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A decrease in 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopically determined citrate in human seminal fluid accompanies
Tiffany A Averna1, Eric E Kline, Anthony Y Smith
1Department of Biology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine and Cancer Research and Treatment Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA.
The Journal of Urology
|January 12, 2005
Summary
High-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of seminal fluid can detect significantly lower citrate levels in men with prostate cancer. This noninvasive method shows promise as a rapid screening tool for early prostate cancer detection.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Medical Diagnostics
- Oncology
Background:
- Human prostatic fluid constitutes a significant portion of seminal plasma, containing key metabolites like citrate.
- Citrate levels are known to be altered during prostate tumorigenesis, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.
- Developing noninvasive diagnostic tools for prostate cancer is crucial for early detection and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of unprocessed human seminal plasma.
- To assess the potential of NMR spectroscopy as a rapid, noninvasive diagnostic tool for prostate adenocarcinoma.
- To measure citrate concentrations in seminal plasma and correlate them with prostate cancer status.
Main Methods:
- Collected semen and prostatic massage samples from control subjects and patients with prostate cancer.
- Utilized water-suppressed, quantitative proton NMR spectroscopy to analyze samples stored frozen at -20°C.
- Calibrated NMR spectroscopy using standard samples with known citrate concentrations within the physiological range.
Main Results:
- Control subjects (PSA < 1 ng/ml) exhibited high seminal plasma citrate concentrations ranging from 97 to 178 mM.
- Patients with prostate cancer showed significantly reduced seminal plasma citrate levels (28 mM and 24 mM).
- Prostatic massage fluid from a cancer patient revealed a drastically lower citrate concentration (1.35 mM) compared to a healthy volunteer (483 mM).
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to employ high-resolution NMR of semen for prostate cancer diagnosis.
- High-resolution proton NMR can accurately measure citrate levels in seminal fluid.
- The findings suggest a potential new, rapid, and noninvasive screening method for prostate cancer.