[0081] This is a more specific example of the optimization unit.
According to the system described above, the calculation formula is
split, and the split calculation formula is used to calculate the
correlation formula involving a plurality of metabolites for the
biological condition and to optimize the combination of the splits
based on the correlation coefficient for the index data concerning
the biological condition. Thus, the system enables exhaustive and
automatic splitting of each calculation formula and thus allows
effective determination of a composite index for a biological
condition.
[0082] As used herein, the phrase "to optimize the combination of
the splits based on the correlation coefficient" means to select a
combination of splits so that the correlation coefficient ranks
high (for example, top 20) and, preferably, so that the correlation
coefficient is maximized.
[0083] In the system for managing information concerning a
biological condition according to the next invention, the
optimization unit in the system described above is characterized by
further comprising a metabolic map splitting unit for splitting the
calculation formula based on the metabolic map information, in
which the calculation formula split by the metabolic map splitting
unit is used to calculate correlation formula involving a plurality
of metabolites for the biological condition.
[0084] This is a more specific example of the optimization unit.
According to the system described above, the calculation formula is
split based on the metabolic map information and the calculation
formula split is used to calculate the correlation formula
involving a plurality of metabolites for the biological condition.
Thus, the system enables automatic split of the calculation formula
based on the biochemical information of the metabolic map of
metabolites involved in a biological condition if such metabolic
maps are already known.
[0085] Alternatively, the relationship among the metabolites in the
calculated correlation formula may be converted into a numerical
value, which in turn is projected onto a metabolic map to allow
estimation of metabolic flux or rate-limiting steps of the
metabolism.
[0086] In the system for managing information concerning a
biological condition according to the next invention, the
metabolite in the system described above is an amino acid.
[0087] This is a more specific example of the metabolite. Since the
metabolite is an amino acid, the system makes it possible to take
advantage of properties of amino acids, such as high accuracy of
measurements of the metabolites and significantly smaller deviation
among measurements as compared to deviation among individuals, so
that reliable composite index for a biological condition can be
obtained.
[0088] The present invention also relates to a recording medium
that has the above-described program recorded therein.
[0089] The recording medium can provide the stored program to a
computer, which reads out and executes the program to implement the
same tasks, whereby the same advantage as these programs can be
obtained.
[0090] The present invention also relates to an apparatus and a
method for determining hepatic fibrosis stage, as well as to a
program for executing the method. The apparatus, the method, and
the program are characterized by comprising:
[0091] a blood concentration data acquiring unit for (or a blood
concentration data acquiring step of) acquiring a group of blood
concentration data measured for each metabolite in each
individual;
[0092] a disease condition index value calculating unit for (or a
disease condition index value calculating step of) calculating an
index value indicative of the disease condition of hepatic fibrosis
from the group of blood concentration data acquired by the blood
concentration data acquiring unit (blood concentration data
acquiring step), the calculation being performed based on at least
one of the following composite indices 1 through 4:
Composite index 1
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 2
(Asn+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Met+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 3
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit);
and
Composite index 4
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asp+Asn); and
[0093] a disease condition determining unit for (or a disease
condition determining step of) determining the disease condition
indicative of the progression of hepatic fibrosis based on the
disease condition index value calculated by the disease condition
index value calculating unit (or disease condition index value
calculating step).
[0094] According to the apparatus, the method, and the program
described above, a group of blood concentration data measured for
each metabolite in each individual is acquired, an index value
indicative of the disease condition of hepatic fibrosis is
calculated from the acquired group of blood concentration data
based on at least one of the following composite indices 1 through
4:
Composite index 1
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 2
(Asn+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Met+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 3
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit);
and
Composite index 4
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asp+Asn); and
the disease condition of hepatic fibrosis is determined based on
the calculated disease condition index value. Thus, the apparatus,
the method, and the program make it possible to screen many
individuals for hepatic fibrosis by using the results of a single
test for, for example, blood amino acid levels. This leads to a
significant reduction in the cost of testing.
[0095] It is also made possible to diagnose hepatic fibrosis by
analyzing the data of blood amino acid level obtained in the
past.
[0096] The use of one of the four composite indices 1 through 4 as
a marker of hepatic fibrosis makes it possible to develop a
treatment for the disease, since the metabolites composing one of
the four composite indices 1 through 4 for hepatic fibrosis may be
the potential cause or the outcome of the disease.
[0097] The amino acids in at least one of the four composite
indices 1 through 4 may be replaced by other chemically equivalent
compounds, such as other amino acids.
[0098] Specifically, at least one of the four indices 1 through 4
may be replaced by the corresponding formulae of composite indices
shown below.
[0099] For example, the composite index 1 may be replaced by any of
the following composite indices 1-1 through 1-20:
Composite index 1-1
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-2
(Asn)/(Tau+Ile)+(Gln)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-3
(Asn)/(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Ile)+(Gln)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-4
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-5
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Ile+Trp);
Composite index 1-6
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Asp+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-7
(Asn)/(Tau+Ile)+(Gln)/(Asp+Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-8
(Asn)/(Tau+Ile)+(Gln+Met)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-9
(Asn)/(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Ile)+(Gln)/(Asp+Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-10
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln+Met)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-11
(Asn)/(Tau+Asp+(.alpha.-ABA)+Ile)+(Gln)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-12
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+(.alpha.-ABA)+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-13
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Ile+Trp);
Composite index 1-14
(Asn)/(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Ile)+(Gln+Met)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-15
(Asn)/(Tau+Asp+Ile)+(Gln)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-16
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Asp+Ser+Val+Ile+Trp);
Composite index 1-17
(Asn)/(Tau+Ile)+(Gln+Met)/(Asp+Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-18
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+(.alpha.-ABA)+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-19
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr)+(Gln+Met)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp); and
Composite index 1-20
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+(.alpha.-ABA)+Val+Ile+Trp).
[0100] The composite index 2 may be replaced by any of the
following composite indices 2-1 through 2-20:
Composite index 2-1
(Asn+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Met+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-2
(Asn+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-3
(Asn+Met+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-4
(Asn+Met+Tyr)/(Asp+Cit)+(Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA);
Composite index 2-5
(Asn+Met)/(Cit)+(Tyr+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-6
(Asn+Tyr)/(Asp+Cit)+(Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA);
Composite index 2-7
(Asn+Tyr)/(Asp+Cit)+(Met+Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA);
Composite index 2-8
(Asn)/(Cit)+(Tyr+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-9
(Asn)/(Thr+Cit+(.alpha.-ABA))+(Met)/(His+Trp);
Composite index 2-10
(Asn)/(Cit)+(Met+Tyr+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-11
(Asn)/(Thr+Cit+(.alpha.-ABA))+(Met)/(Asp+His+Trp);
Composite index 2-12
(Asn)/(Thr+Glu)+(Met)/(Cit+(.alpha.-ABA)+Trp);
Composite index 2-13
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr+Cit+(.alpha.-ABA))+(Met)/(His+Trp);
Composite index 2-14
(Asn)/(Thr+Cit+(.alpha.-ABA))+(Met)/(Glu+His+Trp);
Composite index 2-15
(Asn+Met)/(Asp+Cit)+(Tyr+Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA);
Composite index 2-16
(Asn+Met)/(Cit)+(Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-17
(Asn)/(Cit+(.alpha.-ABA)+His)+(Met)/(Thr+Glu+Trp);
Composite index 2-18
(Asn)/(Cit+(.alpha.-ABA)+His)+(Met)/(Thr+Trp);
Composite index 2-19
(Asn)/(Cit+His+Trp)+(Met)/(Thr+(.alpha.-ABA)); and
Composite index 2-20
(Asn+Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA)+(Met+Tyr)/(Asp+Cit).
[0101] The composite index 3 may be replaced by any of the
following composite indices 3-1 through 3-20:
Composite index 3-1
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit);
Composite index 3-2
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+C-
it);
Composite index 3-3
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asn+Cit+Tyr);
Composite index 3-4
(Tau+Gly)/(Asp+Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit);
Composite index 3-5
(Tau+Gly)/(Asp+Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+C-
it);
Composite index 3-6
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit);
Composite index 3-7
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asp+Thr+Asn+C-
it);
Composite index 3-8
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+C-
it);
Composite index 3-9
(Tau+Gly)/(Asp+Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+C-
it);
Composite index 3-10
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asp+Thr+Asn+C-
it);
Composite index 3-11
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit);
Composite index 3-12
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr)+(His)/(Asn+Cit+Tyr)+(Trp)/(Lys);
Composite index 3-13
(Tau)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asn+Cit+Tyr)+(Gly+His)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Thr);
Composite index 3-14
(Tau)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asp+Asn+Cit+Tyr)+(Gly+His)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr);
Composite index 3-15
(Tau)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asn+Cit+Tyr)+(Gly+His)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr);
Composite index 3-16
(Tau)/(Asp+Asn+Lys)+(Trp)/(Cit+Tyr)+(Gly+His)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr);
Composite index 3-17
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)+(Trp)/(Lys);
Composite index 3-18
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)+(Trp)/(L-
ys);
Composite index 3-19
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Cit+Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+A-
sn); and
Composite index 3-20
(Tau+Gly)/(Asp+Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)+(Trp)/(Lys).
[0102] The composite index 4 may be replaced by any of the
following composite indices 4-1 through 4-20:
Composite index 4-1
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asp+Asn);
Composite index 4-2
((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Asn);
Composite index 4-3
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Asn);
Composite index 4-4
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Asn);
Composite index 4-5
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-6
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-7
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Asp+Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-8
((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-9
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Met)+(His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-10
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-11
((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asp+Asn)+(Trp)/(Tyr);
Composite index 4-12
(Tau+Trp)/(Asp+Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-13
(Tau+His)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Asp+Asn);
Composite index 4-14
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA))/(Asp+Asn)+(His+Trp)/(Tyr);
Composite index 4-15
(Tau+Trp)/(Asp+Met+Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-16
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA))/(Asn)+(His+Trp)/(Asp+Tyr);
Composite index 4-17
((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Asn+Met);
Composite index 4-18
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Tyr)+(Trp)/(Asp+Asn);
Composite index 4-19
(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asn)+(His+Trp)/(Asp+Met+Tyr); and
Composite index 4-20
(Tau+His)/(Asp+Asn+Met)+((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr).
[0103] The present invention also relates to a system for
determining hepatic fibrosis stage. The system comprises:
[0104] a hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus for processing
information concerning hepatic fibrosis; and
[0105] an information terminal of a provider of information about
metabolites, the information terminal being communicably connected
via a network to the hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus;
[0106] wherein the hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus
comprises: [0107] a blood concentration data acquiring unit for
acquiring from the information terminal a group of blood
concentration data measured for each metabolite in each individual;
[0108] a disease condition index value calculating unit for
calculating an index value indicative of the disease condition of
the progression of hepatic fibrosis from the group of blood
concentration data acquired by the blood concentration data
acquiring unit, the calculation being performed based on at least
one of the following composite indices 1 through 4: Composite index
1
[0108] (Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 2
(Asn+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Met+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 3
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit);
and
Composite index 4
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asp+Asn); [0109] a disease
condition determining unit for determining the disease condition
indicative of the progression of hepatic fibrosis based on the
disease condition index value calculated by the disease condition
index value calculating unit; and [0110] an analysis result sending
unit for sending the results determined by the disease condition
determining unit to the information terminal which is a sender of
the group of blood concentration data;
[0111] wherein the information terminal comprises: [0112] a sending
unit for sending the group of blood concentration data to the
hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus; and [0113] a receiving unit
for receiving from the hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus the
results of the determination for the group of blood concentration
data having been sent by the sending unit.
[0114] According to the system described above, the hepatic
fibrosis determining apparatus acquires from the information
terminal a data group of metabolite concentration in blood in each
individual, calculates an index value indicative of the disease
condition of hepatic fibrosis from the group of blood concentration
data acquired by the blood concentration data acquiring unit based
on at least one of the following composite indices 1 through 4:
Composite index 1
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 2
(Asn+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Met+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 3
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit);
and
Composite index 4
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asp+Asn),
determines the disease condition indicative of the progression of
hepatic fibrosis based on the calculated disease condition index
value, and sends the determined results to the information terminal
which is a sender of the group of blood concentration data.
Furthermore, the information terminal sends the group of the blood
concentration data to the hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus,
and receives from the hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus the
results of the determination for the sent group of the blood
concentration data. Thus, the system makes it possible to screen
many individuals for hepatic fibrosis by using the results of a
single test for, for example, blood amino acid levels. This leads
to a significant reduction in the cost of testing.
[0115] It is also made possible to diagnose hepatic fibrosis by
analyzing the data of blood amino acid level obtained in the
past.
[0116] The use of one of the four composite indices 1 through 4 as
a marker of hepatic fibrosis makes it possible to develop a
treatment for the disease, since the metabolites composing one of
the four composite indices 1 through 4 for hepatic fibrosis may be
the potential cause or the outcome of the disease.
[0117] The amino acids in at least one of the four composite
indices 1 through 4 may be replaced by other chemically equivalent
compounds, such as other amino acids.
[0118] Specifically, at least one of the four indices 1 through 4
may be replaced by the corresponding formulae of composite indices
shown below.
[0119] For example, the composite index 1 may be replaced by any of
the following composite indices 1-1 through 1-20:
Composite index 1-1
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-2
(Asn)/(Tau+Ile)+(Gln)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-3
(Asn)/(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Ile)+(Gln)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-4
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-5
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Ile+Trp);
Composite index 1-6
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Asp+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-7
(Asn)/(Tau+Ile)+(Gln)/(Asp+Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-8
(Asn)/(Tau+Ile)+(Gln+Met)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-9
(Asn)/(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Ile)+(Gln)/(Asp+Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-10
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln+Met)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-11
(Asn)/(Tau+Asp+(.alpha.-ABA)+Ile)+(Gln)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-12
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+(.alpha.-ABA)+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-13
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Ile+Trp);
Composite index 1-14
(Asn)/(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Ile)+(Gln+Met)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-15
(Asn)/(Tau+Asp+Ile)+(Gln)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-16
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Asp+Ser+Val+Ile+Trp);
Composite index 1-17
(Asn)/(Tau+Ile)+(Gln+Met)/(Asp+Thr+Ser+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-18
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+(.alpha.-ABA)+Val+Trp);
Composite index 1-19
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr)+(Gln+Met)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp); and
Composite index 1-20
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+(.alpha.-ABA)+Val+Ile+Trp).
[0120] The composite index 2 may be replaced by any of the
following composite indices 2-1 through 2-20:
Composite index 2-1
(Asn+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Met+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-2
(Asn+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-3
(Asn+Met+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-4
(Asn+Met+Tyr)/(Asp+Cit)+(Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA);
Composite index 2-5
(Asn+Met)/(Cit)+(Tyr+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-6
(Asn+Tyr)/(Asp+Cit)+(Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA);
Composite index 2-7
(Asn+Tyr)/(Asp+Cit)+(Met+Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA);
Composite index 2-8
(Asn)/(Cit)+(Tyr+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-9
(Asn)/(Thr+Cit+(.alpha.-ABA))+(Met)/(His+Trp);
Composite index 2-10
(Asn)/(Cit)+(Met+Tyr+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-11
(Asn)/(Thr+Cit+(.alpha.-ABA))+(Met)/(Asp+His+Trp);
Composite index 2-12
(Asn)/(Thr+Glu)+(Met)/(Cit+(.alpha.-ABA)+Trp);
Composite index 2-13
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr+Cit+(.alpha.-ABA))+(Met)/(His+Trp);
Composite index 2-14
(Asn)/(Thr+Cit+(.alpha.-ABA))+(Met)/(Glu+His+Trp);
Composite index 2-15
(Asn+Met)/(Asp+Cit)+(Tyr+Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA);
Composite index 2-16
(Asn+Met)/(Cit)+(Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA));
Composite index 2-17
(Asn)/(Cit+(.alpha.-ABA)+His)+(Met)/(Thr+Glu+Trp);
Composite index 2-18
(Asn)/(Cit+(.alpha.-ABA)+His)+(Met)/(Thr+Trp);
Composite index 2-19
(Asn)/(Cit+His+Trp)+(Met)/(Thr+(.alpha.-ABA)); and
Composite index 2-20
(Asn+Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA)+(Met+Tyr)/(Asp+Cit).
[0121] The composite index 3 may be replaced by any of the
following composite indices 3-1 through 3-20:
Composite index 3-1
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit);
Composite index 3-2
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+C-
it);
Composite index 3-3
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asn+Cit+Tyr);
Composite index 3-4
(Tau+Gly)/(Asp+Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit);
Composite index 3-5
(Tau+Gly)/(Asp+Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+C-
it);
Composite index 3-6
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit);
Composite index 3-7
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asp+Thr+Asn+C-
it);
Composite index 3-8
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+C-
it);
Composite index 3-9
(Tau+Gly)/(Asp+Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+C-
it);
Composite index 3-10
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asp+Thr+Asn+C-
it);
Composite index 3-11
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit);
Composite index 3-12
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr)+(His)/(Asn+Cit+Tyr)+(Trp)/(Lys);
Composite index 3-13
(Tau)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asn+Cit+Tyr)+(Gly+His)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Thr);
Composite index 3-14
(Tau)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asp+Asn+Cit+Tyr)+(Gly+His)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr);
Composite index 3-15
(Tau)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asn+Cit+Tyr)+(Gly+His)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr);
Composite index 3-16
(Tau)/(Asp+Asn+Lys)+(Trp)/(Cit+Tyr)+(Gly+His)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr);
Composite index 3-17
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)+(Trp)/(Lys);
Composite index 3-18
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)+(Trp)/(L-
ys);
Composite index 3-19
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Cit+Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+A-
sn); and
Composite index 3-20
(Tau+Gly)/(Asp+Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)+(Trp)/(Lys).
[0122] The composite index 4 may be replaced by any of the
following composite indices 4-1 through 4-20:
Composite index 4-1
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asp+Asn);
Composite index 4-2
((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Asn);
Composite index 4-3
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Asn);
Composite index 4-4
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Asn);
Composite index 4-5
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-6
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-7
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Asp+Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-8
((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-9
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Met)+(His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-10
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-11
((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asp+Asn)+(Trp)/(Tyr);
Composite index 4-12
(Tau+Trp)/(Asp+Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-13
(Tau+His)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Asp+Asn);
Composite index 4-14
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA))/(Asp+Asn)+(His+Trp)/(Tyr);
Composite index 4-15
(Tau+Trp)/(Asp+Met+Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asn);
Composite index 4-16
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA))/(Asn)+(His+Trp)/(Asp+Tyr);
Composite index 4-17
((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Asn+Met);
Composite index 4-18
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Tyr)+(Trp)/(Asp+Asn);
Composite index 4-19
(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asn)+(His+Trp)/(Asp+Met+Tyr); and
Composite index 4-20
(Tau+His)/(Asp+Asn+Met)+((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr).
[0123] The present invention also relates to a recording medium
that has the above-described program recorded therein.
[0124] The recording medium can provide the stored program to a
computer, which reads out and executes the program to implement the
same tasks, whereby the same advantage as these programs can be
obtained.
[0125] The present invention also relates to an apparatus and a
method for determining hepatic fibrosis stage, as well as to a
program for executing the method. The apparatus, the method and the
program are characterized by comprising:
[0126] a blood concentration data acquiring unit for (or a blood
concentration data acquiring step of) acquiring a group of blood
concentration data measured for each metabolite in each
individual;
[0127] a composite index setting unit for (or a composite index
setting step of) setting a composite index for calculating an index
value indicative of the disease condition of hepatic fibrosis;
[0128] a disease condition index value calculating unit for (or a
disease condition index value calculating step of) calculating the
index value indicative of the disease condition of hepatic fibrosis
from the group of blood concentration data acquired by the blood
concentration data acquiring unit (or blood concentration data
acquiring step), the calculation being performed based on the
composite index set by the composite index setting unit (or
composite index setting step); and
[0129] a disease condition determining unit for (or a disease
condition determining step of) determining the disease condition
indicative of the progression of hepatic fibrosis based on the
disease condition index value calculated by the disease condition
index value calculating unit (or disease condition index value
calculating step),
[0130] wherein the composite index setting unit (or composite index
setting step) comprises at least one of:
[0131] a composite index 1 generating unit for (or a composite
index 1 generating step of) generating a composite index 1, which
consists of a single term or a summation of a plurality of terms of
fractions having at least one of the blood concentration data of
Asn and Gln in the numerator and at least one of the blood
concentration data of Thr, Tau, Ser, Val, and Trp in the
denominator (the blood concentration data of Met may be added to
the numerator and the blood concentration data of any of Ile,
.alpha.-ABA, and Asp may be added to the denominator);
[0132] a composite index 2 generating unit for (or a composite
index 2 generating step of) generating a composite index 2, which
consists of a single term or a summation of a plurality of terms of
fractions having at least one of the blood concentration data of
Asn and Met in the numerator and at least one of the blood
concentration data of .alpha.-ABA and Cit in the denominator (the
blood concentration data of any of Tyr and Arg may be further added
to the numerator and the blood concentration data of any of His,
Thr, Trp, Asp, and Glu may be further added to the
denominator);
[0133] a composite index 3 generating unit for (or a composite
index 3 generating step of) generating a composite index 3, which
consists of a single term or a summation of a plurality of terms of
fractions having at least one of the blood concentration data of
.alpha.-ABA, His, Gly, Trp, and Tau in the numerator and at least
one of the blood concentration data of Asn, Gin, Cit, Lys, Thr, and
Tyr in the denominator (the blood concentration data of any of Met
and Asp may be further added to the denominator); and
[0134] a composite index 4 generating unit (or a composite index 4
generating step) for generating a composite index 4, which consists
of a single term or a summation of a plurality of terms of
fractions having at least one of the blood concentration data of
His and Trp in the numerator and at least one of the blood
concentration data of Asn and Tyr in the denominator (the blood
concentration data of any of .alpha.-ABA and Tau may be further
added to the numerator and the blood concentration data of any of
Met and Asp may be further added to the denominator).
