Label-free detection of human enteric nerve system using Raman spectroscopy: A pilot study for diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease
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In brief
In brief
Pilot study demonstrates Raman spectroscopy can detect enteric nerve system presence in human intestinal tissue without labels or dyes, potentially enabling real-time intraoperative identification of ganglionic versus aganglionic bowel segments in Hirschsprung disease. Principal component analysis successfully discriminated ganglion from muscle layers in surgical specimens.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Background
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is characterized by the absence of an enteric nerve system (ENS). To remove aganglionosis, bowel reconstruction is only a curative treatment. It is mandatory to identify the extent of aganglionosis during surgery. Raman spectroscopy is a nondestructive chemical analysis technique that provides detailed information regarding molecular vibrations. The purpose of this study is to detect the ENS using Raman spectroscopy in the human intestine for diagnosis of HSCR.
Methods
The Raman spectra of each layer of the gastrointestinal wall were collected from surgical specimens of the human rectum. Based on collected spectral data, principal component analysis was performed to determine the ENS. Subsequently, the Raman spectra of HSCR sections were analyzed.
Results
Molecular structures of the gastrointestinal wall were characterized by Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy could discriminate between ganglion and muscle layers, and the spectra of the border between muscle layers in the aganglionosis were collagen-associated peaks. Either absence on presence of ENS was also confirmed in HSCR material.
Conclusions
Label-free detection of the ENS was successfully demonstrated using Raman spectroscopy. Since this is a preliminary study, the strategy which may contribute to differentiate between ganglionic and aganglionic segments using noninvasive techniques in HSCR should be evaluated by prospective studies in near future.