Detection of polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid in human malignant prostate tissue by 1D and 2D high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy.

Object: Polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids (PUFAs) have been shown to promote prostate cancer. Here, we describe the use of HRMAS NMR spectroscopy to detect omega-6 PUFA species in prostate tissues.

Materials And Methods: Samples originating from non-malignant (n = 54) and malignant (n = 27) prostate tissues (from 27 prostatectomized men) were studied by 1D (1)H, 2D (1)H-(1)H and (1)H-(13)C HRMAS NMR spectroscopy followed by histopathological characterization.

Results: HRMAS NMR proved to be a powerful, non-destructive method to identify and characterize PUFAs. The omega-6 PUFA was found in 15% of examined human prostate tumors.

Conclusion: It is possible to detect PUFAs in prostate tissues using our NMR-based spectroscopic approach.