Autofluorescence excitation-emission matrices for diagnosis of colonic cancer

To investigate the autofluorescence spectroscopic differences in normal and adenomatous colonic tissues and to determine the optimal excitation wavelengths for subsequent study and clinical application.

Normal and adenomatous colonic tissues were obtained from patients during surgery. A FL/FS920 combined TCSPC spectrofluorimeter and a lifetime spectrometer system were used for fluorescence measurement. Fluorescence excitation wavelengths varying from 260 to 540 nm were used to induce the autofluorescence spectra, and the corresponding emission spectra were recorded from a range starting 20 nm above the excitation wavelength and extending to 800 nm. Emission spectra were assembled into a three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy and an excitation-emission matrix (EEM) to exploit endogenous fluorophores and diagnostic information. Then emission spectra of normal and adenomatous colonic tissues at certain excitation wavelengths were compared to determine the optimal excitation wavelengths for diagnosis of colonic cancer.

When compared to normal tissues, low NAD(P)H and FAD, but high amino acids and endogenous phorphyrins of protoporphyrin IX characterized the high-grade malignant colonic tissues. The optimal excitation wavelengths for diagnosis of colonic cancer were about 340, 380, 460, and 540 nm.

Significant differences in autofluorescence peaks and its intensities can be observed in normal and adenomatous colonic tissues. Autofluorescence EEMs are able to identify colonic tissues.