A Diagnostic Method for Gastric Cancer Using Two-Photon Microscopy With Enzyme-Selective Fluorescent Probes: A Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Endoscopic evaluation is crucial for gastric cancer diagnosis but relies on subjective visual assessment.
• Histopathologic confirmation, while definitive, is a time-consuming process.
• Novel imaging techniques are needed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of gastric cancer diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To visualize and quantify enzyme activity in gastric tissues using two-photon microscopy (TPM).
• To assess the diagnostic potential of TPM with fluorescent probes for gastric cancer.
• To differentiate between normal mucosa, ulcer, adenoma, and gastric cancer.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme activities of β-galactosidase (β-gal), carboxylesterase (CES), and hNQO1 were measured in biopsy samples using TPM and ratiometric fluorescent probes.
• Fluorescence emission ratios (Ch2/Ch1) were analyzed across different tissue depths.
• Enzymatic activity was cross-validated using lysed tissue samples.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in β-gal and CES activity were observed between normal and gastric cancer tissues (P < 0.001).
• TPM imaging successfully distinguished gastric cancer from normal, ulcer, and adenoma tissues based on enzyme activity.
• hNQO1 activity did not show significant differences across the studied conditions.

Conclusions:

• TPM imaging with ratiometric fluorescent probes provides a novel method for discriminating gastric cancer.
• This technique allows for visual differentiation and quantitative depth profiling in gastric cancer diagnosis.
• The findings suggest TPM as a promising tool to aid in gastric cancer diagnosis.