[0135] According to the apparatus, the method, and the program
described above, a group of blood concentration data measured for
each metabolite in each individual is acquired, a composite index
for calculating an index value indicative of the disease condition
of hepatic fibrosis is set, an index value indicative of the
disease condition of hepatic fibrosis is calculated from the
acquired group of blood concentration data based on the set
composite index, and the disease condition of hepatic fibrosis is
determined based on the calculated disease condition index value.
Furthermore, the composite index setting is performed by generating
at least one of: a composite index 1, which consists of a single
term or a summation of a plurality of terms of fractions having at
least one of the blood concentration data of Asn and Gln in the
numerator and at least one of the blood concentration data of Thr,
Tau, Ser, Val, and Trp in the denominator (the blood concentration
data of Met may be added to the numerator and the blood
concentration data of any of Ile, .alpha.-ABA, and Asp may be added
to the denominator); a composite index 2, which consists of a
single term or a summation of a plurality of terms of fractions
having at least one of the blood concentration data of Asn and Met
in the numerator and at least one of the blood concentration data
of .alpha.-ABA and Cit in the denominator (the blood concentration
data of any of Tyr and Arg may be further added to the numerator
and the blood concentration data of any of His, Thr, Trp, Asp, and
Glu may be further added to the denominator); a composite index 3,
which consists of a single term or a summation of a plurality of
terms of fractions having at least one of the blood concentration
data of .alpha.-ABA, His, Gly, Trp, and Tau in the numerator and at
least one of the blood concentration data of Asn, Gln, Cit, Lys,
Thr, and Tyr in the denominator (the blood concentration data of
any of Met and Asp may be further added to the denominator); and a
composite index 4, which consists of a single term or a summation
of a plurality of terms of fractions having at least one of the
blood concentration data of His and Trp in the numerator and at
least one of the blood concentration data of Asn and Tyr in the
denominator (the blood concentration data of any of .alpha.-ABA and
Tau may be further added to the numerator and the blood
concentration data of any of Met and Asp may be further added to
the denominator). Thus, the apparatus, the method and the program
make it possible to screen many individuals for hepatic fibrosis by
using the results of a single test for, for example, blood amino
acid levels. This leads to a significant reduction in the cost of
testing.
[0136] It is also made possible to diagnose hepatic fibrosis by
analyzing the data of blood amino acid level obtained in the
past.
[0137] It is further made possible to develop a treatment for
hepatic fibrosis using the composite index as a marker, since the
metabolites composing the composite index for hepatic fibrosis are
the potential cause or the outcome of the disease.
[0138] It is further made possible to exhaustively and
automatically generate the composite indices useful in the
diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis.
[0139] The present invention also relates a system for determining
hepatic fibrosis stage. The system is characterized by
comprising:
[0140] a hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus for processing
information concerning hepatic fibrosis; and
[0141] an information terminal of a provider of information about
metabolites, the information terminal being communicably connected
via a network to the hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus;
[0142] wherein the hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus
comprises:
[0143] a blood concentration data acquiring unit for acquiring a
group of blood concentration data measured for each metabolite in
each individual;
[0144] a composite index setting unit for setting a composite index
for calculating an index value indicative of the disease condition
of hepatic fibrosis;
[0145] a disease condition index value calculating unit for
calculating the index value indicative of the disease condition of
hepatic fibrosis from the group of blood concentration data
acquired by the blood concentration data acquiring unit, the
calculation being performed based on the composite index set by the
composite index setting unit; and
[0146] a disease condition determining unit for determining the
disease condition indicative of the progression of hepatic fibrosis
based on the disease condition index value calculated by the
disease condition index value calculating unit,
[0147] wherein the composite index setting unit comprises at least
one of:
[0148] a composite index 1 generating unit for generating a
composite index 1, which consists of a single term or a summation
of a plurality of terms of fractions having at least one of the
blood concentration data of Asn and Gln in the numerator and at
least one of the blood concentration data of Thr, Tau, Ser, Val,
and Trp in the denominator (the blood concentration data of Met may
be added to the numerator and the blood concentration data of any
of Ile, .alpha.-ABA, and Asp may be added to the denominator);
[0149] a composite index 2 generating unit for generating a
composite index 2, which consists of a single term or a summation
of a plurality of terms of fractions having at least one of the
blood concentration data of Asn and Met in the numerator and at
least one of the blood concentration data of .alpha.-ABA and Cit in
the denominator (the blood concentration data of any of Tyr and Arg
may be further added to the numerator and the blood concentration
data of any of His, Thr, Trp, Asp, and Glu may be further added to
the denominator);
[0150] a composite index 3 generating unit for generating a
composite index 3, which consists of a single term or a summation
of a plurality of terms of fractions having at least one of the
blood concentration data of .alpha.-ABA, His, Gly, Trp, and Tau in
the numerator and at least one of the blood concentration data of
Asn, Gln, Cit, Lys, Thr and Tyr in the denominator (the blood
concentration data of any of Met and Asp may be further added to
the denominator); and
[0151] a composite index 4 generating unit for generating a
composite index 4, which consists of a single term or a summation
of a plurality of terms of fractions having at least one of the
blood concentration data of His and Trp in the numerator and at
least one of the blood concentration data of Asn and Tyr in the
denominator (the blood concentration data of any of .alpha.-ABA and
Tau may be further added to the numerator and the blood
concentration data of any of Met and Asp may be further added to
the denominator); and
[0152] an analysis result sending unit for sending the results
determined by the disease condition determining unit to the
information terminal which is a sender of the group of blood
concentration data;
[0153] wherein the information terminal comprises: [0154] a sending
unit for sending the group of blood concentration data to the
hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus; and [0155] a receiving unit
for receiving from the hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus the
results of the determination for the group of blood concentration
data that have been sent by the sending unit.
[0156] According to the system described above, a group of blood
concentration data measured for each metabolite in each individual
is acquired, a composite index for calculating an index value
indicative of the disease condition of hepatic fibrosis is set, an
index value indicative of the disease condition of hepatic fibrosis
is calculated from the acquired group of blood concentration data
based on the set composite index, and the disease condition of
hepatic fibrosis is determined based on the calculated disease
condition index value. Furthermore, the composite index setting is
performed by generating at least one of: a composite index 1, which
consists of a single term or a summation of a plurality of terms of
fractions having at least one of the blood concentration data of
Asn and Gln in the numerator and at least one of the blood
concentration data of Thr, Tau, Ser, Val, and Trp in the
denominator (the blood concentration data of Met may be added to
the numerator and the blood concentration data of any of Ile,
.alpha.-ABA, and Asp may be added to the denominator); a composite
index 2, which consists of a single term or a summation of a
plurality of terms of fractions having at least one of the blood
concentration data of Asn and Met in the numerator and at least one
of the blood concentration data of .alpha.-ABA and Cit in the
denominator (the blood concentration data of any of Tyr and Arg may
be further added to the numerator and the blood concentration data
of any of His, Thr, Trp, Asp, and Glu may be further added to the
denominator); a composite index 3, which consists of a single term
or a summation of a plurality of terms of fractions having at least
one of the blood concentration data of .alpha.-ABA, His, Gly, Trp,
and Tau in the numerator and at least one of the blood
concentration data of Asn, Gin, Cit, Lys, Thr, and Tyr in the
denominator (the blood concentration data of any of Met and Asp may
be further added to the denominator); and a composite index 4,
which consists of a single term or a summation of a plurality of
terms of fractions having at least one of the blood concentration
data of His and Trp in the numerator and at least one of the blood
concentration data of Asn and Tyr in the denominator (the blood
concentration data of any of .alpha.-ABA and Tau may be further
added to the numerator and the blood concentration data of any of
Met and Asp may be further added to the denominator), and the
determined results is sent to the information terminal which is a
sender of the group of blood concentration data. Furthermore, the
information terminal sends the group of the blood concentration
data to the hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus, and receives
from the hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus the results of the
determination for the sent group of the blood concentration data.
Thus, the system makes it possible to screen many individuals for
hepatic fibrosis by using the results of a single test for, for
example, blood amino acid levels. This leads to a significant
reduction in the cost of testing.
[0157] It is also made possible to diagnose hepatic fibrosis by
analyzing the data of blood amino acid level obtained in the
past.
[0158] It is further made possible to develop a treatment for
hepatic fibrosis using the composite index as a marker, since the
metabolites composing the composite index for hepatic fibrosis are
the potential cause or the outcome of the disease.
[0159] It is further made possible to exhaustively and
automatically generate the composite indices useful in the
diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis.
[0160] The present invention also relates to a recording medium
that has the above-described program recorded therein.
[0161] The recording medium can provide the stored program to a
computer, which reads out and executes the program to implement the
same tasks, whereby the same advantage as these programs can be
obtained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0162] FIG. 1 is a chart showing the basic principle of setting the
correlation formula of the present invention.
[0163] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary construction
of the system to which the present invention is applied.
[0164] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary construction
of a server unit 100 in the system to which the present invention
is applied.
[0165] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an exemplary construction
of a client unit 200 to which the present invention is applied.
[0166] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an exemplary construction
of a biological condition information acquiring unit 102g in the
system to which the present invention is applied.
[0167] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an exemplary construction
of a correlation formula generating section 102i in the system to
which the present invention is applied.
[0168] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one example of user information
stored in a user information database 106a.
[0169] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing one example of information
stored in a biological condition information database 106b.
[0170] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing one example of information
stored in a correlation information database 106c.
[0171] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing one example of information
stored in a correlation information database 106d.
[0172] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing one example of information
stored in a metabolic map information database 106e.
[0173] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing one example of the service
process for the analysis of biological condition information by the
system of the present embodiment.
[0174] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing one example of analysis of
biological condition information by the system of the present
embodiment.
[0175] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing one example of optimization
process 1 using the exhaustive calculation technique by the
system.
[0176] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing one example of optimization
process 1 using the best path method by the system.
[0177] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing one example of optimization
process 2 by the system.
[0178] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing one example of the
biological condition information.
[0179] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing one example of
correlation between index data (T.sub.1) of the determined
biological condition and corresponding amino acids.
[0180] FIG. 19 shows one example of main menu screen displayed on a
monitor.
[0181] FIG. 20 shows one example of file import screen displayed on
a monitor.
[0182] FIG. 21 shows one example of amino acid (metabolite) input
screen displayed on a monitor.
[0183] FIG. 22 shows one example of biological condition index
input screen displayed on a monitor.
[0184] FIG. 23 shows one example of calculation formula master
maintenance screen displayed on a monitor.
[0185] FIG. 24 shows one example of item selection screen displayed
on a monitor.
[0186] FIG. 25 shows one example of positive/negative determination
confirmation screen displayed on a monitor.
[0187] FIG. 26 shows one example of composite index search screen
displayed on a monitor.
[0188] FIG. 27 shows one example of result (1) sheet (raw date for
analysis) screen displayed on a monitor.
[0189] FIG. 28 shows one example of result (2) sheet (conditions
for searching for a composite index) screen displayed on a
monitor.
[0190] FIG. 29 shows one example of result (3) sheet (best
composite indices) screen displayed on a monitor.
[0191] FIG. 30 shows one example of result (4) sheet (best
composite indices_values) screen displayed on a monitor.
[0192] FIG. 31 shows one example of result (5) sheet (correlation
graph) screen displayed on a monitor screen.
[0193] FIG. 32 shows one example of result (6) sheet (raw data of
amino acids (metabolites)) screen displayed on a monitor
screen.
[0194] FIG. 33 shows one example of result (7) sheet (raw data of
biological condition indices) screen displayed on a monitor
display.
[0195] FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a procedure
of calculating a correlation formula involving a plurality of
metabolites for a biological condition by using a split calculation
formula.
[0196] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the relationship between a
composite index (composite index 5) for hepatic fibrosis as
determined by the system and disease stages.
[0197] FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating the concept of calculating
the correlation formula involving a plurality of metabolites for a
biological condition by using the calculation formula split based
on the metabolic map information.
[0198] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the relationship as determined
by the system between a composite index (composite index 6) and
disease stages in normal rats and diabetic (GK) rats.
[0199] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing the relationship as determined
by the system between a composite index (composite index 6) and
disease stages in a normal rat, a diabetic (GK) rat, and a diabetic
(GK) rat treated by administering nateglinide or glibenclamide,
each a therapeutic drug for diabetes.
[0200] FIG. 39 is a bar graph showing the mean values (.+-.SD) of
composite index (composite index 6) as determined by the system in
the groups of a normal rat, a diabetic (GK) rat, and a diabetic
(GK) rat treated by administering nateglinide or glibenclamide,
each a therapeutic drug for diabetes.
[0201] FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing one example of analysis
process of the metabolite information by the system according to
the present embodiment.
[0202] FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing one example of calculation
process of disease condition index value by the system according to
the present embodiment.
[0203] FIG. 42 is a diagram showing the concept of a procedure of
calculating a correlation formula using a plurality of selected
metabolites.
[0204] FIG. 43 is a block diagram showing an exemplary construction
of optimization section 102j of the system to which the present
invention is applied.
[0205] FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an interpretation of the
calculation formula.
[0206] FIG. 45 is a block diagram showing an exemplary construction
of a hepatic fibrosis determining apparatus 400 in the system to
which the present invention is applied.
[0207] FIG. 46 is a block diagram showing an exemplary construction
of a metabolite information acquiring unit 402g in the system to
which the present invention is applied.
[0208] FIG. 47 is a chart showing one example of user information
stored in a user information database 406a.
[0209] FIG. 48 is a chart showing one example of information stored
in a metabolite information database 406b.
[0210] FIG. 49 is a flow chart showing one example of the service
process of hepatic fibrosis information analysis in the system
according to the present embodiment.
[0211] FIG. 50 is a chart showing one example of information stored
in a hepatic fibrosis index database 406c.
[0212] FIG. 51 is a chart showing the rule for replacing amino
acids in the respective formula of composite indices 1 through
4.
[0213] FIG. 52 is a diagram showing the relationship between a
composite index (composite index 1) for hepatic fibrosis as
determined by the present system and disease stages, for control
group and patients with hepatitis C.
[0214] FIG. 53 is a diagram showing the relationship between a
composite index (composite index 2) for hepatic fibrosis as
determined by the present system and disease stages, for control
group and patients with hepatitis C.
[0215] FIG. 54 is a diagram showing the relationship between a
composite index (composite index 3) for hepatic fibrosis as
determined by the present system and disease stages, for control
group and patients with hepatitis C.
[0216] FIG. 55 is a diagram showing the relationship between a
composite index (composite index 4) for hepatic fibrosis as
determined by the present system and disease stages, for control
group and patients with hepatitis C.
[0217] FIG. 56 is a diagram showing the relationship between
Fischer's ratio and disease stages in control group and patients
with hepatitis C.
[0218] FIG. 57 is a diagram showing the basic principle of the
present invention.
[0219] FIG. 58 is a diagram showing one example of discrimination
between apo-E knockout mice (Apo-E KO) and normal mice
(Normal).
[0220] FIG. 59 is a diagram showing one example of discrimination
between normal mice infected with attenuated influenza virus
A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) and those uninfected.
[0221] FIG. 60 is a diagram showing one example in which the
variation in the value determined by the discrimination formula was
compared between a group fed with cystine and teanine and then
infected with the influenza virus and a group fed with normal
diet.
[0222] FIG. 61 is a diagram showing one example of discrimination
between a streptozotocine-administered rat (STZ) to serve as an
animal model for type-I diabetes and a normal rat (Normal).
[0223] FIG. 62 is a diagram showing one example of discrimination
between a GK rat (GK) to serve as an animal model for type-II
diabetes and a normal rat (Normal).
[0224] FIG. 63 is a diagram showing one example of discrimination
between a human growth hormone transgenic rat (hGH-Tg rats) and a
normal rat (Normal).
[0225] FIG. 64 is a diagram showing one example of discrimination
between a model rat of hepatic fibrosis induced by
dimethyInitrosamine (DMN) and a normal rat (Normal).
[0226] FIG. 65 is a diagram showing one example of discrimination
between rats fed with a low protein diet (Low Protein) and rats fed
with a normal diet (Normal).
[0227] FIG. 66 is a diagram showing one example of discrimination
between mice fed with a high fat diet (High Fat) and mice fed with
a normal diet (Normal).
[0228] FIG. 67 is a diagram showing a correlation between the
amount of peroxidated lipids in liver (Liver-TBRAS) and the value
calculated based on the formula optimized for the Liver-TBRAS
(Index-TBRAS).
[0229] FIG. 68 is a diagram showing a correlation between a blood
total cholesterol level (Plasma TCHO) and the value calculated
based on the formula optimized for the plasma TCHO
(Index-TCHO).
[0230] FIG. 69 is a diagram showing a correlation between a blood
insulin-like growth factor-1 level (Plasma IGF-1) and the value
calculated based on the formula optimized for the plasma IGF-1
(Index-IGF-1).
[0231] FIG. 70 is a diagram showing a correlation between the body
weight ratio of epididymal fat tissue (WAT) and the value
calculated based on the formula optimized for the WAT
(Index-WAT).
[0232] FIG. 71 is a diagram showing one example of simultaneous
discrimination among streptozotocine-administered rats, GK rats,
human growth hormone gene-introduced rats, hepatic fibrosis model
rats, and normal rats, performed based on the blood amino acid
level in respective rats.
[0233] FIG. 72 is a diagram showing an example of collective
examination of results of insulin treatment conducted on a rat with
type I diabetes.
[0234] FIG. 73 is a diagram showing one example of the predicted
results of treatment with interferon and ribavirin.
[0235] FIG. 74 is a diagram showing a composite index for amino
acids before and after the transportation of swine.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[Embodiments of Biological Condition Information Management
System]
[0236] A description will be now given of embodiments of the
apparatus and the method for processing information concerning a
biological condition, as well as the system for managing such
information, the program, and the recording medium according to the
present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Incidentally, the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope
of the invention in any way.
[0237] While the present embodiments will be mainly described by an
example in which metabolites are amino acids, it may be similarly
applied to any other type of metabolites.
(General Principle of the Present Invention)
[0238] The present invention will be described in the following:
first in its general principle, and then with respect to its
detailed construction and processes involved. The basic principle
of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 57.
[0239] In brief, the present invention has the following basic
features: First, a correlation formula as represented by the
following formula 1 is set that indicates a correlation between
index data concerning a particular biological condition measured in
each individual and blood concentration data (such as clinical
data) measured for each metabolites in each individual (Step
S1-1):
k G k i { ( C i .times. A i ) + D i } j { ( E j .times. B j ) + F j
} + H ( 1 ) ##EQU00003##
(wherein each of i, j, and k is a natural number; each of A.sub.i
and B.sub.j is data of concentration of the metabolite in blood or
values obtained from applying a function to the concentration of
the metabolite in blood; and each of C.sub.i, D.sub.i, E.sub.j,
F.sub.j, G.sub.k, and H is a constant.)
[0240] The correlation formula may be set by either of the
following two patterns: first substitute the blood amino acid
levels of clinical data into the formula 1 and then determine each
constant in the formula 1 (pattern 1), or use a predetermined
formula (pattern 2). In pattern 2, the correlation formula with
each constant determined by pattern 1 may be stored in a
predetermined file of a memory unit and a desired correlation
formula is then selected from the file, or the correlation formula
stored in a memory unit of another computer may be downloaded via a
network.
[0241] Next, the group of blood concentration data (data obtained
from subjects) measured for each metabolite in an individual to be
simulated is substituted into the correlation formula set in Step
S1-1 to simulate a biological condition in the individual of
interest. The results of the diagnosis are then outputted (Step
S1-2).
[0242] In this manner, the present invention can enable effective
simulation of the condition of health, condition of disease
progression, condition of disease treatment, risk of future
disease, efficacy of a drug, side effect of a drug, and various
other conditions based on the blood concentration of metabolites in
the individual.
[0243] One example of the correlation formula setting in Step S1-1
in accordance with the aforementioned pattern 1 is now described in
detail with reference to FIG. 1.
[Setting of the Correlation Formula]
[0244] FIG. 1 is a chart showing the basic principle of setting of
the correlation formula of the present invention.
[0245] The setting of the correlation formula in the present
invention has the following basic features: First, biological
condition information is acquired. The biological condition
information comprises index data concerning various biological
conditions measured in each individual and group of blood
concentration data measured for each metabolite in each individual
(Step S-1).
[0246] One example of biological condition information is
schematically shown in FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 17, the biological
condition information comprises individual (sample) numbers, index
data of each biological condition (T), and groups of blood
concentration data for each metabolite (for example, amino
acids).
[0247] As used herein, "index data concerning a biological
condition" refers to a known single index that serves as a marker
of a biological condition (for example, disease conditions such as
cancer, hepatic cirrhosis, dementia, and obesity). Examples are
numerical blood concentration data, enzymatic activity, gene
expression level of particular metabolites, and the index of
dementia (Hasegawa Dementia Scale Revised (HDSR)).
[0248] The "index data concerning a biological condition" may be
obtained by assigning a numerical value to a healthy condition and
a disease condition even if the actual numerical data, such as
those for various measurements and test results, are not
available:
Examples
[0249] healthy=0, obesity=1; or healthy=1, mild diabetes=2, severe
diabetes=3, etc.
[0250] Depending on the analysis technique, the "groups of blood
concentration data" of each metabolite may be replaced by other
biochemical data groups, such as gene expression levels and
enzymatic activities, or combination thereof (numerical data groups
combining a plurality of data groups such as metabolite level, gene
expression level, and enzymatic activity).
[0251] Referring again to FIG. 1, correlation between each index
data and each metabolite is then determined based on the index data
concerning various biological conditions measured in each
individual and the groups of blood concentration data measured for
each metabolite in each individual (Step S-2).
[0252] In doing so, known correlation coefficients used to measure
the strength of linear relationship between two variables x and y
may be calculated to determine the correlation between each index T
and each amino acid. Among such known correlation coefficients are
Pearson's correlation coefficient, Spearman's correlation
coefficient, and Kendall's correlation coefficient.
