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Enhancing male fertility diagnostics with seminal plasma Raman spectroscopy.
Elena Rimskaya1, Alexey Gorevoy2, Aleksandra Yakimova3
1Lebedev Physical Institute, Leninskiy Prospekt 53, Moscow, 119991, Russia; V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina Street 4, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
Summary
Raman spectroscopy analyzes seminal plasma (SP) to identify male infertility markers. This pilot study differentiated normal and abnormal SP samples with high accuracy, offering a novel diagnostic approach.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Male Reproductive Health
Background:
- Seminal plasma (SP) is crucial for sperm function, comprising ~95% of ejaculate volume.
- Current male fertility assessment relies on standard semen analysis, which may miss molecular-level issues.
- Raman spectroscopy offers a non-invasive method to probe the molecular composition of biological fluids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of Raman spectroscopy for differentiating normal and abnormal seminal plasma samples.
- To identify key spectral components and biochemical markers associated with male infertility.
- To establish Raman spectroscopy as a complementary diagnostic tool for male fertility assessment.
Main Methods:
- Acquired in vitro Raman spectra from 70 dried seminal plasma samples (400–1900 cm-1) using 532 nm laser excitation.
- Applied Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) to decompose spectra into tyrosine, spermine phosphate hexahydrate, and protein-rich components.
- Correlated spectral differences with World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for semen analysis (sperm count, motility, morphology).
Main Results:
- Identified significant differences in Raman spectra between normal and abnormal seminal plasma samples.
- Observed distinct peak intensity variations at 625, 1440, and 1008 cm-1.
- Achieved high diagnostic accuracy: 79% specificity and 95% sensitivity in sample classification.
Conclusions:
- Raman spectroscopy effectively differentiates normal from abnormal seminal plasma based on biochemical profiles.
- This technique can detect molecular abnormalities not apparent in standard semen analysis.
- Raman spectroscopy shows promise as a powerful, innovative tool for male infertility diagnostics.
