Quantum Sensing for Real-Time Monitoring of Drug Efficacy in Synovial Fluid from Arthritis Patients

Diamond-based T1 relaxometry is a new technique that allows nanoscale magnetic resonance measurements. Here we present its first application in patient samples. More specifically, we demonstrate that relaxometry can determine the free radical load in samples from arthritis patients. We found that we can clearly differentiate between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients in both the synovial fluid itself and cells derived from it. Furthermore, we tested how synovial fluid and its cells respond to piroxicam, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is known that this drug leads to a reduction in reactive oxygen species production in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Here, we investigated the formation of free radicals specifically. While FLS from osteoarthritis patients showed a drastic decrease in the free radical load, cells from rheumatoid arthritis retained a similar radical load after treatment. This offers a possible explanation for why piroxicam is more beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis than those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Nanoscale MRI for Selective Labeling and Localized Free Radical Measurements in the Acrosomes of Single Sperm Cells

Free radicals play a major role in sperm development, including maturation and fertilization, but they are also linked to infertility. Since they are short-lived and reactive, they are challenging to detect with state of the art methodologies. Thus, many details surrounding their role remain unknown. One unknown factor is the source of radicals that plays a role in the sperm maturation process. Two alternative sources have been postulated: First, the NADPH-oxidase system embedded in the plasma membrane (NOX5) and second, the NADH-dependent oxidoreductase of mitochondria. Due to a lack of localized measurements, the relative contribution of each source for capacitation remains unknown. To answer this question, we use a technique called diamond magnetometry, which allows nanoscale MRI to perform localized free radical detection. With this tool, we were able to quantify radical formation in the acrosome of sperm heads. This allowed us to quantify radical formation locally in real time during capacitation. We further investigated how different inhibitors or triggers alter the radical generation. We were able to identify NOX5 as the prominent source of radical generation in capacitation while the NADH-dependent oxidoreductase of mitochondria seems to play a smaller role.

Quantum Sensing of Free Radicals in Primary Human Dendritic Cells

Free radicals are crucial indicators for stress and appear in all kinds of pathogenic conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and infection. However, they are difficult to detect due to their reactivity and low abundance. We use relaxometry for the detection of radicals with subcellular resolution. This method is based on a fluorescent defect in a diamond, which changes its optical properties on the basis of the magnetic surroundings. This technique allows nanoscale MRI with unprecedented sensitivity and spatial resolution. Recently, this technique was used inside living cells from a cell line. Cell lines differ in terms of endocytic capability and radical production from primary cells derived from patients. Here we provide the first measurements of phagocytic radical production by the NADPH oxidase (NOX2) in primary dendritic cells from healthy donors. The radical production of these cells differs greatly between donors. We investigated the cell response to stimulation or inhibition.

Male subfertility and oxidative stress

To date 15% of couples are suffering from infertility with 45-50% of males being responsible. With an increase in paternal age as well as various environmental and lifestyle factors worsening these figures are expected to increase. As the so-called free radical theory of infertility suggests, free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an essential role in this process. However, ROS also fulfill important functions for instance in sperm maturation. The aim of this review article is to discuss the role reactive oxygen species play in male fertility and how these are influenced by lifestyle, age or disease. We will further discuss how these ROS are measured and how they can be avoided during in-vitro fertilization.