[0253] If a plurality of correlation formulae are obtained by using
these criteria, other criteria to compare relative fitness of each
correlation formula, such as Akaike's information criterion (AIC),
may be used to evaluate the discrepancy of each correlation formula
from the actual data and to thereby select a model.
[0254] If the "index data concerning biological condition" are to
compare, as described above, between different conditions, such as
healthy condition and diseased condition, the correlation ratio,
the variance ratio or the Mahalanobis's generalized distance may be
used to maximize and discriminate the difference between the
groups. If a plurality of discrimination formulae are obtained by
using these criteria, other measures such as discriminant analysis
may be used to select a formula based on how effectively one
condition can be discriminated from another.
[0255] Referring now to FIG. 18, one example of the correlation
between index data (T.sub.1) and each amino acid is conceptually
shown. As shown in FIG. 18, the correlation between index data
(T.sub.i) of a particular biological condition and each amino acid
is determined from the blood concentration data of the amino acid.
The correlation may be determined by for example calculating
Pearson's correlation coefficient. Pearson's correlation
coefficient can take a value between -1 and 1. An absolute value of
the coefficient closer to 1 indicates that the data points are more
closely aligned on a straight line.
[0256] Referring again to FIG. 1, a correlation formula
(correlation function) is then constructed that includes a
plurality of metabolites indicative of a biological condition. This
is done by using a predetermined calculation formula based on the
correlation as to each metabolite determined in Step S-2 (Step
S-3).
[0257] The predetermined calculation formula may be any of the
following six calculation formulae:
Correlation formula (R)=(Sum of the amino acids with positive
correlation)/(Sum of the amino acids with negative correlation);
Ex. 1)
Correlation formula (R)=(Sum of the amino acids with positive
correlation)+(Sum of the amino acids with negative correlation);
Ex. 2)
Correlation formula (R)=(Sum of the amino acids with positive
correlation)-(Sum of the amino acids with negative correlation);
Ex. 3)
Correlation formula (R)=(Sum of the amino acids with positive
correlation).times.(Sum of the amino acids with negative
correlation); Ex. 4)
Correlation formula (R)=(Sum of the amino acids with negative
correlation)/(Sum of the amino acids with positive correlation) Ex.
5)
Correlation formula (R)=(Sum of the amino acids with negative
correlation)-(Sum of the amino acids with positive correlation).
Ex. 6)
[0258] The phrase "sum of the amino acids" in the correlation
formulae above means the sum of the blood concentration of the
respective amino acids.
[0259] Referring now to FIG. 44, the interpretation of the
calculation formula is conceptually illustrated. As shown in FIG.
44, the calculation formula can be considered a result of mapping
of the relationship between biological indices onto a theoretical
system limited to addition and subtraction etc. Thus, it is
considered that the findings on the metabolic map may be further
mapped with and the calculation formula.
[0260] Referring back to FIG. 1, according to the setting of the
correlation formula in the present invention, the correlation
formula (R) is then optimized (for example, in such a manner that
the correlation coefficient ranks high (for example, top 20) or,
preferably, is maximized) based on the correlation coefficient
between the correlation formula (R) and the index data (T) of a
biological condition determined in Step S-3 (Step S-4). The
optimization may be done by either (a) selecting metabolites, such
as amino acids, to be used in the calculation, (b) splitting the
calculation formula, or combination of the two. We now describe
these two approaches in detail.
(a) Selecting Metabolites, Such as Amino Acids, to be Used in the
Calculation
[0261] This approach involves selecting some of the metabolites and
using the selected plurality of metabolites to calculate the
correlation formula. Referring now to FIG. 42, a procedure of
calculating the correlation formula using the selected plurality of
metabolites is conceptually depicted. As shown in FIG. 42, the
correlation between the index data (T) of a biological condition
and each metabolite (for example, amino acids) is first examined to
determine positively correlated metabolites (a, b, c, d, e, . . . ,
n) and negatively correlated metabolites (A, B, C, D, E, . . . ,
N).
[0262] Next, the format of the calculation formula is set. For
example, the following calculation formula is selected from the
above-described calculation formulae.
Correlation formula (R.sub.1)=(Sum of the amino acids with positive
correlation)/(Sum of the amino acids with negative correlation)
where the phrase "sum of the amino acids" means "the sum of the
blood concentrations of the respective amino acids."
[0263] Next, some of the metabolites are selectively eliminated to
calculate the correlation formula (R.sub.2). For example, amino
acid (a) may be selectively eliminated as shown in FIG. 42, more
specifically, the value of the amino acid (a) is selectively
removed from the calculation formula to give the correlation
formula (R.sub.2).
[0264] The correlation coefficient of the correlation formula
(R.sub.1) and the correlation coefficient of the correlation
formula (R.sub.2) are then compared to each other for the index
data (T) of the biological condition. If the correlation
coefficient of the correlation formula (R.sub.1) is larger than
that of the correlation formula (R.sub.2), then another amino acid
is selectively eliminated. The process is repeated. If, on the
other hand, the correlation coefficient of the correlation formula
(R.sub.2) is larger than that of the correlation formula (R.sub.1),
then another amino acid (for example, amino acid (b)) is
selectively eliminated from the calculation formula that has had
the amino acid (a) eliminated. The process is repeated.
[0265] This gives a calculation formula with the maximum
correlation coefficient value to the index data. If desired, a
plurality of calculation formulae may be obtained: for example, top
five calculation formulae with large correlation coefficients may
be obtained.
(b) Splitting Calculation Formula
[0266] This approach involves splitting the calculation formula and
using the split calculation formula to calculate a correlation
formula including a plurality of metabolites for a biological
condition. Referring to FIG. 34, a procedure is shown for
calculating a correlation formula involving a plurality of
metabolites for a biological condition by using the split
calculation formula.
[0267] As shown in FIG. 34, correlation coefficients for the
correlation formula (R.sub.1), determined by a predetermined
calculation formula, and the correlation formulae (R.sub.2,
R.sub.3, R.sub.4, . . . , Rk), determined by using the calculation
formula split at an arbitrary position, are first compared to one
another for the index data (T) of a biological condition, thereby
obtaining a calculation formula with the maximum correlation
coefficients. If desired, a plurality of calculation formulae may
be obtained: for example, top five calculation formulae with large
correlation coefficients may be obtained.
[0268] In doing so, the calculation formula may be split based on
the metabolic map information and the split calculation formula may
be used to calculate the correlation formula including a plurality
of metabolites for a biological condition. Shown in FIG. 36 is the
concept of calculating the correlation formula involving a
plurality of metabolites for a biological condition by using the
calculation formula split based on the metabolic map information.
FIG. 36 illustrates one example of the relationship between a
metabolic map of hepatitis and a calculation formula of a
correlation formula.
[0269] As shown in FIG. 36, if a metabolic map of metabolites
involved in a particular biological condition is available, the
information of such a metabolic map can be used to split the
calculation formula. This allows the splitting of the calculation
formula based on actual biochemical findings.
[0270] When it is desired to map the calculation formula onto the
metabolic map, a proper coefficient may be applied to optimize the
formula so that it indicates the significance of each metabolic
pathway. For example, the following formula (1) optimized for
hepatic fibrosis may be subjected to multiple regression analysis
to apply a coefficient to give the following formula (2), which is
further optimized:
Stage (hepatic fibrosis
index)=Glu/His+Met/His+Cys/His+Orn/Pro+Asp/Glu+Asp/Asn+ABA/Met+ABA/Thr+Ta-
u/His+Glu/Gln; and Formula (1):
Stage(hepatic fibrosis
index)=0.590*Glu/His+0.247*Met/His+0.250*Cys/His+0.170*Orn/Pro+0.146*Asp/-
Glu+0.080*Asp/Asn+0.215*ABA/Met+0.142*ABA/Thr+0.1
23*Tau/His+0.493*Glu/Gln+ERROR. Formula (2):
[0271] The magnitude of the partial regression coefficient can be
used to test the contribution of each term. Also, mapping the
partial regression coefficient onto an actual metabolic map allows
extraction of factors. For example, a possible interpretation in
the example of the formulae (1) and (2) may be that Glu<->
His or Glu<-> Gln is a potential rate-limiting step in the
metabolic pathway.
[0272] Referring again to FIG. 1, according to the setting of the
correlation formula in the present invention, the calculation
conditions that give the maximum correlation coefficient in the
optimization of the correlation formula in Step S-4 may be used as
the composite index for the biological condition (Step S-5).
Specifically, by determining, for example, the calculation formula
with the maximum correlation coefficient for each index data of
each biological condition, the calculation formula can be used as
the composite index reflecting a plurality of metabolites for each
biological condition.
[System Configuration]
[0273] We will first describe the configuration of the system of
the present invention. Shown in FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an
exemplary construction of the system to which the present invention
is applied. Only the part that is related to the present invention
in the above construction is illustrated conceptually.
[0274] In brief, the system schematically consists of a server unit
100 and client units 200 communicably connected to the server unit
100 via a network 300. The server unit 100 is an apparatus for
processing information concerning a biological condition. The
client unit 200 is an information terminal of a provider of the
information on the biological condition.
[0275] The system schematically has the following fundamental
feature: the information about a biological condition is
transmitted from the server unit 100 to the client unit 200, or
vise versa, via the network 300.
[0276] The information about a biological condition is the
information about values obtained for specific features of a
biological condition of humans or other organisms. This information
is generated by the server unit 100, the client unit 200, or other
units (for example, various measurement apparatuses) and is mainly
stored in the server unit 100. One example of the information about
a biological condition is the information about a disease
condition, which will be described later.
[0277] The server unit 100 may be integrated with various other
apparatuses for analysis (for example, an amino acid analyzer).
[System Configuration--Server Unit 100]
[0278] Next, we will describe the construction of the server unit
100 for use in the system of the present invention. In FIG. 3, an
exemplary construction of the server unit 100 in the system of the
present invention is shown in a block diagram. Only the part that
is related to the present invention in the above construction is
illustrated conceptually.
[0279] In FIG. 3, the server unit 100 schematically consists of a
control unit 102, such as CPU, for controlling the entire server
unit 100; a communication controlling interface unit 104 connected
to a communication unit, such as a router (not shown), connected to
a communication line; an input/output controlling interface unit
108 connected to an input device 112 or output device 114; and a
memory unit 106 for storing various databases and tables. These
components are communicably connected to one another via a
communication pathway. The server unit 100 is further communicably
connected to the network 300 via a communication device, such as a
router, and a wired or wireless communication line, such as a
dedicated line.
[0280] The various databases and tables (user information database
106a-metabolic map information database 106e) is stored in the
memory unit 106 in FIG. 3 that is a storage unit such as a fixed
disk device, which stores various programs for executing various
processes, tables, files, databases, and website files.
[0281] Of components of the memory unit 106, the user information
database 106a serves as a user information storage unit for storing
information about the user (user information). FIG. 7 shows one
example of the user information stored in the user information
database 106a.
[0282] As shown in FIG. 7, the information stored in the user
information database 106a includes user IDs for uniquely
identifying individual users; user passwords for authenticating the
validity of users; names of the users; affiliation IDs for uniquely
identifying which affiliation a user is belonging to; section IDs
for uniquely identifying which section the affiliation of a user is
belonging to; names of section; and e-mail addresses of the users.
These data are shown associated with one another.
[0283] A biological condition information database 106b serves as a
biological condition information storage unit for storing
information concerning, e.g., a biological condition. FIG. 8 shows
one example of the information stored in the biological condition
information database 106b.
[0284] As shown in FIG. 8, the information stored in the biological
condition information database 106b includes individual (sample)
numbers; index data (T) for each biological condition; and groups
of blood concentration data for each metabolite (for example, amino
acids). These data are shown associated with one another.
[0285] A correlation information database 106c serves as a
correlation information storage unit for storing information about
the correlation. FIG. 9 shows one example of the information stored
in the correlation information database 106c.
[0286] As shown in FIG. 9, the information stored in the
correlation information database 106c includes metabolites and
correlations of the metabolites with the index data (T). These data
are shown associated with one another.
[0287] A correlation formula information database 106d serves as a
correlation formula storage unit for storing information about the
correlation formula. FIG. 10 shows one example of the information
stored in the correlation formula database 106d.
[0288] As shown in FIG. 10, the information stored in the
correlation formula information database 106d includes index data
(T) of a biological condition, correlation formulae (R), and
composite indices (one or more). These data are shown associated
with one another.
[0289] A metabolic map information database 106e serves as a
metabolic map information storage unit for storing information
about the metabolic map. FIG. 11 shows one example of the
information stored in the metabolic map information database
106e.
[0290] As shown in FIG. 11, the information stored in the metabolic
map information database 106e includes nodes and edges in each
metabolic pathway as the information about each metabolic map.
These data are shown associated with one another. The information
about the metabolic map may be acquired from known metabolic maps
provided by, for example, KEGG, which may be processed if
desired.
[0291] The memory unit 106 of the server unit 100 stores additional
information, such as various website data and CGI programs, for
providing the client unit 200 with a website.
[0292] The website data includes data for displaying various Web
pages, which will be described later. These data are provided in
the form of text files described in HTML or XML. Also stored in the
memory unit 106 are files of components and work files for
constituting the website data and other temporary files.
[0293] The memory unit 106 may further store sound files, such as
those created in WAVE format or AIFF format, or image files, such
as still images or moving images created in JPEG format or MPEG2
format, to be sent to the client unit 200.
[0294] In FIG. 3, the communication controlling interface unit 104
controls communication between the server unit 100 and the network
300 (or communication device such as a router). In other words, the
communication controlling interface unit 104 serves to transmit
data to and from the other terminals via communication lines.
[0295] In FIG. 3, the input/output controlling interface unit 108
controls the input device 112 and the output device 114. The output
device 114 may be a monitor (including home television monitor) or
a speaker (the output device 114 may be referred to hereinafter as
a monitor). The input device 112 may be a keyboard, a mouse, or a
microphone. A monitor may be used in conjunction with a mouse to
achieve the pointing device function.
[0296] In FIG. 3, the control unit 102 includes a control program,
such as operating system (OS), a program defining steps of various
processes, and an internal memory for storing the required data,
and executes these programs to implement various information
processes. The control unit 102 functionally includes a request
interpreting section 102a, a browsing processing section 102b, an
authentication processing section 102c, an e-mail generating
section 102d, a Web page generating section 102e, a transmitting
section 102f, a correlation formula setting section 102v, a
biological condition simulating section 102w, and a result
outputting section 102k.
[0297] The request interpreting section 102a serves as a request
interpreting unit for interpreting the content of a request from
the client unit 200 and transferring processing to other parts of
the control unit depending on the result of the interpretation.
[0298] The browsing processing section 102b serves as a browsing
processing unit for generating or transmitting Web data of various
screens in response to a browsing request for these screens from
the client unit 200.
[0299] The authentication processing section 102c serves as an
authentication processing unit for making authentication in
response to a request for authentication from the client unit
200.
[0300] The e-mail generating section 102d serves as an e-mail
generating unit for generating an e-mail containing various
information.
[0301] The Web page generating section 102e serves as a Web page
generating unit for generating a Web page viewed by a user.
[0302] The transmitting section 102f serves as a transmitting unit
for transmitting various information to the client unit 200 of the
user, and also serves as an analysis result transmitting unit for
transmitting the composite index to the client unit 200 which is a
sender of the information on the biological conditions.
[0303] The correlation formula setting section 102v serves as a
correlation formula setting unit for setting a correlation formula
as represented by the following formula 1, which indicates the
correlation between the index data concerning a biological
condition measured in each individual and the blood concentration
data measured for each metabolite in each individual:
k G k i { ( C i .times. A i ) + D i } j { ( E j .times. B j ) + F j
} + H ( 1 ) ##EQU00004##
(wherein each of i, j, and k is a natural number; each of A.sub.i
and B.sub.j is data of concentration of the metabolite in blood or
values obtained from applying a function to the concentration of
the metabolite in blood; and each of C.sub.i, D.sub.i, E.sub.j,
F.sub.j, G.sub.k, and H is a constant.) The correlation formula
setting section 102v further includes a biological condition
information acquiring section 102g, a correlation determining
section 102h, a correlation formula generating section 102i, and an
optimization section 102j.
[0304] The biological condition information acquiring section 102g
serves as an biological condition information acquiring unit for
acquiring, from the client unit 200 or the input device 112, the
biological condition information comprising the index data
concerning various biological conditions measured in each
individual and the group of blood concentration data measured for
each metabolite in each individual. As shown in FIG. 5, the
biological condition information acquiring section 102g includes a
metabolite designating section 102m and a biological condition
index data designating section 102n. Shown in FIG. 5 is a block
diagram showing an exemplary construction of a biological condition
information acquiring unit 102g in the system to which the present
invention is applied. Only the part that is related to the present
invention in the above construction is illustrated
conceptually.
[0305] In FIG. 5, the metabolite designating section 102m serves as
a metabolite designating unit for designating a desired
metabolite.
[0306] The biological condition index data designating section 102n
serves as a biological condition index data designating unit for
designating a desired biological condition index data.
[0307] Referring again to FIG. 3, the correlation determining
section 102h serves as a correlation determining unit for
determining correlation between index data concerning a biological
condition measured in each individual and each metabolite based on
the index data and a group of blood concentration data measured for
each metabolite in each individual.
[0308] The correlation formula generating section 102i serves as a
correlation formula generating unit for generating a correlation
formula (correlation function) for a plurality of metabolites for
the biological condition according to a predetermined calculation
method and based on the determined correlation of each metabolite.
As shown in FIG. 6, the correlation formula generating section 102i
includes a positive/negative setting section 102p and a calculation
formula setting section 102r. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an
exemplary construction of the correlation formula generating
section 102i in the system of the present invention. Only the part
that is related to the present invention in the above construction
is illustrated conceptually.
[0309] In FIG. 6, the positive/negative setting section 102p serves
as a positive/negative setting unit for setting positive or
negative about the correlation of each metabolite.
[0310] The calculation formula setting section 102r serves as a
calculation formula setting unit for setting a calculation formula
required to construct a correlation formula.
[0311] Referring back to FIG. 3, the optimization section 102j
serves as an optimization unit for optimizing the determined
correlation formula (R) (for example, in such a manner that the
correlation coefficient ranks high (for example, top 20) or,
preferably, is maximized) based on the correlation coefficient
indicative of the correlation between the correlation formula (R)
and the index data concerning the biological condition. As shown in
FIG. 43, the optimization section 102j further includes a
metabolite selecting section 102s, a calculation formula splitting
section 102t, and a metabolic map splitting section 102u. FIG. 43
is a block diagram showing an exemplary construction of the
optimization section 102j of the system of the present invention.
Only the part that is related to the present invention in this
construction is illustrated conceptually.
[0312] In FIG. 43, the metabolite selecting section 102s serves as
a metabolite selecting unit that selects some of the metabolites,
uses the selected plurality of metabolites to construct the
correlation formula, calculate the correlation coefficient for the
index data concerning the biological condition, and optimizes the
combination of the metabolites (for example, in such a manner that
the correlation coefficient ranks high (for example, top 20) and
the number of the metabolites is minimized or, preferably, in such
a manner that the correlation coefficient is maximized and the
number of the metabolites is minimized)) based on the correlation
coefficient for the index data concerning the biological condition
and the number of the metabolites.
[0313] The calculation formula splitting section 102t serves as a
calculation formula splitting unit that splits the calculation
formula, uses the split formula to calculate the correlation
formula involving a plurality of metabolites for the biological
condition, and optimizes the combination of splits (for example, in
such a manner that the correlation coefficient ranks high (for
example, top 20) or, preferably, is maximized) based on the
correlation coefficient for the index about the biological
condition.
[0314] The metabolic map splitting section 102u serves as a
metabolic map splitting unit that splits the calculation formula
based on the metabolic map information and uses the split
calculation formula to calculate the correlation formula involving
a plurality of metabolites for the biological condition.
[0315] Referring again to FIG. 3, the biological condition
simulating section 102w serves as a biological condition simulation
unit for simulating the biological condition in an individual of
interest by substituting into the set correlation formula a group
of blood concentration data measured for each metabolite in the
individual of interest.
[0316] The result outputting section 102k serves as an outputting
unit for outputting, for example, the results of various
processings by the control unit 102 to the output device 114.
[0317] The details of the processing executed by these sections
will be described later.
[System Configuration--Client Unit 200]
[0318] Next, we will describe construction of the client unit 200.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an exemplary construction of a
client unit 200 according to the present invention. Only the part
that is related to the present invention in the above construction
is illustrated conceptually.
[0319] As schematically shown in FIG. 4, the client unit 200
includes a control unit 210, a ROM 220, a HD 230, a RAM 240, an
input device 250, an output device 260, an input/output controlling
IF 270, and a communication controlling IF 280. These components
are connected via a bus in a data-communicable fashion.
[0320] The control unit 210 of the client unit 200 includes a Web
browser 211 and an electric mailer 212. The Web browser 211
essentially serves to interpret Web data and display it on a
monitor 261 (browse process). The Web browser 211 may have various
plug-in softwares, such as a stream player capable of receiving and
displaying streaming images and producing a feedback. The
electronic mailer 212 serves to send and receive electronic mails
according to specific communication protocols such as Simple Mail
Transfer Protocol (SMTP) and Post Office Protocol version 3
(POP3).
[0321] The input device 250 may be a keyboard, a mouse, or a
microphone. A monitor 261, which will be described later, may be
used in conjunction with a mouse to achieve the pointing device
function.
[0322] A monitor 261 (including home television monitor) and a
printer 262 are provided as the output device 260. A speaker may
also be used as the output device 260. The output device 260 serves
as an output unit for outputting the received information via the
communication controlling IF 280.
