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FTIR spectroscopic analysis of sputum: Preliminary findings on a potential novel diagnostic marker for COPD

Lung Research Group, Institute of Science and Technology in Medicine, University Hospital of North Staffordshire / Keele University, Staffordshire UK

Y. Yang

Institute of Science and Technology in Medicine, University Hospital of North Staffordshire / Keele University, Staffordshire UK

J.M. Jones

Department of Mathematics, Keele University, UK

M.A. Spiteri

Directorate of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 6QG, UK monica.spiteri{at}uhns.nhs.uk

COPD is a common, progressively disabling disease and a major health burden worldwide. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy provides for sensitive analysis of complex biological samples. COPD pathogenesis involves quantitative and qualitative changes in sputum biosynthesis. This first study explores whether FTIR can produce distinct spectral profiles of human sputum, and capture differences between COPD and health. Sputum obtained from 15 COPD patients and 15 healthy volunteers was analysed using FTIR spectroscopy; differences in peak positions, height and configuration were identified and measured. All samples gave reproducible characteristic IR absorption spectra. The most relevant regions identified were the amide and glycogen rich regions, showing crucial spectral differences between health and COPD relating to peak position shifts or intensity alteration. These novel preliminary findings support further exploration of FTIR sputum profiling in a clinical study to determine its potential as a practical method for monitoring COPD.

Key Words: COPD • FTIR spectroscopy • spectral profiles • sputum analysis • biomarkers

Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease, Vol. 2, No. 1, 23-31 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1753465807087972


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