A dialogue with the cell: diagnostic real-time technology based on laser interferometry

Abstract

The paper presents a review of current techniques of the interference microscopy of living functioning cells that allow for assessment of the real-time changes of subcellular microstructures with 2D and 3D reconstructions of the images and multifactorial data analysis. It has been shown that new diagnostic information can be obtained within the research methodology of the so-called interactive dialogue with the cell to identify changes in the morphofunctional state of living cells through registration of their realtime response to environmental fluctuations. We describe physical basis of laser interferometry, problems and specifics of interpretation of cell phase pictures. As an illustration to the practical use of the technique in the clinic we present the results of studies on morphofunctional state of peripheral blood platelets in patients with oral malignancies (OM) and various stages of the tumor. Analysis of circulating platelets with a realtime technique of laser interferometry allowed for identification of compensated activation of the platelet compartment of hemostasis in these patients, as well as an association between the severity of cancer and changes of dimensional cell parameters (an increase of the mean diameter and area of circulating platelets by 23.4, 26.8 and 30.3%, and by 30.2, 32.5 and 38.1% in the patients with OM grades II, III and IV, respectively (p < 0,05 for all comparisons)). The necessary condition for a wider implementation of new diagnostic technologies is a critical evaluation of the efficacy of their use in routine practice, identification of their advantages, disadvantages and differences between current and proposed diagnostic platforms.