Estandarización de una técnica de ELISA para la cuantificación de serotonina en muestras de orina

Abstract

The present research project is part of a larger study entitled "Utility of Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy and Tryptophan Supplementation in the Reduction of Aggression in Children Aged 3 to 9 Years with a History of Child Abuse in Institutional Foster Care, Cuenca, 2023". In this context, it was required to carry out measurements of serotonin levels in urine before, during and after an intervention program combining cognitive-behavioral play therapy and a diet supplemented with tryptophan. This program was implemented in children aged 3 to 7 years who have been victims of child abuse. This study was based on the hypothesis that children who have suffered child abuse tend to manifest aggressive behaviors due to the reduction of serotonin levels in their organism. It is postulated that, through a diet enriched with tryptophan, together with play therapies, it is possible to regulate these levels and reduce aggressiveness in these children. To achieve one of the objectives of the main project, it was necessary to standardize the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique for the accurate measurement of serotonin levels in urine samples. The central purpose of this research work is to achieve the standardization of an ELISA technique that allows the accurate measurement of serotonin levels in children. To achieve this objective, a calibration curve was constructed using dilutions of a serotonin standard. In addition, the replicability of the measurements was verified on multiple occasions to ensure that the method has been adequately standardized.