Infrared spectrometric biomarkers for ulcerative colitis screening using human serum samples

This study uses infrared spectrometry coupled with data analysis techniques to understand colitis-induced alterations in the molecular components of serum samples. Using samples from 18 ulcerative colitis patients and 28 healthy volunteers, we assessed features such as absorbance values at wavenumbers of 1033 and 1076 cm(-1), and the ratios at 1121 versus 1020 cm(-1) and 1629 versus 1737 cm(-1). Through the deconvolution of the amide I band, protein secondary structure analysis was performed. Colitis-induced alterations are reflected as fluctuations in the vibrational modes, and are used to identify associated spectral signatures. The results of the study show statistically significant differences in five identifying spectral signatures. Among them, the sensitivity and specificity of the spectral signature, I-1121/I-1020, were 100% and 86%, respectively. These findings resemble our earlier proof-of-concept investigations in mouse models and provide preliminary evidence that this could be a reliable diagnostic test for human patients.

Automated summary

This study utilized infrared spectrometry and data analysis techniques to investigate colitis-induced alterations in molecular components of serum samples. Through the analysis of samples from ulcerative colitis patients and healthy volunteers, five identifying spectral signatures were found, and one of them showed high sensitivity and specificity, suggesting it could be a reliable diagnostic test for human patients.