Pepsinogen assay

Pepsinogen measurement quantifies this enzymatic precursor of pepsin, a major digestive enzyme secreted by the stomach. In animals, pepsinogen is a biomarker of gastric function and mucosal integrity. This analysis is particularly used in physiological studies, nutritional trials, and animal health monitoring.

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

Pepsinogen: a key marker of digestive function

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

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

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

Pepsinogen dosage 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 interest of the dosage

This analysis meets several objectives:

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

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

Analytical methods used

There are two main approaches to measuring pepsinogen depending on the context and analytical needs:

• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method : it is based 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 : it is based on the measurement of an optical signal proportional to the enzymatic activity of pepsinogen after activation into pepsin. This method is used for enzymatic formulations or crude extracts.

The choice of method depends on the type of sample and the purpose of the test (diagnostic, 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 global vision 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 lesions of the abomasal mucosa 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 research or product development programs, this analysis can be combined with total protein assay , Kjeldahl nitrogen assay, or specific enzyme activity .

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab entrusts pepsinogen testing to partner laboratories specializing in animal biology and enzymatic analysis. These laboratories use validated enzyme immunoassay kits and calibrated spectrophotometry instruments to ensure accurate 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 appropriate method based on the matrix studied, the required sensitivity, and the application context (diagnosis, research, or formulation). Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform, ordering, monitoring, and reporting of results are fully centralized.

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

Technical data

• Methods: ELISA, spectrophotometry
• Expertise: Physicochemical, nutritional
• Sector of activity: Animal health, nutrition, veterinary research
• Measured parameters: Total or specific pepsinogen depending on the species and matrix
• Applications: Diagnosis, enzymatic 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.