Pepsinogen assay

Pepsinogen levels are measured to quantify this enzymatic precursor of pepsin, a major digestive enzyme secreted by the stomach. In animals, pepsinogen serves as a biomarker of gastric function and mucosal integrity. This analysis is particularly useful in physiological studies, nutritional trials, and animal health monitoring.

The analysis is performed by ELISA or spectrophotometry , depending on the matrix and the required precision. These methods allow for reliable measurement of pepsinogen in plasma, serum, tissue extracts, or enzyme formulations intended for animal feed.

Pepsinogen: a key marker of digestive function

Pepsinogen is the inactive (zymogen) form of pepsin, a proteolytic enzyme responsible for hydrolyzing dietary proteins in the stomach. In most mammals, it is secreted by chief cells of the gastric mucosa and then activated into pepsin in the presence of an acidic pH.

In the context of animal health , pepsinogen measurement is a valuable indicator:

• An increase in its plasma concentration reflects an alteration of the abomasal mucosa, often linked to gastrointestinal parasitic infections (such as Ostertagia ostertagi in cattle),
• A decrease may indicate an enzyme deficiency or a disorder of gastric secretion.

Pepsinogen measurement is therefore an indirect diagnostic tool for the physiological and digestive state of farm animals, particularly in veterinary monitoring and nutritional improvement programs.

Objectives and benefits of the dosage

This analysis serves several objectives:

• assess the health and integrity of the gastric mucosa,
• to diagnose parasitic infections or digestive disorders early,
• to control the quality of enzymatic or probiotic formulations intended for animal nutrition,
• to validate the effectiveness of food additives aimed at improving digestion or the bioavailability of nutrients,
• to support research in digestive physiology and animal nutrition.

The assay can be applied to various matrices: animal sera, tissues, enzyme extracts, food supplements or experimental preparations.

Analytical methods used

Two main approaches allow for the quantification of pepsinogen according to the context and analytical needs:

• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method : this method relies on the specific recognition of pepsinogen by an antibody. This technique is sensitive, selective, and suitable for biological samples such as serum or plasma. It allows for precise and reproducible quantitative measurement, with a low detection threshold.
• Spectrophotometric method : this method relies on measuring an optical signal proportional to the enzymatic activity of pepsinogen after activation into pepsin. This method is used for enzyme formulations or crude extracts.

The choice of method depends on the type of sample and the purpose of the test (diagnosis, quality control, research).

YesWeLab also offers complementary analyses for enzymatic characterization, such as lipase assay, amylase assay or trypsin assay, in order to obtain a comprehensive view of enzymatic digestion in animals.

Applications in animal health and nutrition

Pepsinogen measurement is a reference method for:

• Bovine and ovine health : monitoring of gastric parasitism ( Ostertagia ostertagi , Teladorsagia circumcincta ), an indicator of abomasal mucosal lesions and chronic inflammation.
• Nutritional assessment : monitoring the effectiveness of enzymatic, probiotic or phytogenic supplements intended to optimize digestion and food conversion.
• Veterinary research : study of digestive physiology, enzymatic response and biomarkers associated with gastrointestinal health.
• Formulation of functional foods : validation of products enriched with enzymes or containing bioactive extracts that promote digestion.

For product research or development programs, this analysis can be combined with total protein assays , Kjeldahl nitrogen assays, or specific enzyme activity .

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab entrusts pepsinogen measurement to partner laboratories specializing in animal biology and enzyme analysis. These laboratories use validated immuno-enzymatic kits and calibrated spectrophotometric instruments to guarantee the accuracy of the results.

The protocols applied comply with good analytical practices (GLP) and the ISO 17025 standard, ensuring the reliability and traceability of measurements.

The YesWeLab scientific team assists each client in selecting the most relevant method based on the matrix being studied, the required sensitivity, and the application context (diagnosis, research, or formulation). Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform, ordering, tracking, and reporting results are entirely centralized.

Since 2020, many players in animal health, research laboratories and manufacturers of fortified foods have trusted YesWeLab for their enzymatic and biochemical analyses.

Technical data

• Methods: ELISA, spectrophotometry
• Expertise: Physicochemical, nutritional
• Industry sector: Animal health, nutrition, veterinary research
• Measured parameters: Total or species-specific pepsinogen and matrix
• Applications: Diagnostics, enzyme formulation, physiological monitoring

For any specific request, contact our scientific team to obtain a personalized quote and analytical advice tailored to your biological matrices or veterinary products.