[0323] The communication controlling IF 280 serves to control
communication between the client unit 200 and the network 300 (or
communication device such as a router). The communication
controlling IF 280 serves as a receiving unit for sending
information to the server unit 100 and receiving information from
the server unit 100. Thus, the communication controlling IF 280
serves both as a sending unit for sending the information about the
biological condition to the server unit 100 and as a receiving unit
for receiving from the server unit 100 the composite index
corresponding to the sent biological condition information.
[0324] Having such a construction, the client unit 200 is connected
to the network 300 via a communication device, such as modem, TA,
and router, and a telephone line or via a dedicated line and can
access the server unit 100 according to a specific communication
protocol (for example, TCP/IP Internet protocol).
[System Configuration--Network 300]
[0325] Next, we will describe the construction of the network 300.
The network 300 serves to interactively connect the server unit 100
to the client unit 200. One example of the network 300 is the
Internet.
[Process Performed by the System]
[0326] A detailed description is now given of one example of the
process performed by the system of the present embodiment with
reference to FIGS. 12 through 16.
[Biological Condition Information Analysis Service Process]
[0327] A service process for the analysis of biological condition
information as the method using the present system configured above
is now described in detail with reference to FIG. 12 and other
figures. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing one example of the service
process for the analysis of biological condition information by the
system of the present embodiment.
[0328] First, using the input device 250, a user specifies the
address (e.g., URL) of a Web site provided by the server unit 100
on the Web browser 211 displayed on a screen. This causes the
client unit 200 to connect to the server unit 100 via the
Internet.
[0329] Specifically, the user activates the Web browser 211 on the
client unit 200 and enters the URL of the transmission screen for
the biological condition information into a predetermined input
field of the Web browser 211. As the user renews the screen of the
Web browser 211, the Web browser 211 transmits the URL according to
a specific communication protocol via the communication controlling
IF 280 and requests the server unit 100 to transmit the Web page of
the transmission screen of the biological condition information
according to the routing based on this URL.
[0330] The request interpreting section 102a of the server unit 100
monitors the transmission from the client unit 200 and, on
receiving the transmission, interprets the transmission. Depending
on the results of the interpretation, the request interpreting
section 102a allocates the process to a corresponding section of
the control unit 102. If the transmission is a request for the
transmission of the Web page of the transmission screen for the
biological condition information, the request interpreting section
102a, primarily under the control of the browsing processing
section 102b, retrieves from the memory unit 106 the Web data
required to display the Web page for transmission screen for the
biological condition information, and transmits the Web data to the
client unit 200 via the communication controlling interface 104.
Upon transmitting the data from the server unit 100 to the client
unit 200, which one of the client units 200 that the data should be
transmitted to is determined by the IP address sent from the client
unit 200 along with the request for the transmission.
[0331] Upon making the request for the transmission of the Web
page, the user may be asked to enter a user ID and a password to
allow the authentication processing section 102c to refer to the
user IDs and the user passwords stored in the user information
database 106a and thereby determine if the user can be approved.
Only the approved users may be allowed to access the Web page (This
description also applies to the following examples and the details
will not be repeated).
[0332] The client unit 200 receives Web data from the server unit
100 via the communication controlling IF 280, and interprets the
data on the Web browser 211, thereby displaying the Web page for
biological condition information transmission screen on the monitor
261. In the following, screen request from the client unit 200 to
the server unit 100, transmission of Web data from the server unit
100 to the client unit 200, and display of Web page in the client
unit 200 are conducted in the similar manner, and hence detailed
description thereof will be omitted.
[0333] Then, the user enters and selects biological condition
information via the input device 250 of the client unit 200, and
input information and an identifier for identifying the selected
item are transmitted to the server unit 100 (Step SA-1).
[0334] The request interpreting section 102a of the server unit 100
analyzes the identifier to analyze the content of the request from
the client unit 200 (as to identification of the content of request
from the client unit 200 to the server unit 100, detailed
description will be omitted hereinafter as the processing are
conducted in almost the same manner).
[0335] Then the server unit 100 executes the biological condition
information analyzing processing as will be described later using
FIG. 13 or the like by a processing of each part in the control
unit 102 (Step SA-2). Then the server unit 100 produces, by the
processing of the Web page generating section 102e, a Web page
intended to display the data of analysis result for the biological
condition information sent by the user, and stores it in the memory
106.
[0336] Then the user enters a predetermined URL on the Web browser
211, and is allowed to browse the Web page for displaying the data
of analysis result stored in the memory 106 after passing the
authentication as described above.
[0337] That is, when the user transmits a request for browsing the
Web page to the server unit 100 using the client unit 200, the
server unit 100 reads out the Web page for the user from the memory
106 through the processing of the browsing processing section 102b
and transmits it to the transmitting section 102f. The transmitting
section 102f then transmits the Web page to the client unit 200
(Step SA-3). As a result, the user can browse the own Web page as
desired (Step SA-4). Also, the user can print out the display
content of the Web page with the printer 262 as necessary.
[0338] The server unit 100 may notify the user of the analysis
result via an e-mail. The e-mail generating section 102d of the
server unit 100 generates e-mail data containing analysis result
data for the biological condition information sent by the user
according to a transmission timing. Concretely, it looks up the
user information stored in the user information database 106a based
on the user ID of the user and calls up an e-mail address of the
user.
[0339] Then it generates mail data for an e-mail which is addressed
to this e-mail address and containing the name of the user and the
data of analysis result for the biological condition information
sent by the user, and delivers the mail data to the transmitting
section 102f. Then the transmitting section 102f transmits this
mail data (Step SA-3).
[0340] On the other hand, the user receives the above e-mail using
the electric mailer 212 of the client unit 200 at desired timing.
This e-mail is displayed on the monitor 261 based on the known
function of the electric mailer 212 (Step SA-4). Also the user can
prints out the display content of the e-mail with the printer 262
as is necessary.
[0341] The biological condition information analysis service
processing ends here.
[Biological Condition Information Analyzing Processing]
[0342] Next, the details of an analyzing processing of biological
condition information will be described with reference to FIG. 13
or the like. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing one exemplary analyzing
processing of biological condition information of the present
system in the present embodiment. The present embodiment is
described while taking the case where calculation and tabulation of
the correlation coefficients and the correlation formulae is
conducted using Excel (trade name) from Microsoft (company name) as
an example, however, the present invention is not limited to that
case, and may be executed using other programs. First, the server
unit 100, by the processing of the correlation formula setting
section 102v, sets the correlation formula as shown by the
following formula 1 (Correlation formula setting process):
k G k i { ( C i .times. A i ) + D i } j { ( E j .times. B j ) + F j
} + H ( 1 ) ##EQU00005##
(wherein each of i, j and k is a natural number; each of A.sub.i
and B.sub.j is data of concentration of the metabolite in blood or
values obtained from applying a function to the concentration of
the metabolite in blood; and each of C.sub.i, D.sub.i, E.sub.j,
F.sub.j, G.sub.k and H is a constant.) The correlation formula
indicates the correlation between the blood concentration data
measured for each metabolite in each individual and index data
concerning a biological condition measured in each individual.
[0343] We will now describe in detail the process of setting the
correlation formula carried out by the correlation formula setting
section 102v.
First, the server unit 100 generates a data file in which the index
data (T) and the groups of blood concentration data of amino acids
are written in separate sheets on Excel through the processing of
the biological condition information acquiring section 102g (Step
SB-1).
[0344] Then the server unit 100 takes the data file generated at
Step SB-1 into the memory of the control unit 102 through the
processing of the biological condition information acquiring
section 102g (Step SB-2).
[0345] FIG. 19 shows one example of a main menu screen displayed on
a monitor. As shown, the main menu screen may contain the following
buttons: a link button MA-1 to a file import screen (file import
button), a link button MA-2 to an amino acid (metabolite) input
screen (amino acid (metabolite) input button), a link button MA-3
to a biological condition index input screen (biological condition
index input button), a link button MA-4 to a calculation formula
master maintenance screen (calculation formula button), a link
button MA-5 to an item selection screen (item designation button),
a link button MA-6 to a positive/negative determination
confirmation screen (positive/negative determination confirmation
button), a link button MA-7 to a composite index search screen
(composite index search button), and a quit button MA-8 to choose
to quit the process.
[0346] With regard to FIG. 19, when a user selects the file import
button MA-1 in the main menu screen by means of the input device
112, a file import screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 20.
[0347] FIG. 20 shows one example of a file import screen displayed
on a monitor. As shown, the file import screen may contain the
following buttons: an input box group MB-1 for entering the import
file paths and the import file names of amino acid (metabolite)
data; an input box group MB-2 for entering the import file paths
and the import file names of biological condition index data; an
import button MB-3 for importing files; and a "go back" button MB-4
for going back to the main menu screen (FIG. 19).
[0348] With regard to FIG. 20, when the user selects, by means of
the input device 112, an amino acid (metabolite) and a biological
condition index for data import in the input box groups MB-1 and
MB-2, respectively, and then selects the import button MB-3, the
biological condition index data designating section 102n imports
the designated amino acid (metabolite) into the memory of the
control unit 102, and the metabolite designating section 102m
imports the designated biological condition index data into the
memory of the control unit 102.
[0349] Referring again to FIG. 13, the server unit 100 prompts,
through the processing of the biological condition information
acquiring unit 102g, the user to select a subject group that the
user wishes to include in (or exclude from) the analysis on the
amino acid (metabolite) input screen shown in FIG. 21 and the
biological condition index input screen shown in FIG. 22 (Step
SB-3).
[0350] FIG. 21 shows one example of an amino acid (metabolite)
input screen displayed on a monitor. As shown, the amino acid
(metabolite) input screen may contain the following features:
unused Flg check boxes MC-1 for determining whether data for
analysis is to be registered or not; a data display area MC-2; a
data check button MC-3 for checking for data blanks; a register
button MC-4 for registering data; and a "go back" button MC-5 for
going back to the main menu screen (FIG. 19).
[0351] FIG. 22 shows one example of a biological condition index
input screen displayed on a monitor. As shown, the biological
condition index input screen may contain the following features:
unused Flg check boxes MD-1 for determining whether data for
analysis is to be registered or not; a data display area MD-2; a
data check button MD-3 for checking for data blanks; a register
button MD-4 for registering data; and a "go back" button MD-5 for
going back to the main menu screen (FIG. 19).
[0352] With respect to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the user can select
"unused (by checking in the box of unused Flg)" for one or more
unused Flg check boxes MC-1 or MD-1 for which data is missing
(blank) by checking in the boxes for the individuals. Selecting an
individual to be unused (by setting the unused Flg) in one of the
screens of FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 automatically causes the status of
the individual to switch to "unused" in the other screen.
[0353] With respect to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, when the user selects
the data check button MC-3 or MD-3 using the input device 112, the
biological condition information acquiring unit 102g automatically
checks for individuals for whom the blood concentration data of an
amino acid (s) (metabolites) is missing (blank) and sets the unused
Flg for the individuals.
[0354] With respect to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, when the user selects
the register button MC-4 or MD-4 through the input device 112, the
biological condition information acquiring unit 102g deletes the
blood amino acid data designated as "unused" by the unused Flgs
from the memory of the control unit 102.
[0355] Referring back to FIG. 13, the server unit 100, through the
processing of the metabolite designating section 102m and the
biological condition index data designating section 102n, causes
the item selection screen shown in FIG. 24 to be displayed on a
monitor and thereby prompts the user to select the index data (T)
of a biological condition and amino acids (metabolites) for
analysis (Step SB-4 and Step SB-5).
[0356] FIG. 24 shows one example of an item selection screen
displayed on a monitor. As shown, the item selection screen may
contain the following features: an input item display area MF-1; a
display area MF-2 for displaying items of biological condition
indices to be analyzed; a display area MF-3 for displaying items of
amino acids (metabolites) to be analyzed; an "OK" button MF-4 for
setting the items; and a "cancel" button MF-5 for closing the item
selection screen.
[0357] With respect to FIG. 24, when the user selects, by means of
the input device 112, a desired biological condition index
(indices) and an amino acid(s) (metabolite) from the display area
MF-2 of items of the biological condition indices to be analyzed
and the display area MF-3 of items of amino acids (metabolites) to
be analyzed, respectively, the selected items are displayed in the
input item display area MF-1. The user then selects the "OK" button
MF-4 by means of the input device 112 to cause the metabolite
designating section 102m and the biological condition index data
designating section 102n to delete the data other than those for
analysis from the memory of the control unit 102.
[0358] Referring again to FIG. 13, the server unit 100, through the
processing of the correlation determining section 102h, determines
the correlation of each metabolite with the index data based on the
index data and the group of blood concentration data selected for
analysis (Step SB-6). The server unit 100 then outputs the display
screen shown in FIG. 25 on the monitor. The correlation is
determined by calculating the correlation coefficient using the
correl function (or PEARSON function) by Excel.
[0359] FIG. 25 shows one example of a positive/negative
determination confirmation screen displayed on a monitor. As shown,
the positive/negative determination confirmation screen may contain
the following features: a display area MG-1 for displaying items
for analysis; a positive/negative determination display area MG-2;
a display area MG-3 for displaying analyzed items; a display area
MG-4 for displaying the correlation with the items for analysis; a
user setting display area MG-5 in which the user sets the
positive/negative; an "OK" button MG-6 for setting the items; and a
"cancel" button MG-7 for closing the positive/negative
determination confirmation screen.
[0360] With respect to FIG. 25, the user confirms the correlation
coefficient of each amino acid displayed in the display area MG-4
and confirms that each amino acid is positively or negatively
correlated with the index data (T). Even when the actual
correlation is positive, the user may set it as "negative," or vise
versa. In such a case, the user selects, by means of the input
device 112, positive or negative in the user setting display area
MG-5. When the user selects the "OK" button MG-6, the
positive/negative setting section 102p renews the corresponding
data in the memory of the control unit.
[0361] Referring again to FIG. 13, the server unit 100, through the
processing of the calculation formula setting section 102r,
displays a display screen shown in FIG. 23 to prompt the user to
prepare the calculation formula for the calculation of the
correlation formula (R) (Step SB-7).
[0362] FIG. 23 shows one example of the calculation formula master
maintenance screen displayed on a monitor. As shown, the
calculation formula master maintenance screen may contain the
following features: a calculation formula input area ME-1 for
entering the calculation formula for the calculation of the
correlation formula (R); a register button ME-2 for registering the
calculation formula; and a "go back" button ME-3 for going back to
the main menu screen (FIG. 19).
[0363] With respect to FIG. 23, the user enters, by means of the
input device 112, the calculation formula for calculating a desired
correlation formula (R) in the calculation formula input area ME-1
and selects the register button ME-2. This causes the calculation
formula setting section 102r to store the entered calculation
formula in a predetermined memory area of the memory 106. The
calculation formula may be defined as any of the followings, based
on the sign of each correlation coefficient for each amino acid
group (metabolite group) for the biological condition index data
(T): (Sum of the positives)/(Sum of the negatives), (Sum of the
positives)+(Sum of the negatives), (Sum of the positives)-(Sum of
the negatives), (Sum of the negatives)/(Sum of the positives), (Sum
of the negatives)-(Sum of the positives), and (Sum of the
positives).times.(Sum of the negatives).
[0364] Referring again to FIG. 13, the server unit 100, through the
processing of the calculation formula setting section 102r,
displays a composite index search screen shown in FIG. 26. This
prompts the user either to specify one or more of the calculation
formulae prepared in Step SB-7 (Step SB-8) or to specify the
resulting output file (Step SB-9).
[0365] FIG. 26 shows one example of the composite index search
screen displayed on a monitor. As shown, the composite index search
screen may contain the following features: a display and input area
MH-1 for displaying and entering the name of the output file; an
output file name reference button MH-2; a selection area MH-3 in
which the user selects between the search for the composite index
or the composite index in the optimization process; a display area
MH-4 for displaying items for analysis; a display area MH-5 for
displaying analyzed items; a display area MH-6 for displaying the
correlation with the items for analysis; a display area MH-7 for
displaying the positive/negative; a used FLG check area MH-8; a
calculation formula display area MH-9; an execute button MH-10; and
a "go back" button MH-11 for going back to the main menu screen
(FIG. 19).
[0366] With respect to FIG. 26, the user enters or selects specific
information by means of the input device 112 and then selects the
execute button MH-10. This causes the server unit 100 to generate
the correlation formula and then execute the optimization process 1
by the processing of the correlation formula generating section
102i and the optimization section 102j, respectively (step SB-10).
The optimization process 1 will be described below with reference
to FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0367] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing one example of the
optimization process 1 using the exhaustive calculation technique
by the present system. In the exhaustive calculation technique
shown in FIG. 14 (Step SC-1 through Step SC-8), the optimization
section 102j calculates the unsplit composite indices. In this
exhaustive calculation technique, the optimization section 102j
applies the designated calculation formulae (groups) to the
specified items, automatically calculates every possible
combination of amino acids, and outputs the top five combinations
that show the highest correlation to the index data (T) (the user
can specify the top twenty combinations).
[0368] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing one example of the
optimization process 1 using the best path method by the present
system. In the best path method shown in FIG. 15 (Step SD-1 through
Step SD-11), the optimization section 102j, through the processing
of a metabolite selecting section 102s, eliminates one amino acid
at a time and repeats the elimination step to obtain the optimum
combination in a simplified manner.
[0369] Referring back to FIG. 13, the server unit 100, through the
processing of a result outputting section 102k, outputs the results
of the analysis (single term indices) to the monitor and stores the
results in the memory 106 (Step SB-11).
[0370] Then, by the processing of a calculation formula splitting
section 102t, the server unit 100 selects desired ones of the
single term indices that are outputted in Step SB-11 (Step
SB-12).
[0371] The server unit 100 then executes the optimization process 2
by the processing of the correlation formula generating section
102i and the optimization section 102j (Step SB-13). The
optimization process 2 is described below with reference to FIG.
16.
[0372] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing one example of the
optimization process 2 by the present system. In the optimization
process 2 shown in FIG. 16 (Step SE-1 through Step SE-16), the
optimization section 102j, by the processing of the calculation
formula splitting section 102t, selects desired ones of the single
term indices outputted in Step SB-11, determines all patterns of
splitting the single term indices in two, and calculates the index
that has the correlation coefficient with the largest absolute
value with the index data (T). The calculation formula may be split
based on the metabolic map information stored in the metabolic map
information database 106e by the processing of the metabolic map
splitting unit 102u.
[0373] Referring back to FIG. 13, the server unit 100, through the
processing of the result outputting section 102k, outputs the
result of the analysis (a plurality of term indices) to the monitor
and stores the results in the memory 106 (Step SB-14). Of the split
patterns, a plurality of the composite indices that show the
highest correlation with the index data (T), such as top 20, may be
outputted.
[0374] FIGS. 27 through 33 each show one example of the monitor
display screen displaying the results of the analysis.
[0375] FIG. 27 shows one example of the result (1) sheet (raw date
for analysis) screen displayed on a monitor. As shown, the result
(1) sheet (raw date for analysis) screen may contain a display area
MJ-1 for displaying items for analysis and a display area MJ-2 for
displaying analyzed items.
[0376] FIG. 28 shows one example of the result (2) sheet
(conditions for searching for a composite index) screen displayed
on a monitor. As shown, the result (2) sheet (conditions for
searching for a composite index) screen may contain the following
features: a display area MK-1 for displaying items for analysis; a
display area MK-2 for displaying the names of analyzed items; an
display area MK-3 for displaying the correlation with the items for
analysis; a display area MK-4 for displaying the positive/negative
sign of the analyzed items; and a display area MK-5 for displaying
the calculation formulae.
[0377] FIG. 29 shows one example of the result (3) sheet (best
composite indices) screen displayed on a monitor. As shown, the
result (3) sheet (best composite indices) screen may contain the
following features: a display area MM-1 for displaying the ranks of
the optimum composite indices; a display area MM-2 for displaying
the correlation coefficients; and a display area MM-3 for
displaying the composite indices.
[0378] FIG. 30 shows one example of the result (4) sheet (best
composite indices_values) screen displayed on a monitor. As shown,
the result (4) sheet (best composite indices_values) screen may
contain the following features: a display area MN-1 for displaying
items for analysis; a display area MN-2 for displaying the results
of the calculation of the highest ranked composite indices; a
display area MN-3 for displaying the results of the calculation of
the second highest ranked composite indices; a display area MN-4
for displaying the results of the calculation of the third highest
ranked composite indices; a display area MN-5 for displaying the
results of the calculation of the fourth highest ranked composite
indices; and a display area MN-6 for displaying the results of the
calculation of the fifth highest ranked composite indices.
[0379] FIG. 31 shows one example of the result (5) sheet
(correlation graph) screen displayed on a monitor screen. As shown,
the result (5) sheet (correlation graph) screen may contain a
selection area MP-1 for selecting the composite index; and a
display area MP-2 for displaying the correlation graph.
[0380] FIG. 32 shows one example of result (6) sheet (raw data of
amino acids (metabolites)) screen displayed on a monitor screen. As
shown, the result (6) sheet (raw data of amino acids (metabolites))
screen may contain a display area MR-1 for displaying raw data of
amino acids (metabolites), and a display area MR-2 for displaying
unused Flg.
[0381] FIG. 33 shows one example of the result (7) sheet (raw data
of biological condition indices) screen displayed on a monitor
display. As shown the result (7) sheet (raw data of biological
condition indices) screen may contain a display area MS-1 for
displaying biological condition indices, and a display area MS-2
for displaying unused Flg.
[0382] The correlation setting process ends here.
[0383] Next, the server unit 100, through the processing of the
biological condition information acquiring section 102g, acquires
the groups of blood concentration data measured for each metabolite
in the individual to be simulated and stores the groups of blood
concentration data in a specific memory area of the memory 106.
[0384] Next, the server unit 100, through the processing of the
biological condition simulating section 102w, substitutes the
groups of blood concentration data measured for each metabolite in
the individual to be simulated, into the correlation formula set by
the correlation setting section 102v. In this manner, the
biological condition of the individual of interest can be
simulated.
