procedure for the detection of apoptosis by determining cytochrome c as apoptosespezifischem markers of cellular ausschu00fcttungsvorgu00e4nge into the extracellular medium is made

摘要

A method for the detection of apoptosis by determining presence, amount, or activity of apoptosis-specific markers released from at least one cell undergoing apoptosis into an extracellular medium through cellular release mechanisms is disclosed. The extracellular medium includes body fluids, in particular urine, inflammatory fluid, serum, liquor, or cell culture medium, wherein samples are preferably taken from humans or animals. The method can be used for the diagnosis and/or for therapy control of diseases and/or processes associated with increased apoptosis. It can also be used for therapy control of diseases associated with decreased apoptosis. Additionally, a method is disclosed for the identification of apoptosis-modulating substances, characterized in that apoptosis-specific markers released from a cell culture sample into an extracellular cell culture medium through cellular release is mechanisms are determined. The invention also concerns the use of an apoptosis detection kit for determining extracellular apoptosis-specific markers. It further relates to the use of cytochrome c and/or peptides derived thereof as a medicament, pharmaceutical compositions comprising cytochrome c and/or peptides derived thereof, and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and the use of cytochrome c and/or peptides derived thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of diseases with inflammatory manifestation.