DIRECT ASSAY OF SKIN PROTEIN IN SKIN SAMPLES REMOVED BY TAPE STRIPPING

摘要

The present invention provides for a method of measuring the amount of skin removed by tape stripping. In one aspect of the invention, the invention provides a method for the direct assay of protein in skin samples removed by tape stripping, with a view to combining the protein measurement obtained with a corresponding skin cholesterol measurement to identify individuals at risk of having atherosclerosis as well as those at risk of developing atherosclerosis and similar diseases associated with and attributable to high cholesterol levels. Moreover, the present invention allows a comparative measurement of the amount of skin removed by tape stripping that does not rely solely on the area of the sample removed. Additionally, in one aspect of the invention, the method of this invention can allow relative levels of skin cholesterol to be compared based on the relative amounts of skin removed.