Label-Free Detection of Molecular Signatures in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Using Raman...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Translational Medicine
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) presents diagnostic challenges and limited treatment options.
• Current diagnostic methods for HFpEF can be delayed, impacting patient outcomes.
• There is a need for rapid, cost-effective tools to identify HFpEF and monitor treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Raman micro-spectroscopy (RmS) for label-free identification of molecular signatures in HFpEF.
• To assess RmS capability in classifying HFpEF versus control tissues and monitoring therapeutic interventions.
• To investigate organ-specific biochemical alterations in a relevant HFpEF rat model.

Main Methods:

• Raman micro-spectroscopy (RmS) was applied to cardiac and renal tissues from ZSF1 rats (HFpEF model).
• A supervised classification model utilized second-derivative Raman spectral features, including the protein-to-tryptophan ratio.
• Analysis included five experimental groups, encompassing HFpEF and control tissues, and pharmacological interventions.

Main Results:

• RmS achieved 92% accuracy (93% sensitivity, 91% specificity) in discriminating HFpEF from control cardiac tissues.
• The protein-to-tryptophan ratio was a key spectroscopic marker for HFpEF classification.
• Organ-specific therapeutic responses to pharmacological interventions were successfully analyzed and classified.

Conclusions:

• Raman micro-spectroscopy (RmS) is a viable label-free technique for HFpEF diagnosis and classification.
• RmS offers a rapid and cost-effective approach for molecular signature identification in HFpEF research.
• The findings support integrating RmS into translational research for improved HFpEF diagnosis and treatment monitoring.