[0385] Then the server unit 100, through the processing of the
result outputting section 102k, outputs the results of the
simulation of the biological condition by the biological condition
simulating section 102w to the monitor and stores the results in a
specific memory area of the memory 106.
[0386] The analysis of the biological condition information process
ends here.
EXAMPLES
[0387] Now some examples for determination of biological condition
using a composite index obtained by the present invention will be
explained.
[Example of Composite Indices for Hepatic Fibrosis (Part I)]
[0388] First, example of a composite index for hepatic fibrosis
(Part I) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 51 to
56 and Table 1. According to the forgoing method using the present
system, composite index for each stage (composite indices 1 to 4)
was determined by optimizing correlation of combination of plasma
amino acid levels in a control group and in each stage of hepatic
fibrosis using a hepatic fibrosis index in a patient with hepatitis
C. In the present example, explanation will be given while taking
composite indices for hepatic fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C
as an example. However the subject of the present invention is not
limited to patients with hepatitis C.
(Relation Between Each Composite Index and Stage of Disease
Condition)
[0389] FIG. 52 shows a relationship between a composite index
(composite index 1) for hepatic fibrosis as determined by the
present system and disease stages in a control group and in
patients with hepatitis C. In this illustration, the horizontal
axis represents a stage of disease condition and the vertical axis
represents a value of the composite index (composite index 1) in
the control group and patients with hepatitis C at each stage.
[0390] The stage of disease condition is indicated by five levels,
wherein the larger the value of the stage of disease condition, the
worse the disease condition is. The normal condition is indicated
by "0" and the worst stage of disease condition is indicated by
"4." This illustration focuses on the classification of the control
group and the patients with C hepatitis at Stage 1 of hepatic
fibrosis.
[0391] FIG. 53 shows a relationship between a composite index
(composite index 2) for hepatic fibrosis as determined by the
present system and disease stages in a control group and in
patients with hepatitis C. In this illustration, the horizontal
axis represents a stage of disease condition and the vertical axis
represents a value of the composite index (composite index 2) of
the control group and patients with hepatitis C at each stage.
[0392] The stage of disease condition is indicated by five levels,
wherein the larger the value of the stage of disease condition, the
worse the disease condition is. The normal condition is indicated
by "0" and the worst stage of disease condition is indicated by
"4." This illustration focuses on the classification of the control
group and the patients with C hepatitis at Stage 2 of hepatic
fibrosis.
[0393] FIG. 54 shows a relationship between a composite index
(composite index 3) for hepatic fibrosis as determined by the
present system and disease stages in a control group and in
patients with hepatitis C. In this illustration, the horizontal
axis represents a stage of disease condition and the vertical axis
represents a value of the composite index (composite index 3) of
the control group and patients with hepatitis C at each stage.
[0394] The stage of disease condition is indicated by five levels,
wherein the larger the value of the stage of disease condition, the
worse the disease condition is. The normal condition is indicated
by "0" and the worst stage of disease condition is indicated by
"4." This illustration focuses on the classification of the control
group and the patients with C hepatitis at Stage 3 of hepatic
fibrosis.
[0395] FIG. 55 shows a relationship between a composite index
(composite index 4) of hepatic fibrosis as determined by the
present system and disease stages in a control group and in
patients with hepatitis C. In this illustration, the horizontal
axis represents a stage of disease condition and the vertical axis
represents a value of the composite index (composite index 4) of
the control group and patients with hepatitis C at each stage.
[0396] The stage of disease condition is indicated by five levels,
wherein the larger the value of the stage of disease condition, the
worse the disease condition is. The normal condition is indicated
by "0" and the worst stage of disease condition is indicated by
"4." This illustration focuses on the classification of the control
group and the patients with C hepatitis at Stage 4 of hepatic
fibrosis.
(Disease Condition Determining Method and Determination Result of
Disease Condition)
[0397] Table 1 shows disease condition determining information and
determination results of disease condition in a control group and
patients with hepatitis C.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Composite Composite Composite Composite
index 1 index 2 index 3 index 4 Minimum value in control group Gen-
1.40 4.81 1.39 3.31 eral Pa- Fischer's Maximum value in control
group Fischer's Composite Composite Composite Composite determi-
tient Stage ratio 2.03 10.41 1.72 4.62 index index 1 index 2 index
3 index 4 SUM nation 1 0 3.36 1.70 8.89 1.12 4.11 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 2 0
3.35 1.78 10.41 1.10 3.60 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 3 0 4.43 1.71 5.54 1.16
4.62 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 4 0 4.10 1.40 9.03 1.17 4.28 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 5 0
3.49 1.59 8.17 1.28 4.31 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 6 0 3.65 1.69 8.75 1.23 4.58
0 0 0 0 0 0 - 7 0 4.21 1.48 4.81 1.40 4.53 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 8 0 3.35
2.03 10.40 1.12 3.31 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 9 0 2.30 1.98 9.37 1.10 3.41 0 0
0 0 0 0 - 10 0 3.75 1.63 7.95 1.17 4.08 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 11 0 3.73
1.88 8.45 1.13 3.96 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 12 0 4.27 1.87 8.06 1.15 4.10 0 0
0 0 0 0 - 13 1 4.38 2.32 5.17 1.26 4.08 0 1 0 0 0 1 + 14 1 3.81
2.24 11.68 1.02 3.78 0 1 1 1 0 3 + 15 1 3.66 2.13 8.73 0.96 3.55 0
1 0 1 0 2 + 16 1 3.11 2.23 9.71 0.97 3.31 0 1 0 1 0 2 + 17 1 2.63
2.63 16.36 0.95 3.49 0 1 1 1 0 3 + 18 1 2.26 2.28 11.88 0.99 3.46 0
1 1 1 0 3 + 19 1 2.51 2.17 14.34 1.17 3.91 0 1 1 0 0 2 + 20 1 2.59
2.71 11.66 1.06 3.73 0 1 1 1 0 3 + 21 1 3.00 2.27 10.77 0.87 3.06 1
1 1 1 1 4 + 22 1 1.99 2.35 12.58 0.95 2.78 1 1 1 1 1 4 + 23 1 3.19
1.91 9.17 0.91 3.24 1 0 0 1 1 2 + 24 2 3.08 1.84 14.13 1.10 3.72 0
0 1 0 0 1 + 25 2 2.93 2.72 15.59 0.98 3.74 0 1 1 1 0 3 + 26 2 3.28
2.18 14.48 0.89 3.08 1 1 1 1 1 4 + 27 2 3.00 1.75 11.94 0.96 3.12 1
0 1 1 1 3 + 28 2 2.15 2.40 14.42 0.92 2.63 1 1 1 1 1 4 + 29 3 3.24
1.59 6.24 1.07 4.07 0 0 0 1 0 1 + 30 3 2.98 2.24 8.80 0.94 3.94 0 1
0 1 0 2 + 31 3 1.80 2.05 10.37 0.79 2.86 1 1 0 1 1 3 + 32 3 2.04
2.96 12.21 0.90 3.13 1 1 1 1 1 4 + 33 3 2.41 2.36 14.26 0.95 3.14 1
1 1 1 1 4 + 34 3 3.17 2.41 6.76 0.99 3.41 0 1 0 1 0 2 + 35 3 1.96
2.11 12.14 0.83 2.45 1 1 1 1 1 4 + 36 3 3.72 2.16 9.17 1.04 3.45 0
1 0 1 0 2 + 37 3 2.68 2.14 9.57 0.90 2.57 1 1 0 1 1 3 + 38 3 2.63
1.74 13.52 0.79 2.60 1 0 1 1 1 3 + 39 4 1.91 1.72 11.62 0.76 2.30 1
0 1 1 1 3 + 40 4 2.63 2.18 11.45 0.98 3.14 1 1 1 1 1 4 + 41 4 2.35
1.98 9.23 0.79 2.79 1 0 0 1 1 2 + 42 4 1.24 1.93 11.87 0.86 2.56 1
0 1 1 1 3 + 43 4 1.98 2.25 11.86 0.85 2.82 1 1 1 1 1 4 + 44 4 0.80
3.14 18.74 0.81 1.74 1 1 1 1 1 4 + 45 4 2.76 1.98 11.16 0.75 2.65 1
0 1 1 1 3 + 46 4 0.78 3.47 14.33 0.97 2.14 1 1 1 1 1 4 + 47 4 2.46
2.87 8.11 0.92 3.23 1 1 0 1 1 3 + 48 4 1.18 2.72 11.39 0.76 2.03 1
1 1 1 1 4 + 49 4 2.46 2.51 11.08 1.07 3.34 0 1 1 1 0 3 + 50 4 0.98
2.49 21.04 1.20 1.98 1 1 1 0 1 3 + 51 4 1.38 2.63 9.26 1.03 2.88 1
1 0 1 1 3 + 52 4 4.66 1.72 44.97 0.70 2.52 1 0 1 1 1 3 + 53 4 1.72
2.09 10.27 1.04 2.83 1 1 0 1 1 3 + 54 4 2.16 1.64 10.83 0.96 2.71 1
0 1 1 1 3 + 55 4 2.38 1.60 13.28 0.92 2.67 1 0 1 1 1 3 + 56 4 1.07
2.83 14.97 1.06 2.32 1 1 1 1 1 4 +
[0398] For each composite index (composite indices 1 to 4), a
maximum value or a minimum value in values of a respective
composite index (composite indices 1 to 4) of a control group was
selected as a threshold limit value. When a value of either one of
the composite indices (composite indices 1 to 4) in a certain
patient with hepatitis C at a certain stage is larger than the
maximum value or smaller than the minimum value of the
corresponding composite index of the control group, it was
determined as positive "1." When the above value is between the
threshold limit values of the corresponding composite index values
of the control group, it was determined as negative "0." Then the
sum of the values determined for each composite index (composite
indices 1 to 4) was used to make general determination for each
subject (subjects in a control group and subjects with hepatitis
C). When the sum of the determined values was 1 or more, it was
determined as positive.
[0399] As a result, all of the patients with hepatitis C in the
data analyzed by the above diagnosis method were determined as
positive, and all of the controls were determined as negative.
(Discussion of Determination Results (Comparison with Conventional
Method))
[0400] FIG. 56 shows a relationship between a Fischer's ratio and a
stage of disease condition in a control group and patients with
hepatitis C. Likewise the composite indices calculated by the
forgoing method using the present system, when a similar
determination is conducted based on a Fischer's ratio
conventionally used in determination of hepatitis, 66% of the
patients with hepatitis turned out positive when the all of the
controls were negative.
[0401] The positive determinability in each stage was 27% in Stage
1, 60% in Stage 2, 60% in Stage 3 and 94% in Stage 4, clearly
showing that the above determination method is not suited for early
diagnosis although it is improved as the disease proceeds (see
Table 1 and FIG. 56). On the other hand, in the foregoing method
using the present system and determination using the disease
condition determining method of the present invention, the 100% of
determinability is achieved even in early stages of the disease.
This clearly shows superiority to the conventional method
(determination based on a Fischer's ratio).
(Replacement of Composite Indices)
[0402] In the indices that can be derived by the above method using
the present system, correlation coefficients are optimized,
however, the indices can play a role as a diagnosis index even when
they are not perfectly optimized. In consideration of this, we
provided the following rules and formulae by analyzing the top 20
correlation coefficients.
[0403] To be more specific, for example, an amino acid in at least
one formula from the composite indices 1 to 4 may be substituted in
accordance with the following rules, or at least one of the
composite indices 1 to 4 may be substituted by the corresponding
formula as follows.
[0404] Now, the above rules will be explained with reference to
FIG. 51.
[0405] FIG. 51 illustrates a rule for substituting an amino acid in
each of the formulae of composite indices 1 to 4.
[0406] As seen in FIG. 51, in each of the composite indices 1 to 4,
any element belonging to Group A is at the numerator, and any
element belonging to Group B is at the denominator. Each of the
composite indices 1 to 4 is calculated by the formula in the form
of a sum of fractions including at least one fraction that divides
an element belonging to Group A or a sum of elements belonging to
Group A by an element belonging to Group B or a sum of elements
belonging to Group B. Herein, elements belonging to Group C and
elements belonging to Group D may be added to the numerator and the
denominator, respectively.
[0407] The composite index 1 may be replaced, for example, by
composite indices 1-1 to 1-20 recited below. The minimum value of
control group and maximum value of control group represent the
maximum value and the minimum value for the composite index
(composite indices 1-1 to 1-20) of the control group.
(Composite index 1-1) (Minimum value of control group: 1.40,
Maximum value of control group: 2.03)
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp
(Composite index 1-2) (Minimum value of control group: 1.21,
Maximum value of control group: 1.84)
(Asn)/(Tau+Ile)+(Gln)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-3) (Minimum value of control group: 1.18,
Maximum value of control group: 1.81)
(Asn)/(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Ile)+(Gln)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-4) (Minimum value of control group: 1.39,
Maximum value of control group: 2.02)
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-5) (Minimum value of control group: 1.27,
Maximum value of control group: 1.83)
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Ile+Trp)
(Composite index 1-6) (Minimum value of control group: 1.40,
Maximum value of control group: 2.02)
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Asp+Ser+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-7) (Minimum value of control group: 1.21,
Maximum value of control group: 1.83)
(Asn)/(Tau+Ile)+(Gln)/(Asp+Thr+Ser+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-8) (Minimum value of control group: 1.26,
Maximum value of control group: 1.89)
(Asn)/(Tau+Ile)+(Gln+Met)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-9) (Minimum value of control group: 1.17,
Maximum value of control group: 1.80)
(Asn)/(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Ile)+(Gln)/(Asp+Thr+Ser+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-10) (Minimum value of control group: 1.45,
Maximum value of control group: 2.08)
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln+Met)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-11) (Minimum value of control group: 1.17,
Maximum value of control group: 1.80)
(Asn)/(Tau+Asp+(.alpha.-ABA)+Ile)+(Gln)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-12) (Minimum value of control group: 2.36,
Maximum value of control group: 2.00)
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+(.alpha.-ABA)+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-13) (Minimum value of control group: 1.26,
Maximum value of control group: 1.82)
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Ile+Trp)
(Composite index 1-14) (Minimum value of control group: 1.23,
Maximum value of control group: 1.86)
(Asn)/(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Ile)+(Gln+Met)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-15) (Minimum value of control group: 1.21,
Maximum value of control group: 1.83)
(Asn)/(Tau+Asp+Ile)+(Gln)/(Thr+Ser+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-16) (Minimum value of control group: 1.26,
Maximum value of control group: 1.83)
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Asp+Ser+Val+Ile+Trp)
(Composite index 1-17) (Minimum value of control group: 1.26,
Maximum value of control group: 1.88)
(Asn)/(Tau+Ile)+(Gln+Met)/(Asp+Thr+Ser+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-18) (Minimum value of control group: 1.35,
Maximum value of control group: 1.88)
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+(.alpha.-ABA)+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-19) (Minimum value of control group: 1.44,
Maximum value of control group: 2.07)
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr)+(Gln+Met)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp)
(Composite index 1-20) (Minimum value of control group: 1.24,
Maximum value of control group: 1.81)
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+(.alpha.-ABA)+Val+Ile+Trp)
[0408] The composite index 2 may be replaced, for example, by
composite indices 2-1 to 2-20 recited below. The minimum value of
control group and maximum value of control group represent the
maximum value and the minimum value for the composite index
(composite indices 2-1 to 2-20) of the control group.
(Composite index 2-1) (Minimum value of control group: 4.81,
Maximum value of control group: 10.41)
(Asn+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Met+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA))
(Composite index 2-2) (Minimum value of control group: 4.18,
Maximum value of control group: 9.05)
(Asn+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA))
(Composite index 2-3) (Minimum value of control group: 4.66,
Maximum value of control group: 9.83)
(Asn+Met+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA))
(Composite index 2-4) (Minimum value of control group: 4.63,
Maximum value of control group: 10.46)
(Asn+Met+Tyr)/(Asp+Cit)+(Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA)
(Composite index 2-5) (Minimum value of control group: 5.15,
Maximum value of control group: 12.23)
(Asn+Met)/(Cit)+(Tyr+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA))
(Composite index 2-6) (Minimum value of control group: 4.18,
Maximum value of control group: 9.72)
(Asn+Tyr)/(Asp+Cit)+(Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA)
(Composite index 2-7) (Minimum value of control group: 4.88,
Maximum value of control group: 12.41)
(Asn+Tyr)/(Asp+Cit)+(Met+Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA)
(Composite index 2-8) (Minimum value of control group: 4.68,
Maximum value of control group: 11.41)
(Asn)/(Cit)+(Tyr+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA))
(Composite index 2-9) (Minimum value of control group: 0.45,
Maximum value of control group: 0.67)
(Asn)/(Thr+Cit+(.alpha.-ABA))+(Met)/(His+Trp)
(Composite index 2-10) (Minimum value of control group: 5.31,
Maximum value of control group: 13.40)
(Asn)/(Cit)+(Met+Tyr+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA))
(Composite index 2-11) (Minimum value of control group: 0.37,
Maximum value of control group: 0.49)
(Asn)/(Thr+Cit+(.alpha.-ABA))+(Met)/(Asp+His+Trp)
(Composite index 2-12) (Minimum value of control group: 0.41,
Maximum value of control group: 0.57)
(Asn)/(Thr+Glu)+(Met)/(Cit+(.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)
(Composite index 2-13) (Minimum value of control group: 0.37,
Maximum value of control group: 0.49)
(Asn)/(Asp+Thr+Cit+(.alpha.-ABA))+(Met)/(His+Trp)
(Composite index 2-14) (Minimum value of control group: 0.34,
Maximum value of control group: 0.46)
(Asn)/(Thr+Cit+(.alpha.-ABA))+(Met)/(Glu+His+Trp)
(Composite index 2-15) (Minimum value of control group: 5.44,
Maximum value of control group: 15.47)
(Asn+Met)/(Asp+Cit)+(Tyr+Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA)
(Composite index 2-16) (Minimum value of control group: 3.13,
Maximum value of control group: 8.06)
(Asn+Met)/(Cit)+(Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA))
(Composite index 2-17) (Minimum value of control group: 0.37,
Maximum value of control group: 0.52)
(Asn)/(Cit+(.alpha.-ABA)+His)+(Met)/(Thr+Glu+Trp)
(Composite index 2-18) (Minimum value of control group: 0.40,
Maximum value of control group: 0.55)
(Asn)/(Cit+(.alpha.-ABA)+His)+(Met)/(Thr+Trp)
(Composite index 2-19) (Minimum value of control group: 0.37,
Maximum value of control group: 0.49)
(Asn)/(Cit+His+Trp)+(Met)/(Thr+(.alpha.-ABA))
(Composite index 2-20) (Minimum value of control group: 5.17,
Maximum value of control group: 14.31)
(Asn+Arg)/(.alpha.-ABA)+(Met+Tyr)/(Asp+Cit)
[0409] The composite index 3 may be replaced, for example, by
composite indices 3-1 to 3-20 recited below. The minimum value of
control group and maximum value of control group represent the
maximum value and the minimum value for the composite index
(composite indices 3-1 to 3-20) of the control group.
(Composite index 3-1) (Minimum value of control group: 1.39,
Maximum value of control group: 1.72)
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)
(Composite index 3-2) (Minimum value of control group: 1.38,
Maximum value of control group: 1.70)
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+C-
it)
(Composite index 3-3) (Minimum value of control group: 1.38,
Maximum value of control group: 1.67)
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asn+Cit+Tyr)
(Composite index 3-4) (Minimum value of control group: 1.39,
Maximum value of control group: 1.74)
(Tau+Gly)/(Asp+Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)
(Composite index 3-5) (Minimum value of control group: 1.38,
Maximum value of control group: 1.72)
(Tau+Gly)/(Asp+Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+C-
it)
(Composite index 3-6) (Minimum value of control group: 1.38,
Maximum value of control group: 1.72)
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)
(Composite index 3-7) (Minimum value of control group: 1.38,
Maximum value of control group: 1.72)
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asp+Thr+Asn+C-
it)
(Composite index 3-8) (Minimum value of control group: 1.34,
Maximum value of control group: 1.62)
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+C-
it)
(Composite index 3-9) (Minimum value of control group: 1.34,
Maximum value of control group: 1.63)
(Tau+Gly)/(Asp+Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+C-
it)
(Composite index 3-10) (Minimum value of control group: 1.34,
Maximum value of control group: 1.63)
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asp+Thr+Asn+C-
it)
(Composite index 3-11) (Minimum value of control group: 1.34,
Maximum value of control group: 1.63)
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)
(Composite index 3-12) (Minimum value of control group: 1.39,
Maximum value of control group: 1.68)
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr)+(His)/(Asn+Cit+Tyr)+(Trp)/(Lys)
(Composite index 3-13) (Minimum value of control group: 1.23,
Maximum value of control group: 1.61)
(Tau)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asn+Cit+Tyr)+(Gly+His)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Thr)
(Composite index 3-14) (Minimum value of control group: 1.23,
Maximum value of control group: 1.60)
(Tau)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asp+Asn+Cit+Tyr)+(Gly+His)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr)
(Composite index 3-15)(Minimum value of control group: 1.23,
Maximum value of control group: 1.61)
(Tau)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Asn+Cit+Tyr)+(Gly+His)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr)
(Composite index 3-16) (Minimum value of control group: 1.28,
Maximum value of control group: 1.73)
(Tau)/(Asp+Asn+Lys)+(Trp)/(Cit+Tyr)+(Gly+His)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Thr)
(Composite index 3-17) (Minimum value of control group: 1.28,
Maximum value of control group: 1.71)
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)+(Trp)/(Lys)
(Composite index 3-18) (Minimum value of control group: 1.27,
Maximum value of control group: 1.70)
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)+(Trp)/(L-
ys)
(Composite index 3-19) (Minimum value of control group: 1.28,
Maximum value of control group: 1.74)
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln+Met)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Cit+Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+A-
sn)
(Composite index 3-20) (Minimum value of control group: 1.29,
Maximum value of control group: 1.73)
(Tau+Gly)/(Asp+Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)+(Trp)/(Lys)
[0410] The composite index 4 may be replaced, for example, by
composite indices 4-1 to 4-20 recited below. The minimum value of
control group and maximum value of control group represent the
maximum value and the minimum value for the composite index
(composite indices 4-1 to 4-20) of the control group.
