Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive and incurable malignancy associated with prior exposure to asbestos fibres. Difficulties remain in relation to early diagnosis, notably due to impeded identification of asbestos in lung tissue. This study describes a novel laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) imaging approach to identify asbestos within mesothelioma models with clinical significance. Human mesothelioma cells were exposed to different types of asbestos fibres and prepared on plastic slides for LA-ICP-MS analysis. No further sample preparation was required prior to analysis, which was performed using an NWR Image 266 nm laser ablation system coupled to an Element XR sector-field ICP mass spectrometer, with a lateral resolution of 2 μm. Data was processed using LA-ICP-MS ImageTool v1.7 with the final graphic production made using DPlot software. Four different mineral fibres were successfully identified within the mesothelioma samples based on some of the most abundant elements that make up these fibres (Si, Mg and Fe). Using LA-ICP-MS as an imaging tool provided information on the spatial distribution of the fibres at cellular level, which is essential in asbestos detection within tissue samples. Based on the metal counts generated by the different types of asbestos, different fibres can be identified based on shape, size, and elemental composition. Detection of Ca was attempted but requires further optimisation. Detection of asbestos fibres in lung tissues is very useful, if not necessary, to complete the pathological dt9iagnosis of asbestos-related malignancies in the medicolegal field. For the first time, this study demonstrates the successful application of LA-ICP-MS imaging to identify asbestos fibres and other mineral fibres within mesothelioma samples. Ultimately, high-resolution, fast-speed LA-ICP-MS analysis has the potential to be integrated into clinical workflow to aid earlier detection and stratification of mesothelioma patient samples.
Highlights
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, extremely aggressive and incurable malignancy associated with occupational and environmental exposure to asbestos and other mineral fibres (MF).[1]
We aimed to identify some of the most common MF, amosite, chrysotile and crocidolite, as well as a non-asbestiform control, wollastonite, within MPM models using a laser ablation system that consists of a dual-volume ablation cell with an integrated ICP torch, which allows for an increase in absolute sensitivity and faster analysis times.[18]
To assess the potential of LA-ICP-MS to be integrated within the clinical setting as a MF imaging tool for patients suspected of MPM, preliminary studies had first to be carried out on cell lines exposed to MF
Summary
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, extremely aggressive and incurable malignancy associated with occupational and environmental exposure to asbestos and other mineral fibres (MF).[1]. Despite asbestos being banned in most Western countries, the global incidence of MPM is expected to increase over the two decades, mainly due to the long latency period, continuous mining and usage in certain countries, as well as environmental exposure.[1] Difficulties remain in relation to presymptomatic diagnosis, due to lack of validated biomarkers and impeded identification of asbestos fibres in lung tissue.[2] Being able to accurately identify these MF within samples is essential in aiding early diagnosis of MPM, but it plays a key role in linking this diagnosis to asbestos exposure, which has high implications in legal, social and political matters.[3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
