Frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy of the uterine cervix during regular pregnancies

Hornung, René; Spichtig, Sonja; Baños, Ana; Stahel, Michèle; Zimmermann, Roland; Wolf, Martin

doi:10.1007/s10103-010-0832-7

Cited by 18 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Frequency domain NIR spectroscopy has proved that optical properties of the human uterine cervix are influenced by the hormonal status depending on the phases of menstrual cycle [34] or by pregnancy [35]. Therefore, we might suppose that the uterine remodeling in pregnancy is correlated with changes in cellular dynamics and morphology, and TCs are actively participating in this 3D network reorganization.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Near-infrared low-level laser stimulation of telocytes from human myometrium

et al. 2014

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Telocytes (TCs) are a brand-new cell type frequently observed in the interstitial space of many organs (see www.telocytes.com). TCs are defined by very long (tens of micrometers) and slender prolongations named telopodes. At their level, dilations—called podoms (~300 nm), alternate with podomers (80–100 nm). TCs were identified in a myometrial interstitial cell culture based on morphological criteria and by CD34 and PDGF receptor alpha (PDGFRα) immunopositivity. However, the mechanism(s) of telopodes formation and/or elongation and ramification is not known. We report here the low-level laser stimulation (LLLS) using a 1,064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (with an output power of 60 mW) of the telopodal lateral extension (TLE) growth in cell culture. LLLS of TCs determines a higher growth rate of TLE in pregnant myometrium primary cultures (10.3 ± 1.0 μm/min) compared to nonpregnant ones (6.6 ± 0.9 μm/min). Acute exposure (30 min) of TCs from pregnant myometrium to 1 μM mibefradil, a selective inhibitor of T-type calcium channels, determines a significant reduction in the LLLS TLE growth rate (5.7 ± 0.8 μm/min) compared to LLLS per se in same type of samples. Meanwhile, chronic exposure (24 h) completely abolishes the LLLS TLE growth in both nonpregnant and pregnant myometria. The initial direction of TLE growth was modified by LLLS, the angle of deviation being more accentuated in TCs from human pregnant myometrium than in TCs from nonpregnant myometrium. In conclusion, TCs from pregnant myometrium are more susceptible of reacting to LLLS than those from nonpregnant myometrium. Therefore, some implications are emerging for low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in uterine regenerative medicine.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Near-infrared low-level laser stimulation of telocytes from human myometrium

et al. 2014

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“…Frequency domain near infrared spectroscopy was applied by Hornung et al . to detect changes in light absorption and scattering coefficients.…”

Section: Other Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 97%

In vivo assessment of the biomechanical properties of the uterine cervix in pregnancy

et al. 2013

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Measuring the stiffness of the cervix might be useful in the prediction of preterm delivery or successful induction of labor. For that purpose, a variety of methods for quantitative determination of physical properties of the pregnant cervix have been developed. Herein, we review studies on the clinical application of these new techniques. They are based on the quantification of mechanical, optical, or electrical properties associated with increased hydration and loss of organization in collagen structure. Quasi-static elastography determines relative values of stiffness; hence, it can identify differences in deformability. Quasi-static elastography unfortunately cannot quantify in absolute terms the stiffness of the cervix. Also, the current clinical studies did not demonstrate the ability to predict the time point of delivery. In contrast, measurement of maximum deformability of the cervix (e.g. quantified with the cervical consistency index) provided meaningful results, showing an increase in compliance with gestational age. These findings are consistent with aspiration measurements on the pregnant ectocervix, indicating a progressive decrease of stiffness along gestation. Cervical consistency index and aspiration measurements therefore represent promising techniques for quantitative assessment of the biomechanical properties of the cervix.