(Composite index 4-1) (Minimum value of control group: 3.31,
Maximum value of control group: 4.62)
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asp+Asn)
(Composite index 4-2) (Minimum value of control group: 2.46,
Maximum value of control group: 3.34)
((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Asn)
(Composite index 4-3) (Minimum value of control group: 3.20,
Maximum value of control group: 4.62)
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Asn)
(Composite index 4-4) (Minimum value of control group: 3.01,
Maximum value of control group: 4.21)
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Asn)
(Composite index 4-5) (Minimum value of control group: 3.42,
Maximum value of control group: 4.77)
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asn)
(Composite index 4-6) (Minimum value of control group: 3.30,
Maximum value of control group: 4.70)
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asn)
(Composite index 4-7) (Minimum value of control group: 2.16,
Maximum value of control group: 2.88)
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Asp+Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Asn)
(Composite index 4-8) (Minimum value of control group: 2.56,
Maximum value of control group: 3.46)
((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asn)
(Composite index 4-9) (Minimum value of control group: 3.56,
Maximum value of control group: 5.28)
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Met)+(His)/(Asn)
(Composite index 4-10) (Minimum value of control group: 3.11,
Maximum value of control group: 4.37)
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asn)
(Composite index 4-11) (Minimum value of control group: 2.49,
Maximum value of control group: 3.52)
((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asp+Asn)+(Trp)/(Tyr)
(Composite index 4-12) (Minimum value of control group: 2.70,
Maximum value of control group: 3.63)
(Tau+Trp)/(Asp+Met+Tyr)+(His)/(Asn)
(Composite index 4-13) (Minimum value of control group: 3.21,
Maximum value of control group: 4.62)
(Tau+His)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Asp+Asn)
(Composite index 4-14) (Minimum value of control group: 3.21,
Maximum value of control group: 4.62)
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA))/(Asp+Asn)+(His+Trp)/(Tyr)
(Composite index 4-15) (Minimum value of control group: 2.93,
Maximum value of control group: 4.13)
(Tau+Trp)/(Asp+Met+Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asn)
(Composite index 4-16) (Minimum value of control group: 3.19,
Maximum value of control group: 4.69)
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA))/(Asn)+(His+Trp)/(Asp+Tyr)
(Composite index 4-17) (Minimum value of control group: 1.27,
Maximum value of control group: 1.97)
((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)+(His)/(Asp+Asn+Met)
(Composite index 4-18) (Minimum value of control group: 3.18,
Maximum value of control group: 4.62)
(Tau+(.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Tyr)+(Trp)/(Asp+Asn)
(Composite index 4-19) (Minimum value of control group: 1.18,
Maximum value of control group: 1.78)
(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asn)+(His+Trp)/(Asp+Met+Tyr)
(Composite index 4-20) (Minimum value of control group: 2.64,
Maximum value of control group: 3.81)
(Tau+His)/(Asp+Asn+Met)+((.alpha.-ABA)+Trp)/(Tyr)
[0411] Now we finish the explanation of Example of composite
indices for hepatic fibrosis (Part I).
[Example of Composite Indices for Hepatic Fibrosis (Part II)]
[0412] First, the details of Example of composite indices for
hepatic fibrosis (Part II) will be explained with reference to FIG.
35. According to the forgoing method using the present system, a
composite index 5 by a plurality of metabolites shown below was
determined using disease condition index data regarding hepatic
fibrosis.
(Composite index 5: R=-0.80)
(Leu+Val+Trp)/(Phe+Tyr)+(Gly+Tau+ABA+His+Pro)/(Met+Asn+Orn+Glu)
[0413] FIG. 35 shows a relationship between a composite index
(composite index 5) of hepatic fibrosis determined according to the
present system and a stage of disease condition. In this graph, the
horizontal axis represents a value of the composite index
(composite index 5) of each sample and the vertical axis represents
a stage of disease condition. The stage of disease condition is
indicated by six levels, wherein the larger the value of the stage
of disease condition, the worse the disease condition is. The
normal condition is indicated by "0" and the worst stage of disease
condition is indicated by "5."
[0414] Now we finish the explanation of Example of composite
indices for hepatic fibrosis (Part II).
[Example of Composite Indices for Diabetes Model Animals]
[0415] First, the details of Example of composite indices in
diabetes model animals will be explained with reference to e.g.,
FIGS. 37 to 39. Assigning numerals "-1 (normal)" and "1(diabetes)"
that are indicative of the disease conditions, respectively to a
normal rat (Wister) and a GK (Goto-Kakizaki) rat which is a
diabetes model animal, a correlation formula by blood amino acids
was created according to the forgoing method using the present
system, and a composite index 6 was determined.
(Composite index 6)
(Asn+Val+Trp)/(Ser)+(Cys+Phe+Orn)/(Cit+His)+(Ile)/(Gly)
[0416] FIG. 37 is a view showing a relationship between a composite
index (composite index 6) and a stage of disease condition in
normal (Normal) rats and diabetes (GK) rats. In this illustration,
the vertical axis represents a value of composite index (composite
index 6) in data of each individual of normal rats and diabetes
(GK) rats, and the horizontal axis represents a stage of disease.
As to the stage of disease condition, "-1" is indicative of normal,
and "1" is indicative of diabetes.
[0417] FIG. 38 shows a relationship between a composite index
(composite index 6) and a stage of disease condition determined by
the present system in a normal rat, diabetes (GK) rat and a
diabetes (GK) rat treated by administration of nateglinide or
glibenclamide which is a therapeutic agent for diabetes.
[0418] In this graph, the vertical axis represents a value of
composite index (composite index 6) in data of each individual of
the normal (Normal) rat, diabetes (GK) rat and a diabetes (GK) rat
treated by administration of nateglinide or glibenclamide which is
a therapeutic agent for diabetes, and the horizontal axis represent
a stage of disease condition.
[0419] As to the stage of disease condition, "-1" is indicative of
normal, "1" is indicative of diabetes, and diabetes treated by
administration of nateglinide or glibenclamide which is a
therapeutic agent for diabetes.
[0420] FIG. 39 is a bar graph showing the mean values of composite
index (composite index 6) (.+-.SD) determined by the present system
of the respective individual groups including a normal rat,
diabetes (GK) rat, and diabetes (GK) rat treated by administration
of nateglinide or glibenclamide which is a therapeutic agent for
diabetes.
[0421] In this graph, the vertical axis represents a mean value of
composite index (composite index 6) values (.+-.SD) of each of the
individual groups including a normal (Normal) rat, diabetes (GK)
rat and a diabetes (GK) rat treated by administration of
nateglinide or glibenclamide which is a therapeutic agent for
diabetes, and the horizontal axis represents each individual
group.
[0422] Herein, the mean value of composite index (composite index
6) values (.+-.SD) of the diabetes (GK) rat was significantly
higher than the mean values of composite index (composite index 6)
values (.+-.SD) of the normal (Normal) rat and the diabetes (GK)
rat treated by administration of nateglinide which is a therapeutic
agent for diabetes with a significance level of less than 1%, and
was significantly higher than the mean value of composite index
(composite index 6) values of the diabetes (GK) rat treated by
administration of glibenclamide which is a therapeutic agent for
diabetes with a significance level of less than 5%.
[0423] Now we finish the explanation of Example of composite
indices in diabetes model animals.
[1: Other Determination Examples of Disease Condition Determination
Using Animal Data]
[0424] Now, an exemplary formula for discriminating an animal with
a specific disease condition from a healthy animal which is a
control will be explained with reference to FIGS. 58 to 64. In each
formula, P-Ser represents a concentration of phsophoserine, Cys
represents a concentration of cystine, and Cysthi represents a
concentration of cystathionine.
(1-1: Hyperlipemia and Arteriosclerosis)
[0425] An apo-E knockout mouse is known as a model animal that
exhibits significant hyperlipemia and arteriosclerosis. The
following is an example of a discrimination formula between an
apo-E knockout mouse and a normal mouse (C57B6J) at 20 weeks old at
which an initial symptom of the arteriosclerosis is observed in the
apo-E knockout mouse, calculated according to the blood amino acid
level (see FIG. 58). FIG. 58 is a view showing an example of
discrimination between an apo-E knockout mouse (Apo-E KO) and a
normal mouse. As shown in FIG. 58, an apo-E knockout mouse and a
normal mouse were discriminated from each other effectively by
means of the following discrimination formula.
(Gly+Cys)/(Glu+Gln)+(Tyr+His)/(Asp+Arg) Index:
(1-2: Discrimination Between Before and after Influenza Virus
Infection)
[0426] Shown below is an example of discrimination formula for
discriminating the uninfected condition and the infected condition
with attenuated influenza virus A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) of a normal
mouse, based on blood amino acid levels before and after (previous
day and 1 to 5 days after infection) infection. An example of
discrimination based on the discrimination formula is illustrated
in FIG. 59. FIG. 59 is a view showing an example of discrimination
between the uninfected condition and the infected condition with
attenuated influenza virus A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) of a normal mouse.
In FIG. 59, open circle represents data for a pre-infected mouse
fed with a normal diet (Normal diet (pre)) and solid circle
represents data for a post-infected mouse fed with a normal diet
(Normal diet (+)).
(Tau+Ile+Leu+His)/(Gly)+(Gln)/(Arg+Pro)+(Cys)/(Glu+Cysthi)+(Phe+Trp)/(Ty-
r) Index (IFV):
[0427] In this experimental system, it has been reported that
previous intake of cystine and theanine which are amino acids are
effective in recovery from the symptom after influenza virus
infection (Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-040845). In order
to verify this, a change in value obtained by the above
discrimination formula resulting from influenza infection after
intake of cystine and theanine was compared with that obtained in
the group fed with a normal diet, and an example of this comparison
is shown (see FIG. 60). FIG. 60 is a view showing an example of
comparing a change in value obtained by the above discrimination
formula resulting from influenza infection after intake of cystine
and theanine, with that obtained in the group fed with a normal
diet. In FIG. 60, "open circle" represents data for the normal diet
intake group (Normal diet) and "solid triangle" represents data for
the cystine and theanine intake group (Cystein & Theanine
diet).
[0428] As shown in FIG. 60, it was found that at points of time
before virus infection (at points of time before the point of arrow
in FIG. 60), values obtained by the discrimination formula in the
cystine and theanine intake group exhibit significantly higher
values than those obtained in the control group. This suggests the
possibility of previous activation of the protective mechanism
against infection.
(1-3: Diabetes)
[0429] Shown below are an exemplary discrimination formula
calculated based on blood amino acid level of a
streptozotocin-administered rat which is a model animal for type I
diabetes, a GK (Goto-Kakizaki) rat which is a model animal for type
II diabetes, and a control rat, and an example of discrimination
according to the discrimination formula (FIGS. 61 and 62). FIG. 61
shows an example of discrimination between a
streptozotocin-administered rat (STZ) which is a model animal for
type I diabetes and a normal rat (Normal). FIG. 62 shows an example
of discrimination between a GK rat (GK) which is a model animal for
type II diabetes and a normal rat (Normal). A result for a
streptozotocin-administered rat which is recovered from the disease
condition by treatment with insulin (STZ+Insulin) is shown in FIG.
61 for comparison (see data of "STZ+Insulin" in FIG. 61).
(Thr+Asn+Phe+Lys+Arg+Pro)/(Cit+Ile)+(Cysthi+His)/(Asp+Met) Type I
diabetes indices: Index (I-DM):
(Val)/(Ser+Gly)+(Cys+Cystha+Trp)/(Cit+His+Arg) Type II diabetes
indices: Index (II-DM):
(1-4: Obesity)
[0430] A human growth hormone transgenic rat (hGH-Tg rat) is
reported as an obesity model animal that exhibits extreme obesity.
The following discrimination formula is an example of
discrimination formula calculated based on blood amino acid levels
of an obesity rat and a control rat (see FIG. 63). FIG. 63 shows an
example of discrimination between a human growth hormone transgenic
rat (hGH-Tg rat) and a normal rat (Normal).
(Gly)/(Val+Leu+Arg)+(Cit)/(Ala+Trp)+(Tyr)/(Lys)+(His)/(Ser+Ile+Orn)
Obesity index: Index (Ob):
(1-5: Hepatopathy)
[0431] Shown below is an example of discrimination formula
calculated based on blood amino acid levels of a hepatic fibrosis
model rat created by administration of dimethyInitrosamine, and a
normal rat (see FIG. 64). FIG. 64 shows an example of
discrimination between a model rat of hepatic fibrosis induced by
dimethyInitrosamine (DMN) and a normal rat (Normal).
(Thr)/(Cit+Cys+Cysthi+Phe+Orn+His)+(Glu+Ile)/(Tau+Gly) Index for
hepatic fibrosis: Index (Ci):
[2: Example Formulating Influence of Dietary Factor on
Individuals]
[0432] Application examples intended for determining nutritional
conditions of individuals will be described below with reference to
FIGS. 65 and 66. By previously formulating influence of a dietary
ingredient on individuals in the following manner, it is possible
to estimate the nutritional condition of a specific individual.
(2-1: Example Determining Influence of Low Protein Diet Intake on
Individuals)
[0433] Shown below is an example of discrimination formula
calculated based on blood amino acid levels of 6-week old rats fed
for 2 weeks with a diet containing 5% protein (n=6) or with a diet
containing 10% protein (n=6) (low protein diet group), and rats fed
in the same manner with a diet containing 15% protein (n=6) or with
a diet containing 20% protein (n=6) (control group) (see FIG. 65).
FIG. 65 shows an example of discrimination between rats fed with a
low protein diet (Low protein) and rats fed with a normal diet
(Normal). In the formula, Cys represents a cystine
concentration.
(Thr+Leu)/(Ser+Gly+Orn)+(Cys)/(P-Ser+Arg)+(Val+His)/(Lys)
Index-LP:
(2-2: Example Determining Influence of a Dietary Lipid Amount on
Individuals)
[0434] Shown below is an example of discrimination formula
calculated based on blood amino acid levels and blood lipid
metabolite levels of mice fed with a diet containing 20% lipids for
one month (n=6) or for two months (n=6) (high fat diet group) and
mice fed with a diet containing 7% lipids for one month (n=6) or
for two months (n=6) (control group) (see FIG. 66). FIG. 66 shows
an example of discrimination between mice fed with a high fat diet
(High Fat) and mice fed with a normal diet (Normal). In the
formula, .alpha.-ABA represents a concentration of a-amino butyric
acid, "NEFA" represents a concentration of free fatty acid, and
"TCHO" represents a total cholesterol concentration.
(Met+Ile+NEFA)/(Thr+Gln+Gly+.alpha.-ABA+Val+Leu+Tyr+Phe+His+Arg+Pro+TCHO-
) Index-HF:
[3: Use Examples of Biochemical Data as Substitutive Indices]
[0435] Examples of formulae optimized for various kinds of
biochemical data are indicated in FIGS. 67 to 70. As shown herein,
the following indices can be used as substitutive indices for
various biochemical data in blood or organs, or various measurement
items such as organ weight.
(3-1: Example of Formula Optimized to Organ Specific Biochemical
Index)
[0436] Shown below is a formula optimized with regard to lipid
peroxide (TBARS) amount in liver of each group (6 animals per
group) of rats fed for two weeks with a diet of protein contents
5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, or 70% using blood amino acid level (see
FIG. 67). FIG. 67 shows a correlation between a lipid peroxide
amount in liver (Liver-TBRAS) and a value calculated by the formula
optimized with regard to lipid peroxide amount (Index-TBRAS). In
the following formula, "Cys" represents a cystine concentration,
and "Cyshi" represents a cystathionine concentration.
(Asp)/(Thr+Trp)+(Cysthi)/(Tyr)+(Cys)/(Glu+Met+Arg)+(His)/(Cit+Phe)
Index-TBARS:
(3-2: Example of Formula Optimized for Blood Biochemical Index)
[0437] Shown below is a formula optimized for blood total
cholesterol (TCHO) in the experiment of the above (3-1: Example of
formula optimized for organ specific biochemical index) using blood
amino acid level (see FIG. 68). FIG. 68 shows a correlation between
a blood total cholesterol level (plasma TCHO) and a value
calculated by the formula optimized for the blood total cholesterol
level (Index-TCHO). In the following formula, "Cys" represents a
cystine concentration, and "Cyshi" represents a cystathionine
concentration.
(Asn)/(Tyr)+(Gly+Pro)/(Glu)+(Val)/(Met+Arg)+(Cys+Lys)/(Thr+Cysthi+His)
Index-TCHO:
(3-3: Example of Formula Optimized for Blood Hormone Level)
[0438] Shown below is a formulation optimized for a blood
insulin-like growth factor level (IGF-1) in the experiment of the
above (3-1: Example of formula optimized for organ specific
biochemical index) using blood amino acid level (see FIG. 69). FIG.
69 shows a correlation between a blood concentration of
insulin-like growth factor (Plasma IGF-1) and a value calculated by
the formula optimized for the blood concentration of insulin-like
growth factor (Plasma IGF-1). In the following formula, "Cys"
represents a cystine concentration, and "Cyshi" represents a
cystathionine concentration.
(P-Ser)/(Glu+Cysthi)+(Ser+Gly+Cys)/(Ala+Met+Lys+His)+(Orn)/(Asp+Thr+Cit+-
Trp) Index-IGF-1:
(3-4: Example of Formula Optimized for Tissue Weight)
[0439] Shown below is a formula optimized for a ratio (%) of
epididymis peripheral fat to a body weight in the experiment of the
above (3-1: Example of formula optimized for organ specific
biochemical index) using blood amino acid level (see FIG. 70). FIG.
70 shows a correlation between a ratio of epididymis peripheral fat
to body weight (WAT) and a value calculated by the formula
optimized for ratio of epididymis peripheral fat to body weight
(Index-WAT). In the following formula, "Cys" represents a cystine
concentration, and "Cyshi" represents a cystathionine
concentration.
(P-Ser+His)/(Cys+Cysthi+Phe+Arg)+(Cit)/(Asn+Val+Met+Tyr+Trp)
Index-WAT:
[4: Method of Collectively Determining Plural Physiological
Conditions, Application and Usability Regarding Correlation Of
Plural Indices]
[0440] One exemplary approach for specifically determining a target
condition by comparing the specific condition with every other
different condition is shown with reference to FIG. 71 and FIG.
72.
[0441] Now we presents a description of one exemplary method of
discriminating different conditions according to blood amino acid
levels of a streptozotocin-administered rat which is a model animal
for type I diabetes, a GK (Goto-Kakizaki) rat which is a model
animal for type II diabetes, a human growth hormone transgenic rat
exhibiting extreme obesity, a hepatic fibrosis model rat created by
administration of dimethyInitrosamine and a normal rat (see FIG.
71).
[0442] FIG. 71 is a diagram showing one example of simultaneous
discrimination among streptozotocine-administered rats, GK rats,
human growth hormone gene-introduced rats, hepatic fibrosis model
rats, and normal rats, performed based on the blood amino acid
level in respective rats. In FIG. 71, "solid square" represents
data of a streptozotocin-administered rat, "x" represents data of a
GK rat, "open triangle" represents data of a human growth hormone
transgenic rat, "solid circle" represents data of a hepatic
fibrosis model rat and "open square" represents data of a normal
rat.
[0443] The following formulae are examples of the calculated
indices for specifically determining a target condition by
comparing the specific condition with every other different
condition.
(Glu+Orn)/(Thr)+(Ile)/(Met+His)+(Cit)/(Tau+Tyr)+(Leu)/(Gln+Pro)
Type I diabetes indices: Index (I-DM)
(Ser+Glu+Met+Trp)/(Cit+Pro)+(Phe)/(Orn)+(Gln)/(Tau+Tyr+Lys) Type II
diabetes indices: Index (II-DM)
(Thr+Cit)/(Tyr)+(Ser+Ala+Leu+Orn+Lys+Pro)/(Glu+Gly) Obesity index:
Index(Ob)
(Cit+Arg)/(Tau+Thr)+(Phe)/(Gly+Ala+Val)+(Tyr)/(Ile) Index for
hepatic fibrosis: Index(Ci)
[0444] FIG. 71 is a correlation chart showing correlations between
each index. From such correlation between particular indices, the
correlation between particular conditions becomes clear, and hence
it is possible to verify the causal connection between particular
conditions. For example, by calculating influences of meal-to-meal
environmental factors exerted on a physiological condition as the
foregoing discrimination formulae, and comparing such
discrimination formulae characterizing various external factors
with various disease condition-specific indices to verify the
correlation therebetween, it is possible to predict risks on a
disease condition by the environmental factors.
[0445] That is, as can be seen from FIG. 71, a plurality of
conditions can be collectively examined with the use of these
plural indices.
[0446] FIG. 72 shows an example of collective examination of
results of insulin treatment conducted on a rat with type I
diabetes. In FIG. 72, "solid square" represents data of a rat with
type I diabetes (streptozotocin-administered rat), "x" represents
data of a rat with type II diabetes (GK rat), "open triangle"
represents data of an obese rat (human growth hormone transgenic
rat), "solid circle" represents data of a hepatic fibrosis model
rat, "open square" represents data of a normal rat, and "open
diamond" represents data of a rat with type I diabetes having
experienced an insulin treatment. In FIG. 72, the dotted line
(ellipse) is plots of indices where a normal rat and a rat with
type I diabetes is not discriminated from each other.
[0447] In FIG. 72, the results obtained through assignment to the
foregoing formulae of individuals with type I diabetes treated with
insulin are added to FIG. 71. This demonstrates that the insulin
treatment specifically improves the corresponding determination
index (I-DM). Therefore, not only a treatment effect on a target
condition but also a treatment effect on other conditions can be
examined in a collective manner, so that potent means for examining
side effects would be provided. In other words, determination based
on discrimination indices is enabled. Additionally, influences on
physiologic conditions other than a treatment target can be
determined concurrently.
