Laser fluorescence spectroscopy and optical tissue oximetry in the diagnosis of skin fibrosis

Abstract

There are currently no effective measures to combat fibrosis in modern medical practice. One of the reasons for that is the late diagnosis associated with the lack of available clinical biomarkers and effective methods of non-invasive detection of the process. Fibrosis of the skin is characterized by fibrosis of the dermis, underlying tissues and is represented by a wide range of nosologies. Scleroderma and scars are of the greatest interest for the study. Skin changes in the development of bleomycin-induced fibrosis was studied in the experimental model using laser fluorescence spectroscopy and optical tissue oximetry. A significant increase in the rates of endogenous fluorescence of porphyrins, caused by inflammation and hypoxia, was detected at 7 and 21 days. An increased intensity of endogenous collagen fluorescence and a decreased specific oxygen uptake due to excess accumulation of the extracellular matrix were recorded on the 21st day after bleomycin treatment. Synchronous measurements of the collagen fluorescence and the specific oxygen uptake allowed to correlate the obtained data and the phases of the fibrogenic response described morphologically. The results allow to judge the severity of inflammation and hypoxia in the process of the fibrosis development. The objective and quantitative nature of the recorded parameters makes it possible to develop criteria for diagnosing the phases of fibrosis development.

New Methodology of Human Health Express Diagnostics Based on Pulse Wave Measurements and Occlusion Test

“…In addition, the pulse oximetry method allows obtaining information about the only saturation level in the blood. At the same time, the studies show that information on the state of the microcirculation system in biological tissues is often needed both in different parts of the body and at different depths [ 22 , 23 ].…”

Laser fluorescence spectroscopy in predicting the formation of a keloid scar: preliminary results and the role of lipopigments

“…For example, our recent studies in animals have shown that the tissue porphyrin content index in biological tissues calculated by means of the registered fluorescence spectra reflects the dynamics of the local acute inflammatory process [9]. In combination with the optical tissue oximetry, LFS allows us to define quantitatively the stage of the fibrosis development and the prevailing pathological process (inflammation/ hypoxia/fibrosis) [10].…”