Specialists of the Laboratory of Endocrine Biophotonics "NMIC Endocrinology" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation have created a unique device for safe surgery. It is able to determine the viability of the parathyroid glands. These glands are very important for humans because they produce a hormone that maintains the necessary level of calcium in the body. But during operations, surgeons often cannot determine their location - the glands are very small – and as a result, they are accidentally removed or damaged. That is why it was so important for NMIC specialists to create an effective method of searching for parathyroid glands.
Photo: Press service of the "NMIC of Endocrinology" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
As a result of the conducted research, it turned out that the parathyroid glands have natural autofluorescence (light emission) in the near infrared spectral range compared to the surrounding tissues. Scientists at the Endocrine Biophotonics Laboratory have managed to develop a unique device that combines several diagnostic functions. To detect the glands, they used light emission (autofluorescence), which has a specificity inherent in these glands. And to assess the viability of the tissue, a diffuse light reflection signal was used. Thus, the accuracy of detection of the parathyroid glands is more than 92%. It should be noted that the new medical device was created taking into account the methodological principles of personalized medicine, which will allow operations based on the individual characteristics of patients.
According to Lilia Urusova, MD, Head of the Department of Fundamental Pathomorphology, in the structure of which the laboratory operates, the accuracy of detection of FGM is the main advantage of the new device. Thanks to him, thyroid surgery acquires a new, safe level in the concept of the development of postoperative complications.
Photo: Press service of the "NMIC of Endocrinology" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Natalia Mokrysheva, Director of the Scientific Research Center of the Russian Federation of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "NMIC of Endocrinology" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Head of the Department of Personalized and Translational Medicine, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, speaks about the importance and significance of the new development. According to her, the transition from unified medicine, when all patients are treated according to the same standard, to personalized medicine, to the development of an individual prognosis for each patient, to the use of personalized drug approaches, is becoming fundamentally important today.
Clinical trials will be conducted soon to confirm the effectiveness and safety of the medical device.
Photo: Press service of the "NMIC of Endocrinology" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Let's add that biophotonics is a field of science that studies living systems using light. Based on optical methods, biosensors, wearable devices for diagnosing vital parameters, and systems for assisting surgeons during operations are being created. Moreover, light can affect the human body and destroy or, conversely, stimulate certain cells, including cancerous ones. Among the priorities in the work of the Laboratory of Endocrine Biophotonics "NMIC Endocrinology" is the development of an artificial intelligence system to determine the potential of malignant tumors of the endocrine system.
The LAB was opened at the Center a year ago and is currently a unique platform for interaction between basic science and translational medicine. Research is carried out here to establish the mechanisms of formation of the optical properties of endocrine organs at the molecular, cellular, microscopic and macroscopic levels, to identify the structures and biochemical processes responsible for their optical properties in the visible and infrared spectral ranges.
Recall that the study of the Center for Endocrinology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation on the study of the mechanisms of violations of immune tolerance in primary chronic adrenal insufficiency was recognized as one of the best in 2023.