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“…An increase in blood signatures is attributed to the increase in vascularization that occurs as the cervix prepares for delivery 4 (Figure 5), a phenomenon that has also been observed in pregnant women using near infrared spectroscopy. 33 Decreases in ECM peaks are explained by the process of ECM remodeling where collagen becomes increasingly soluble due to reduced cross-links and dispersed at a lower concentration. 4,15 Trivalent collagen cross-links have been observed at 1660 cm −1 , and reductions in these cross-links (which have been previously reported in women 27 and mice 27,52 ) likely contribute to the observed decrease in this peak during pregnancy.…”

Section: Commentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…32,33 Absorption by hemoglobin and optical scattering were shown to increase throughout pregnancy, and absorption by water significantly increased during cervical ripening after exposure to the prostaglandin misoprostol. 32,33 Ectocervix surface area determined by images from an endoscopic camera revealed increased surface area in pregnant patients throughout pregnancy, and was attributed to increased hydration. 34 While fluorescence, second harmonic generation, near-infrared spectroscopy, and white light imaging have been applied in vivo, these methods provide only a partial measure of the biochemical microenvironment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

In vivo Raman spectroscopy for biochemical monitoring of the human cervix throughout pregnancy

O’Brien

Vargis

Rudin

et al. 2018

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

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BACKGROUND The cervix must undergo significant biochemical remodeling to allow for successful parturition. This process is not fully understood, especially in instances of spontaneous preterm birth. In vivo Raman spectroscopy is an optical technique that can be used to investigate the biochemical composition of tissue longitudinally and non-invasively in human beings, and has been utilized to measure physiology and disease states in a variety of medical applications. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to measure in vivo Raman spectra of the cervix throughout pregnancy in women, and to identify biochemical markers that change with the preparation for delivery and postpartum repair. STUDY DESIGN In all, 68 healthy pregnant women were recruited. Raman spectra were measured from the cervix of each patient monthly in the first and second trimesters, weekly in the third trimester, and at the 6-week postpartum visit. Raman spectra were measured using an in vivo Raman system with an optical fiber probe to excite the tissue with 785 nm light. A spectral model was developed to highlight spectral regions that undergo the most changes throughout pregnancy, which were subsequently used for identifying Raman peaks for further analysis. These peaks were analyzed longitudinally to determine if they underwent significant changes over the course of pregnancy (P < .05). Finally, 6 individual components that comprise key biochemical constituents of the human cervix were measured to extract their contributions in spectral changes throughout pregnancy using a linear combination method. Patient factors including body mass index and parity were included as variables in these analyses. RESULTS Raman peaks indicative of extracellular matrix proteins (1248 and 1254 cm−1) significantly decreased (P < .05), while peaks corresponding to blood (1233 and 1563 cm−1) significantly increased (P <.0005) in a linear manner throughout pregnancy. In the postpartum cervix, significant increases in peaks corresponding to actin (1003, 1339, and 1657 cm−1) and cholesterol (1447 cm−1) were observed when compared to late gestation, while signatures from blood significantly decreased. Postpartum actin signals were significantly higher than early pregnancy, whereas extracellular matrix proteins and water signals were significantly lower than early weeks of gestation. Parity had a significant effect on blood and extracellular matrix protein signals, with nulliparous patients having significant increases in blood signals throughout pregnancy, and higher extracellular matrix protein signals in early pregnancy compared to patients with prior pregnancies. Body mass index significantly affected actin signal contribution, with low body mass index patients showing decreasing actin contribution throughout pregnancy and high body mass index patients demonstrating increasing actin signals. CONCLUSION Raman spectroscopy was successfully used to biochemically monitor cervical remodeling in pregnant women during pre-natal visits. This foundational study has d...

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Frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy of the uterine cervix during regular pregnancies

Cited by 18 publications

References 25 publications

Near-infrared low-level laser stimulation of telocytes from human myometrium

Near-infrared low-level laser stimulation of telocytes from human myometrium

In vivo assessment of the biomechanical properties of the uterine cervix in pregnancy

In vivo Raman spectroscopy for biochemical monitoring of the human cervix throughout pregnancy

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