Toxicology ELISA Kits and Multiplex Immunoassays

Toxicology encompasses scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and medicine. Covering the entire biological system from cells to ecosystems, toxicology is the study of adverse effects of compounds on living organisms. The effects of toxins are influenced through their ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties, along with their interactions with other molecules or cellular components [1].

Toxic substances interact in vivo in four steps. First, toxins must reach the blood stream. They can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, skin exposure, or via lung inhalation. Once absorbed, toxic substances then enter the circulatory system through lymph and/or blood and get distributed to various organs and tissues. Next, circulating toxins undergo metabolism or biotransformation, where the compounds get chemically transformed into metabolites that may elicit a weaker or stronger toxicological effect in vivo. Finally, toxins and/or their metabolites are excreted from the body.

If a toxin can be rapidly eliminated from the body, it will have less chance of accumulating at the target site and inflicting damage. The most common methods of excretion are through the renal system or the digestive tract [2].

Toxicology testing can be broadly grouped into different categories. In research settings, synthetic and natural products/compounds are tested to assess their potential toxicological effects. In development and manufacturing of regulated materials for sale, like medicines, pesticides, cosmetics, additives, etc., all compounds must undergo toxicity testing on their final products prior to public use.

Testing methods will uncover species, organ, and dose-specific effects of compounds in question. The most common methods for testing are studying accidental exposure, in vitro studies using cell lines, and in vivo studies involving animal models [3]. At the end of testing, the LD₅₀ of the compound is determined, which gives a value known to be a lethal dosage in 50% of the tested population.

As part of testing, it is important to understand the mechanism of action of compounds and their potential cytotoxic effects that are elicited in the body. Immunotoxicity can be measured in vitro using applications such as ELISA or ProcartaPlex multiplex immunoassays. These assays can be used to test a variety of biomarkers in the body to determine how toxins affect biomarkers. To that extent, Table 1 highlights a few examples of published data on toxicology research and testing using these methods.

A benefit of bead-based assays is the ability to multiplex—allowing simultaneous testing of different biomarkers at one time. A cost-effective and time-saving application, it requires only a small volume of sample (which is advantageous in the case of restricted/limited samples). Using this method, researchers can gain a comprehensive understanding of different toxicological effects due to the vast number of biomarkers across different species.