[Example Regarding Prediction of Treatment Effect by Interferon and
Ribavirin]
[0448] Interferon treatments of hepatitis C are cost consuming and
cause significant side effects, and often fail to provide a
treatment effect. Therefore, ability to previously expect a
treatment effect is very important from the view point of
mitigating a burden on a patient. The formula 3 below was used to
discriminate a virus negative patient from a virus positive patient
at the same point of time based on blood amino acid levels before
administration in an interferon and ribavirin treatment of a
patient with hepatitis C (see FIG. 73).
[0449] FIG. 73 shows one example of prediction result of an effect
of an interferon and ribavirin treatment. In the present Example,
the patient who turns into virus negative at 8 weeks or 12 weeks
after starting of the treatment is defined as a virus negative
patient. In the following formula 3 and FIG. 73, ".alpha.ABA"
represents a concentration of a-amino butyric acid and "Cys"
represents a concentration of cystine.
[0450] FIG. 73 demonstrated that patients who benefited from the
interferon and ribavirin treatment could be perfectly discriminated
from patients who failed to benefit from the treatment. This result
suggests the possibility of predicting efficacies, side effects and
the like of various drugs by applying blood amino acid level before
administrations of the drugs to the present analysis method. The
present invention can be used as potent means for mitigating
medical risks such as side effects.
Asn/(Ser+.alpha.ABA)+(Cit+Orn)/Thr+(Cys+Trp)/Pro+Phe/Leu Formula
3)
[Example Regarding Index for Determining Stress of Pig Before and
after Transport]
[0451] Besides the situations where a blood amino acid level
changes depending on the disease, medication and the like, a blood
amino acid level may also change, for example, with a stress
response or adaptation response to an environmental change. Pigs
(n=8) loaded on a transportation truck were transported for one
hour, and plasma amino acid levels of pigs measured before and
after transport were analyzed, to obtain an index for determining
the biological conditions of animals before and after stress
application (formula 4 below).
[0452] FIG. 74 represents amino acid composite indices before and
after transport of pigs. As shown in FIG. 74, by assigning a plasma
amino acid level to the formula 4 below, it was possible to
determine biological conditions of pigs before and after transport.
This result suggests the possibility of mitigating the stress
caused by a transport by increasing the plasma amino acid level
described as a numerator of the following formula 4. This result is
supported by the report that states a success in reduction of the
stress caused by transport of pigs by administration of lysine
(Lys) and arginine (Arg) which is a precursor of ornithine (Orn)
(see "Srinongkote et al, Nutritional Neuroscience, 6, 283-289,
2003").
(Asp+Orn+Lys+3MeHis+Asn)/Glu+(Ser+His)/(P-Ser+Tau+Cys+Cysthi+Trp)
Formula 4) best index:
[Other Embodiments of Biological Condition Information Management
System and the Like]
[0453] We have explained various embodiments of the present
invention, however, in addition to the embodiments as described
above, the present invention may be embodied in other different
ways without departing from the technical idea defined in the
claims.
[0454] In one embodiment of the present invention, the correlation
formula selecting process executed in the correlation formula
setting section 102v of the server unit 100 was explained while
taking "Case where blood concentration of each amino acid included
in clinical data is assigned to the formula 1, and each constant in
the formula 1 is calculated again to select a correlation formula
(Pattern 1)" described in the basic principal of the present
invention, as an example, however, a correlation formula previously
determined in the above Pattern 2 described in the basic principal
of the present invention may be selected. To be more specific,
correlation formulae previously calculated by the server unit 100
may be stored in a predetermined memory area in the memory 106, and
a desired correlation formula may be selected and set from the
memory 106 by the processing of the correlation formula setting
section 102v. The server unit 100 may select and download a desired
correlation formula via the network 300 from correlation formulae
previously stored in other memory device such as computer unit by
the processing of the correlation formula setting section 102v.
[0455] For example, the server unit 100 may execute a processing in
response to a request from the client unit 200 or the like confined
in another enclosure apart from the server unit 100 and returns the
result of the processing to the client unit 200 or the like.
[0456] The aforementioned transmission of biological condition
information (Step SA-1), transmission of analysis result (Step
SA-3) and the like may be achieved by using an existing e-mail
transmission technique or the like, or may be achieved in such a
manner that a user or the like enters input information in a
predetermined input format presented by a function of the Web site
provided by the server unit 100, and the inputted information is
transmitted. Alternatively, it may be achieved by known file
transfer techniques such as FTP and the like.
[0457] Among each technique described in the above embodiments, the
processings that were described as being conducted automatically
may be fully or partly conducted manually, and the processings that
were described as being conducted manually may be fully or partly
conducted automatically by known methods.
[0458] In addition to the above, processing procedures, control
procedures, specific names, information including parameters such
as various registration data and search criteria, screen examples
and database arrangement described in the above context and
drawings may be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise noted.
[0459] As to the server unit 100, the elements illustrated in the
drawing are given for representing functional concept, and are not
necessarily structured physically as shown in the drawings.
[0460] For example, processing functions realized by particular
parts or particular units in the server unit 100, especially each
processing function executed in the control unit 102 may be fully
or partly achieved by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a program
that is interpreted and executed by the CPU, or may be achieved by
hardware of wired logic system. Such a program is stored in a
recording medium as will be described later, and is mechanically
read by the server unit 100 as necessary.
[0461] In the memory 106 implemented by a ROM or a HD, a computer
program for giving instructions and executing various processings
in corporation with the OS (Operation System) is stored. This
computer program is executed when it is loaded to a RAM or the
like, and forms the control unit 102 in corporation with the CPU.
This computer program may be stored in an arbitrary application
program server which is connected to the server unit 100 via the
network 300. Alternatively, the whole or a part of the computer
program may be downloaded as necessary.
[0462] The program of the present invention may be stored in a
computer-readable recording medium. The term "recording medium"
used herein includes any "portable physical medium" such as a
flexible disk, a magneto optical disk, a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM,
a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD and any "fixed physical medium" such as
a ROM, a RAM, and a HD that are integrated in a variety of computer
systems, as well as "communication medium" that temporarily holds a
program such as communication line or carrier wave in the case of
transmitting program over a network represented by LAN, WAN and the
Internet.
[0463] The term "program" used herein refers to a data processing
method descried in arbitrary language or description method, and
may be described in any format including source code and binary
code. "Program" is not necessarily configured as a single entity,
but may be distributed as a plurality of modules or libraries, or
may achieve its function in corporation with other separate
programs as is represented by OS (Operating System). In each
apparatus shown in the embodiments, concrete arrangements for
reading recording media, reading procedures, or installing
procedures after reading may be achieved using well-known
arrangements or procedures.
[0464] Various databases stored in the memory 106 of the server
unit 100 (user information database 106a to metabolism map
information database 106e) are storage units that are implemented
by memory devices such as a RAM and a ROM, fixed disk devices such
as a hard disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, and the like, and
store various programs used for various processings or for
providing Web sites, tables, files, databases and files for Web
pages.
[0465] The server unit 100 may be realized by mounting software
(including program, data and the like) that achieves the method of
the present invention, on an information processing device
structured by connecting peripheral devices such as a printer, a
monitor and a image scanner to an existent information processing
terminal such as a personal computer and a work station.
[0466] Furthermore, concrete forms in terms of
integration/distribution of the server unit 100 are not limited to
those illustrated in drawings, and the whole or a part thereof may
be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any
units depending on various types of loads and the like. For
example, each database may be independently arranged as an
independent database device, and a part of processing may be
realized by using the CGI (Common Gateway Interface).
[0467] The client unit 200 may be realized by mounting software
(including program, data and the like) that achieves a Web
information browsing function and an e-mail function, on an
information processing device such as information processing
terminals like an existent personal computer, a work station, a
home-use game machine, an Internet TV, a PHS terminal, a cellular
phone terminal, a mobile communication terminal, and a PDA, to
which peripheral devices such as a printer, a monitor, an image
scanner, and the like are connected as necessary.
[0468] The control unit 210 of the client unit 200 may be realized
fully or partly by a CPU, a program, and a program interpreted and
executed by the CPU. In other words, the ROM or HD stores a
computer program for giving instructions to the CPU and executing
various processings in corporation with the OS (Operating System).
This computer program is executed when it is loaded to the RAM and
forms the control unit together with the CPU.
[0469] However, this computer program may be stored in an arbitrary
application program server which is connected to the client unit
200 via an arbitrary network, or the whole or a part of the
computer program may be downloaded as necessary. Alternatively, the
whole or an arbitrary part of each control unit may be realized by
hardware based on the wired logic or the like.
[0470] The network 300 connects the server unit 100 and the client
unit 200, and may include any one of the Internet, intranets, LANs
(including both wired and wireless), VANs, PC communication
networks, public telecommunication networks (including both
analogue and digital), dedicated line networks (including both
analogue and digital), CATV networks, mobile line switching
networks/mobile packet switching networks of, for example, IMT 2000
system, GSM system, or PDC/PDC-P system, radio calling networks,
local radio networks such as Bluetooth, PHS networks, satellite
communication networks such as CS, BS or ISDB. That is, the present
system can transmit/receive various data over any networks
regardless of whether radio transmission or fixed-line
communication.
[Embodiments of Hepatic Fibrosis Determining System and the
Like]
[0471] Now, embodiments of a hepatic fibrosis determining
apparatus, hepatic fibrosis determining method, hepatic fibrosis
determining system, program and recording medium of the present
invention will be explained in detail with reference to the
drawings. It is to be noted that the present invention is not
limited to these embodiments.
[System Arrangement--Hepatic Fibrosis Determination Apparatus
400]
[0472] Next, an arrangement of the hepatic fibrosis determination
apparatus 400 in the present system will be explained. FIG. 45 is a
block diagram of one exemplary arrangement of the hepatic fibrosis
determination apparatus 400 of the present invention to which the
present invention is applied. Only the part that is related to the
present invention in the above arrangement is illustrated
conceptually.
[0473] In FIG. 45, the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400
generally includes the control unit 402 such as CPU that controls
the overall hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400; the
communication controlling interface 404 connected with a
communication device (not shown) such as router that is connected
to a communication line or the like; the input/output controlling
interface 408 connected with the input device 112 or the output
device 114; and the memory 406 storing a variety of databases and
tables, which are communicatively connected one another via
arbitrary communication channels. Further, the hepatic fibrosis
determination apparatus 400 is communicatively connected with the
network 300 via a communication device such as router and a
wireless or wired communication line such as dedicated line.
[0474] Various databases and tables (user information database
406a, metabolite information database 406b and hepatic fibrosis
index database 406c) stored in the memory 406 of FIG. 45 are
storage units such as fixed disk device or the like, and store
e.g., various programs, tables, files, databases used for a variety
of processings and files for Web pages.
[0475] Among these elements constituting the memory 406, the user
information database 406a is a user information storage unit that
stores information about users (user information). FIG. 47 shows
one example of user information stored in the user information
database 406a.
[0476] The information stored in the user information database 406a
includes, as shown in FIG. 47, user IDs for uniquely identifying
each user; user password for authenticating the validity of each
user; name of each user; affiliation ID for uniquely identifying
the affiliation to which each user belongs; section ID for uniquely
identifying the section name to which the affiliation of each user
belongs; section name; and e-mail address of each user which are
correlated to one another.
[0477] The metabolite information database 406b is a metabolite
information storage unit that stores metabolite information and the
like. FIG. 48 shows one example of information stored in the
metabolite information database 406b.
[0478] The information stored in the metabolite information
database 406b includes, as shown in FIG. 48, individual (sample)
number; and blood concentrate data of each metabolite (for example,
amino acid), which are correlated to each other.
[0479] The hepatic fibrosis index database 406c is a hepatic
fibrosis index storage unit that stores hepatic fibrosis indices
and the like. In this database, optimized indices that are
optimized for each stage of each disease condition outputted by the
processing of the result outputting section 102k of the server unit
100 are stored as composite indices, while related with top level
indices as alternative indices. FIG. 50 shows one example of
information stored in the hepatic fibrosis index database 406c.
FIG. 50 shows one exemplary case where indices of the foregoing
examples
(Example of Composite Indices for Hepatic Fibrosis (Part I) and
Example of Composite Indices for Hepatic Fibrosis (Part II)) are
Stored.
[0480] The information stored in the hepatic fibrosis index
database 406c includes, as shown in FIG. 50, number, composite
index and alternative index which are correlated one another.
[0481] In addition to the above information, the memory 406 of the
hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 also stores various
Web data, CGI program or the like for providing the client unit 200
with Web sites.
[0482] The Web data includes data for displaying a variety of Web
pages as will be described later, and such data is in the form of a
text file described in HTML or XML. Component files, work files and
other temporary files for generating the Web data are also stored
in the memory 406.
[0483] In addition to the above, audio for transmission to the
client unit 200 may be stored in an audio file of WAVE format or
AIFF format, and a still image or a moving image may be stored in
an image file of JPEG format or MPEG2 format as is necessary.
[0484] In FIG. 45, the communication controlling interface 404
controls communication between the hepatic fibrosis determination
apparatus 400 and the network 300 (or communication device such as
router). In other words, the communication controlling interface
404 enables data communication with other terminals via
communication lines.
[0485] In FIG. 45, the input/output controlling interface 408
controls the input device 112 and the output device 114.
[0486] In FIG. 45, the control unit 402 has an internal memory for
storing a control program such as OS (Operating System), a program
defining a variety of procedures and required data, and executes
information processings for executing a variety of processings by
way of these programs. The control unit 402 includes a request
interpreting section 402a, a browsing processing section 402b, an
authentication processing section 402c, an e-mail generating
section 402d, a Web page generating section 402e, a transmitting
section 402f, a metabolite information acquiring section 402g, a
disease condition index value calculating section 402h, a disease
condition determining section 402i and a result outputting section
402j all of which are named for their functional concepts.
[0487] Among these, the request interpreting section 402a is a
request interpreting unit that interprets the content of a request
from the client unit 200 and transfers processings to other parts
of the control unit depending on the result of the
interpretation.
[0488] The browsing processing section 402b is a browsing
processing unit that generates or transmits Web data of various
screens in response to a browsing request for these screens from
the client unit 200.
[0489] The authentication processing section 402c is an
authentication processing unit that makes authentication in
response to a request for authentication from the client unit
200.
[0490] The e-mail generating section 402d is an e-mail generating
unit that generates an e-mail containing various information.
[0491] The Web page generating section 402e is a Web page
generating unit that generates a Web page viewed by a user.
[0492] The transmitting section 402f is a transmitting unit that
transmits various information to the client unit 200 of the user,
and also is an analysis result transmitting unit that transmits a
hepatic fibrosis determination result to the client unit 200 which
is a sender of the metabolite information.
[0493] The metabolite information acquiring section 402g is a
metabolite information acquiring unit that acquires metabolite
information including a group of blood concentration data measured
for each metabolite in each individual from the client unit 200,
the input device 112 or the like. The metabolite information
acquiring section 402g further includes a metabolite designating
section 402k as shown in FIG. 46. FIG. 46 is a block diagram
showing one exemplary arrangement of the metabolite information
acquiring section 402g of the present system to which the present
invention is applied. Only the part that is related to the present
invention in the above arrangement is illustrated conceptually.
[0494] In FIG. 46, the metabolite designating section 402k is a
metabolite designating unit that designates a desired
metabolite.
[0495] Referring again to FIG. 45, the disease condition index
value calculating section 402h is a disease condition index value
calculating unit that calculates a disease condition index value
for hepatic fibrosis from metabolite information including a group
of blood concentration data measured for each metabolite in each
individual acquired by the metabolite information acquiring section
402g, based on at least one of the composite indices 1 to 4 stored
in the hepatic fibrosis index database 406c or based on the
composite index 5 stored in the hepatic fibrosis index database
406c, and is also a composite index setting unit that sets a
composite index for calculating a disease condition index value for
hepatic fibrosis. Herein the composite index setting unit comprises
at least one selected from: a composite index 1 generating unit
that generates the composite index 1 which is a fractional
expression of single term or a fractional expression summing a
plurality of terms, the fractional expression having at least one
of blood concentration data of Asn and Gln as its numerator and at
least one of blood concentration of Thr, Tau, Ser, Val and Trp as
its denominator (optionally, blood concentration data of Met may be
added to the numerator, and blood concentration data of any of Ile,
.alpha.-ABA or Asp may be added to the denominator); a composite
index 2 generating unit that generates the composite index 2 which
is a fractional expression of single term or a fractional
expression summing a plurality of terms, the fractional expression
having at least one of blood concentration data of Asn and Met as
its numerator and at least one of blood concentration of
.alpha.-ABA and Cit as its denominator (optionally, blood
concentration data of any of Tyr or Arg may be added to the
numerator, and blood concentration data of any of His, Thr, Trp,
Asp or Glu may be added to the denominator); a composite index 3
generating unit that generates the composite index 3 which is a
fractional expression of single term or a fractional expression
summing a plurality of terms, the fractional expression having at
least one of blood concentration data of .alpha.-ABA, His, Gly, Trp
and Tau as its numerator and at least one of blood concentration of
Asn, Gin, Cit, Lys, Thr and Tyr as its denominator (optionally,
blood concentration data of any of Met or Asp may be added to the
denominator); and a composite index 4 generating unit that
generates the composite index 4 which is a fractional expression of
single term or a fractional expression summing a plurality of
terms, the fractional expression having at least one of blood
concentration data of His and Trp as its numerator and at least one
of blood concentration of Asn and Tyr as its denominator
(optionally, blood concentration data of any of .alpha.-ABA or Tau
may be added to the numerator and blood concentration data of any
of Met or Asp may be added to the denominator).
[0496] An amino acid in at least one formula of composite indices 1
to 4 may be replaced by an amino acid or the like having an
equivalent chemical property.
[0497] To be more specific, for example, an amino acid in at least
one formula of composite indices 1 to 4 may be replaced in
accordance with the following rules, or at least one of the
composite indices 1 to 4 may be replaced by the corresponding
formulae as shown below.
[0498] The aforementioned rules will be described with reference to
FIG. 51.
[0499] FIG. 51 represents rules for replacing an amino acid in each
of the formulae for the composite indices 1 to 4.
[0500] As shown in FIG. 51, in each of the composite indices 1 to
4, any element belonging to Group A is at the numerator, and any
element belonging to Group B is at the denominator. And each of the
composite indices 1 to 4 is calculated by the formula in the form
of a sum of fractions including at least one fraction that divides
an element belonging to Group A or a sum of elements belonging to
Group A by an element belonging to Group B or a sum of elements
belonging to Group B. Herein, elements belonging to Group C and
elements belonging to Group D may be added to the numerator and the
denominator, respectively.
[0501] Each of the composite indices 1 to 4 may be replaced, for
example, by the respective alternative indices (composite indices
1-1 to 1-20, composite indices 2-1 to 2-20, composite indices 3-1
to 3-20, composite indices 4-1 to 4-20) stored in the hepatic
fibrosis index database 406c.
[0502] The disease condition determining section 402i is a disease
condition determining unit that determines a disease condition
indicative of the progression of hepatic fibrosis according to the
disease condition index value calculated by the disease condition
index value calculating section 402h.
[0503] The result outputting section 402j is an outputting unit
that outputs e.g., processing results of processings in the control
unit 402.
[0504] The details of the processings executed at these sections
will be described later.
[0505] Explanation about the client unit 200 and the network 300
will be omitted because they are arranged in the same manner as
described above.
[System Processings]
[0506] Next, examples of processings in the present system of the
present embodiment arranged as described above will be explained in
detail with reference to FIG. 40, FIG. 41, FIG. 49 and so on.
[Hepatic Fibrosis Information Analysis Service Processing]
[0507] Now the details of the hepatic fibrosis information analysis
service processing which is the present method conducted using the
present system arranged as describe above will be explained with
reference to FIG. 49. FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing one example of
a hepatic fibrosis information analysis service processing of the
present system in the present embodiment.
[0508] First, a user designates an address of Web site (e.g. URL)
provided by the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 via
the input device 250 on the screen where the Web browser 211 is
displayed, and the client unit 200 comes into connection with the
hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 via the Internet.
[0509] Specifically, a user starts up the Web browser 211 in the
client unit 200, and enters a predetermined URL corresponding to
the metabolite information sending screen of the present system in
a predetermined entry field of the Web browser 211. When the user
designates updating of the screen of the Web browser 211, the Web
browser 211 transmits the URL via the communication controlling IF
280 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol, and
requests for the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 to
transmit a Web page for metabolite information sending screen
according to the routing based on this URL.
[0510] Then, upon detection of a transmission, the request
interpreting section 402a of the hepatic fibrosis determination
apparatus 400 that monitors whether or not a transmission is made
from the client unit 200 analyzes the content of the transmission,
and makes a respective part in the control unit 402 to conduct a
processing depending on the result of the analysis. When the
content of the transmission is a request for transmission of a Web
page for metabolite information sending screen, Web data for
displaying the Web page for metabolite information sending screen
is acquired from the memory 406 mainly under the control of the
browsing processing section 402a, and the Web data is transmitted
to the client unit 200 via the communication controlling interface
404. The client unit 200 to which data is transmitted from the
hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 is identified from the
IP address that is transmitted from the client unit 200 together
with the transmission request.
[0511] When a user requests for transmission of a Web page, the
user is requested to enter a user ID and a password, which is then
authenticated by the authentication processing section 402c based
on user IDs and user pass words stored in the user information
database 406a. The Web page may be allowed to browse only when the
authentication is valid (the details will be omitted in the
following description because similar processings are
repeated).
[0512] The client unit 200 receives Web data from the hepatic
fibrosis determination apparatus 400 via the communication
controlling IF280, and interprets the data on the Web browser 211,
thereby displaying the Web page for metabolite information sending
screen on the monitor 261. in the following, screen request from
the client unit 200 to the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus
400, transmission of Web data from the hepatic fibrosis
determination apparatus 400 to the client unit 200, and display of
Web page in the client unit 200 are conducted in the similar
manner, and hence detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0513] Then, the user enters and selects metabolite information via
the input device 250 of the client unit 200, and input information
and an identifier for identifying the selected item are transmitted
to the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 (Step
SF-1).
[0514] The request interpreting section 402a of the hepatic
fibrosis determination apparatus 400 interprets the identifier and
analyzes the content of the request from the client unit 200 (as to
identification of the content of request from the client unit 200
to the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400, detailed
description will be omitted hereinafter as the processings are
conducted in almost the same manner).
[0515] Then the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400
executes the metabolite information analyzing processing as will be
described later using FIG. 40 or the like by a processing of each
part in the control unit 402 (Step SF-2). Then the hepatic fibrosis
determination apparatus 400 produces, by the processing of the Web
page generating section 402e, a Web page intended to display the
data of analysis result for the metabolite information sent by the
user, and stores it in the memory 406.
[0516] Then the user enters a predetermined URL on the Web browser
211, and is allowed to browse the Web page for displaying the data
of analysis result stored in the memory 406 after passing the
authentication as described above.
[0517] That is, when the user transmits a request for browsing the
Web page to the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 using
the client unit 200, the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus
400 reads out the Web page for the user from the memory 406 through
the processing of the browsing processing section 402b and
transmits it to the transmitting section 402f. The transmitting
section 402f then transmits the Web page to the client unit 200
(Step SF-3). As a result, the user can browse the own Web page as
desired (Step SF-4). Also, the user can print out the display
content of the Web page with the printer 262 as necessary.
[0518] The hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 may notify
the user of the analysis result via an e-mail. The e-mail
generating section 402d of the hepatic fibrosis determination
apparatus 400 generates e-mail data containing analysis result data
for the metabolite information sent by the user according to
transmission timing. Concretely, it looks up the user information
stored in the user information database 406a based on the user ID
of the user and calls up an e-mail address of the user.
[0519] Then it generates mail data for an e-mail which is addressed
to this e-mail address and containing the name of the user and the
data of analysis result for the metabolite information sent by the
user, and delivers the mail data to the transmitting section 402f.
Then the transmitting section 402f transmits this mail data (Step
SF-3).
[0520] On the other hand, the user receives the above e-mail using
the electric mailer 212 of the client unit 200 at desired timing.
This e-mail is displayed on the monitor 261 based on the known
function of the electric mailer 212 (Step SF-4). Also the user can
prints out the display content of the e-mail with the printer 262
as is necessary.
[0521] The hepatic fibrosis information analysis service processing
ends here.
[Metabolite Information Analyzing Processing]
[0522] Next, the details of an analyzing processing of metabolite
information will be described with reference to FIG. 40 or the
like. FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing one exemplary analyzing
processing of metabolite information of the present system in the
present embodiment. The present embodiment is described while
taking the case where tabulation is conducted using EXCEL (trade
name) from Microsoft (company name) as an example, however, the
present is not limited to that case, and may be executed using
other programs.
[0523] First, the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400
generates a data file in which groups of blood concentration data
of amino acid are written in separate sheets on the Excel through
the processing of the metabolite information acquiring section 402g
(Step SG-1).
[0524] Then the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 takes
the data file generated at Step SG-1 into the memory of the control
unit 402 through the processing of the metabolite information
acquiring section 402g (Step SG-2).
[0525] Next, the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 makes
the user select a group of individuals to be analyzed (or a group
of individuals to be excluded) through the processing of the
metabolite information acquiring section 402g (Step SG-3).
[0526] Next, the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 makes
the user select an amino acid to be analyzed through the processing
of the metabolite designating section 402k (Step SG-4).
[0527] Next, the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 makes
the user designate a file to which a result is outputted (Step
SG-5).
[0528] Next, the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400
calculates a disease condition index value through the processing
of the disease condition index value calculating section 402h as
will be described later using FIG. 41 (Step SG-6).
[0529] FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing one example of calculation of
a disease condition index value in the present system in the
present embodiment.
[0530] In calculation of a disease condition index value, first the
hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 checks metabolite
information through the processing of the disease condition index
value calculating section 402h (Step SH-1), and then calculates a
disease condition index value based on at least one of the
composite indices 1 to 4 stored in the hepatic fibrosis index
database 406c or based on the composite index 5 stored in the
hepatic fibrosis index database 406c (Step SH-2).
[0531] An amino acid in at least one formula of composite indices 1
to 5 may be replaced by an amino acid or the like having an
equivalent chemical property.
[0532] To be more specific, for example, an amino acid in at least
one formula of composite indices 1 to 4 may be replaced in
accordance with the following rules, or at least one of the
composite indices 1 to 4 may be replaced by the corresponding
formulae as shown below.
[0533] The aforementioned rules will be described with reference to
FIG. 51.
[0534] FIG. 51 represents rules for replacing an amino acid in each
of the formulae for the composite indices 1 to 4.
[0535] As shown in FIG. 51, in each of the composite indices 1 to
4, any element belonging to Group A is at the numerator, and any
element belonging to Group B is at the denominator. And each of the
composite indices 1 to 4 is calculated by the formula in the form
of a sum of fractions including at least one fraction that divides
an element belonging to Group A or a sum of elements belonging to
Group A by an element belonging to Group B or a sum of elements
belonging to Group B. Herein, elements belonging to Group C and
elements belonging to Group D may be added to the numerator and the
denominator, respectively. In this manner, the disease condition
index value calculating section 402h may generate the composite
indices 1 to 4 according to these rules.
[0536] Each of the composite indices 1 to 4 may be replaced, for
example, by the respective alternative indices (composite indices
1-1 to 1-20, composite indices 2-1 to 2-20, composite indices 3-1
to 3-20, composite indices 4-1 to 4-20) stored in the hepatic
fibrosis index database 406c.
[0537] Referring again to FIG. 40, the hepatic fibrosis
determination apparatus 400 determines the disease condition
according to the disease condition index value calculated by the
processing of the disease condition index value calculating section
402h through the processing of the disease condition determining
section 402i (Step SG-7).
[0538] Next, the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400
outputs the analysis result on a monitor through the processing of
the result outputting section 402j and stores the analysis result
in the memory 406 (Step SG-8).
[0539] The analyzing processing of metabolite information ends
here.
[Other Embodiments of Hepatic Fibrosis Determining System and the
Like]
[0540] In the foregoing description, embodiments of the present
invention have been explained, however, the present invention may
be embodied in various ways without departing from the scope of
technical idea defined in the above claims besides the foregoing
embodiments.
[0541] For example, the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus
400 may execute the processing in response to a request from the
client unit 200 or the like confined in another enclosure apart
from the hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400, and may
return the result of the processing to the client unit 200 or the
like.
[0542] The aforementioned transmission of metabolite information
(Step SF-1), transmission of analysis result (step SF-3) and the
like may be achieved by using an existing electric mail
transmission technique or the like, or may be achieved in such a
manner that a user or the like inputs information in a
predetermined input format presented by a function of the Web site
provided by hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400, an the
inputted information is transmitted. Alternatively, it may be
achieved by known file transfer techniques such as FTP and the
like.
[0543] Among each technique described in the above embodiments, the
processings that were described as being conducted automatically
may be fully or partly conducted manually, and the processings that
were described as being conducted manually may be fully or partly
conducted automatically by known methods.
[0544] In addition to the above, processing procedures, control
procedures, specific names, information including parameters such
as various registration data and search criteria, screen examples
and database arrangement described in the above context and
drawings may be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise noted.
[0545] As to hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400, the
elements illustrated in the drawing are given as representation of
functional concept, and are not necessarily structured physically
as shown in the drawings.
[0546] For example, processing functions realized by particular
parts or particular units in hepatic fibrosis determination
apparatus 400, especially each processing function executed in the
control unit 402 may be fully or partly achieved by a CPU (Central
Processing Unit) and a program that is interpreted and executed by
the CPU, or may be achieved by hardware of wired logic system. Such
a program is stored in a recording medium as will be described
later, and is mechanically read by the hepatic fibrosis
determination apparatus 400 as necessary.
[0547] In the memory 406 implemented by ROM or HD, a computer
program for giving instructions and executing various processings
in corporation with the OS (Operation System) is stored. This
computer program is executed when it is loaded to a RAM or the
like, and forms the control unit 402 in corporation with the CPU.
This computer program may be stored in an arbitrary application
program server which is connected to the hepatic fibrosis
determination apparatus 400 via the network 300. Alternatively, the
whole or a part of the computer program may be downloaded as
necessary.
[0548] The program of the present invention may be stored in a
computer-readable recording medium. The term "recording medium"
used herein includes any "portable physical medium" such as a
flexible disk, a magneto optical disk, a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM,
a CD-ROM, an MO,a and a DVD and any "fixed physical medium" such as
a ROM, a RAM, and a HD that are integrated in a variety of computer
systems, as well as "communication medium" that temporarily holds a
program such as communication line or carrier wave in the case of
transmitting program over a network represented by LAN, WAN and the
Internet.
[0549] The term "program" used herein refers to a data processing
method descried in arbitrary language or description method, and
may be described in any format regardless of whether source code or
binary code. "Program" is not necessarily configured as a single
entity, but may be distributed as a plurality of modules or
libraries, or may achieve its function in corporation with other
separate programs as is represented by OS (Operating System). In
each device shown in the embodiments, concrete arrangements for
reading recording media, reading procedures or installing
procedures after reading may be achieved using well-known
arrangements or procedures.
[0550] Various databases stored in the memory 406 of the hepatic
fibrosis determination apparatus 400 (user information database
406a, metabolite information database 406b, and hepatic fibrosis
index database 406c) are storage units implemented by memory
devices such as a RAM and a ROM, fixed disk devices such as a hard
disk, a flexible disk, and an optical disk, and store various
programs used for various processings or for providing Web sites,
tables, files, databases and files for Web pages.
[0551] The hepatic fibrosis determination apparatus 400 may be
realized by mounting software (including program, data and the
like) that achieves the method of the present invention, on an
information processing device structured by connecting peripheral
devices such as a printer, a monitor and a image scanner to an
existent information processing terminal such as a personal
computer and a work station.
[0552] Furthermore, concrete forms in terms of
integration/disintegration of the hepatic fibrosis determination
apparatus 400 are not limited to those illustrated in drawings, and
the whole or a part thereof may be functionally or physically
distributed or integrated in any units depending on various types
of loads and the like. For example, each database may be
independently arranged as an independent database device, and a
part of processing may be realized by using the CGI
(Common Gateway Interface).
[0553] The network 300 connects the hepatic fibrosis determination
apparatus 400 and the client unit 200, and may include any one of
the Internet, intranets, LANs (including both wired and wireless),
VANs, PC communication networks, public telecommunication networks
(including both analogue and digital), dedicated line networks
(including both analogue and digital), CATV networks, mobile line
switching networks/mobile packet switching networks of, for
example, IMT 2000 system, GSM system or PDC/PDC-P system, radio
calling networks, local radio networks such as Bluetooth, PHS
networks, satellite communication networks such as CS, BS or ISDB.
That is, the present system can transmit/receive various data over
any of the radio or fixed-line networks.
[0554] As is in the above detailed description, according to the
present invention, after setting a correlation formula represented
by the formula 1 which indicates a correlation between index data
concerning a biological condition measured in each individual and
blood concentration data measured for each metabolite in each
individual; and a group of blood concentration data measured for
each metabolite in an individual to be simulated is substituted
into the set correlation formula, thereby simulating a biological
condition of the individual to be simulated. Therefore, it is
possible to provide an apparatus and a method for processing
information concerning a biological condition, a system for
managing information concerning a biological condition, a program,
and a recording medium capable of effectively simulating the health
condition, proceeding of disease, curing state of disease, future
risk to disease, efficacy of drug, side effect of drug and the like
on the basis of blood concentrations of metabolites in
individuals.
[0555] According to the present invention, on the basis of index
data concerning biological condition measured in each individual
and a group of blood concentration data measured for each
metabolite in each individual, a correlation of each metabolite
with index data is determined; on the basis of the determined
correlation of each metabolite, a correlation formula (correlation
function) by a plurality of metabolites, relative to biological
condition is created according to a predetermined calculation
method; and on the basis of correlation coefficients for index data
concerning biological condition in the determined correlation
formula, the correlation formula is optimized (for example, in such
a manner that the correlation coefficient is ranked in the top
levels (e.g., top 20 levels), preferably the correlation
coefficient is maximum), resulting that it is possible to use a
calculation formula of high correlation as a composite index
reflecting biological condition. Therefore, it is possible to
provide an apparatus and a method for processing information
concerning a biological condition, a system for managing
information on a biological condition, a program, and a recording
medium capable of effectively calculate a composite index composed
of measurable metabolites such as amino acids having high
correlation with biological conditions.
[0556] Further, according to the present invention, since composite
indices for each biological condition can be individually
determined, a number of disease conditions can be screened using
one measurement result of e.g., blood amino acid level. Therefore,
it is possible to provide an apparatus and a method for processing
information concerning a biological condition, a system for
managing information on a biological condition, a program, and a
recording medium capable of largely reducing the testing cost.
[0557] Further, according to the present invention, it is possible
to provide an apparatus and a method for processing information
concerning a biological condition, a system for managing
information on a biological condition, a program, and a recording
medium enabling a biological condition whose biological condition
index is not available at the time of measurement, to be diagnosed
by analyzing past data at the time when a composite index becomes
clear.
[0558] Further, according to the present invention, since each
metabolite composing a composite index for a biological condition
is possibly a cause or a result of the biological condition, it is
possible to provide an apparatus and a method for processing
information concerning a biological condition, a system for
managing information on a biological condition, a program, and a
recording medium enabling development of a therapeutic method of
biological condition using the composite index as a marker.
[0559] Further, according to the present invention, some of
metabolites are selected; a correlation formula is established
using a plurality of the selected metabolites; the correlation
coefficient for index data concerning biological condition is
calculated; and on the basis of the correlation coefficient for the
index data concerning biological condition and the number of
metabolites, combination of metabolites is optimized (for example,
in such a manner that the correlation coefficient is ranked in top
levels (e.g., in the top 20 levels) and the number of metabolites
is minimum, preferably, the correlation coefficient is maximum and
the number of metabolites is minimum), whereby selective removal of
each amino acid is conducted exhaustively and automatically.
Therefore, it is possible to provide an apparatus and a method for
processing information concerning a biological condition, a system
for managing information on a biological condition, a program, and
a recording medium capable of efficiently determining a composite
index regarding biological condition.
[0560] Further, according to the present invention, a calculation
formula is split; a correlation formula regarding biological
condition made up of a plurality of metabolites is calculated using
the split calculation formula; and on the basis of the correlation
coefficient for an index regarding biological condition,
combination of the splitting is optimized (for example, in such a
manner that the correlation coefficient is ranked in top levels
(for example, top 20 levels), preferably the correlation
coefficient is maximum); so that it is possible to split each
calculation formula exhaustively and automatically. Therefore, it
is possible to provide an apparatus and a method for processing
information concerning a biological condition, a system for
managing information on a biological condition, a program, and a
recording medium capable of efficiently determining a composite
index regarding biological condition.
[0561] Further, according to the present invention, since a
calculation formula is split based on metabolism map information;
and on the basis of the split formula, a correlation function for
biological condition made up of a plurality of metabolites is
calculated, it is possible to provide an apparatus and a method for
processing information concerning a biological condition, a system
for managing information on a biological condition, a program, and
a recording medium capable of automatically splitting a calculation
formula based on biochemical findings if the metabolism maps of
metabolites in relation to biological conditions is already
known.
[0562] Further, when an amino acid is selected as a metabolite in
the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus and a
method for processing information concerning a biological
condition, a system for managing information on a biological
condition, a program, and a recording medium capable of obtaining a
composite index for biological condition having high reliability by
utilizing the advantageous physical properties of amino acid, e.g.
high accuracy in metabolite measurement and relatively small
deviation resulting from measurement compared to deviation
resulting from individual difference.
[0563] Further, according to the present invention, since a group
of blood concentration data measured for each metabolite in each
individual is acquired; a disease condition index value for hepatic
fibrosis is calculated from the acquired group of blood
concentration data based on at least one of the composite indices 1
to 4:
(Asn)/(Thr)+(Gln)/(Tau+Ser+Val+Trp) Composite index 1:
(Asn+Tyr)/(Cit)+(Met+Arg)/(Asp+(.alpha.-ABA)) Composite index
2:
(Tau+Gly)/(Gln)+(.alpha.-ABA)/(Asp+Tyr)+(His)/(Lys)+(Trp)/(Thr+Asn+Cit)
Composite index 3:
(Tau+Trp)/(Tyr)+((.alpha.-ABA)+His)/(Asp+Asn); and Composite index
4:
a disease condition of hepatic fibrosis is determined according to
the calculated disease condition index value, a number of
screenings for hepatic fibrosis can be conducted using one
measurement result of e.g., blood amino acid level. Therefore, it
is possible to provide an apparatus, a method, a system, a program,
and a recording medium for determining hepatic fibrosis stage,
capable of largely reducing the testing cost.
[0564] Further, according to the present invention, it is possible
to provide an apparatus, a method, a system, a program, and a
recording medium for determining hepatic fibrosis stage enabling
diagnosis by analysis of past data.
[0565] Further, according to the present invention, since each
metabolite composing at least one of the composite indices 1 to 4
for hepatic fibrosis is possibly a cause or a result of the hepatic
fibrosis, it is possible to provide an apparatus, a method, a
system, a program, and a recording medium for determining hepatic
fibrosis stage enabling development of a therapeutic method of
hepatic fibrosis using at least one of the composite indices 1 to 4
as a marker.
[0566] Further, according to the present invention, a group of
blood concentration data measured for each metabolite in each
individual is acquired; a composite index for calculating a disease
condition index value for hepatic fibrosis is set; on the basis of
the set composite index, a disease condition index value for
hepatic fibrosis is calculated from the acquired group of blood
concentration data; a disease condition of hepatic fibrosis is
determined in accordance with the calculated disease condition
index value; and in the setting of the composite index, at least
one of the following composite indices 1 to 4 is created: composite
index 1 which is a fractional expression of single term or a
fractional expression summing a plurality of terms, the fractional
expression having at least one of blood concentration data of Asn
and Gln as its numerator and at least one of blood concentration of
Thr, Tau, Ser, Val and Trp as its denominator (blood concentration
data of Met may be added to the numerator, and blood concentration
data of any of Ile, .alpha.-ABA or Asp may be added to the
denominator); composite index 2 which is a fractional expression of
single term or a fractional expression summing a plurality of
terms, the fractional expression having at least one of blood
concentration data of Asn and Met as its numerator and at least one
of blood concentration of .alpha.-ABA and Cit as its denominator
(blood concentration data of any of Tyr or Arg may be added to the
numerator, and blood concentration data of any of His, Thr, Trp,
Asp or Glu may be added to the denominator); composite index 3
which is a fractional expression of single term or a fractional
expression summing a plurality of terms, the fractional expression
having at least one of blood concentration data of .alpha.-ABA,
His, Gly, Trp and Tau as its numerator and at least one of blood
concentration of Asn, Gln, Cit, Lys, Thr and Tyr as its denominator
(blood concentration data of any of Met or Asp may be added to the
denominator); and composite index 4 which is a fractional
expression of single term or a fractional expression summing a
plurality of terms, the fractional expression having at least one
of blood concentration data of His and Trp as its numerator and at
least one of blood concentration of Asn and Tyr as its denominator
(blood concentration data of any of .alpha.-ABA or Tau may be added
to the numerator and blood concentration data of any of Met or Asp
may be added to the denominator). Hence, a number of screenings for
hepatic fibrosis can be conducted using one measurement result of
e.g., blood amino acid level, and it is possible to provide an
apparatus, a method, a system, a program, and a recording medium
for determining hepatic fibrosis stage capable of largely reducing
the testing cost.
[0567] Further, according to the present invention, it is possible
to provide an apparatus, a method, a system, a program, and a
recording medium for determining hepatic fibrosis stage enabling
diagnosis by analysis of past measuring result data such as blood
amino acid level.
[0568] Further, according to the present invention, since each
metabolite composing a composite index for hepatic fibrosis is
possibly a cause or a result of the hepatic fibrosis, it is
possible to provide an apparatus, a method, a system, a program,
and a recording medium for determining hepatic fibrosis stage
enabling development of a therapeutic method of hepatic fibrosis
using the composite index as a marker.
[0569] Further, according to the present invention, it is possible
to provide an apparatus, a method, a system, a program, and a
recording medium for determining hepatic fibrosis stage capable of
creating a composite index which is useful in hepatic fibrosis
exhaustively and automatically.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0570] As described above, an apparatus and a method for processing
information concerning a biological condition, as well as a system
for managing information concerning a biological condition, a
program, and a recording medium of the present invention can
provide an analyzing methodology that derives a combination of
metabolites having high relationship with a specific biological
condition index, based on a correlation between various phenomena
defining conditions of biological body (phenomics data) and a
plurality of metabolites that can be readily measured (metabolomics
data).
[0571] Further, an apparatus, a method, a system for determining
hepatic fibrosis stage, a program, and a recording medium of the
present invention can calculate a disease condition index value for
hepatic fibrosis from a plurality of metabolites (specific amino
acid) that can be readily measured, and determine a disease
condition indicative of the progression of hepatic fibrosis
according to the calculated disease condition index value.
[0572] Accordingly, the apparatus and the method for processing
information concerning a biological condition, the system for
managing information concerning a biological condition, the
apparatus, the method and the system for determining hepatic
fibrosis stage, and program and recording medium of the present
invention are extremely useful in the bioinformatics field
conducting diagnosis of disease condition, diagnosis of disease
risk, proteome and metabolome analyses and the like.
[0573] The present invention is extremely useful because it has
wide practicability in a large number of industrial fields,
particularly, in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and medical
fields.
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