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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Synthesis of an In vivo MRI-detectable Apoptosis Probe
Published on: July 31, 2012
Noninvasive imaging of apoptosis in cardiovascular disease
Ethan Chauncey Korngold1, Farouc Amin Jaffer, Ralph Weissleder
1Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th St., 5th floor, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
Abstract:
Recent advances in molecular imaging have permitted the noninvasive imaging of apoptosis, a critical process underlying the pathogenesis of many diseases of the cardiovascular system including atherosclerotic vascular disease, myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury, chronic heart failure, myocarditis, and cardiac allograft rejection. Multiple molecular targets including phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and caspases have been targeted by a variety of imaging agents and modalities such as nuclear scintigraphy, PET, MRI, and fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging. Translationally, methods utilizing radiolabeled annexin V have proven promising in several clinical trials of ischemia-reperfusion injury and cardiac allograft rejection. New approaches using novel molecular imaging agents show great potential for the ability to image apoptosis in the research and clinical setting. Ultimately the ability to detect apoptosis noninvasively would help to identify patients for emerging anti-apoptotic therapies and guide clinical management with the aim of maximal myocardial preservation.
Insights
Molecular imaging noninvasively visualizes apoptosis, crucial in cardiovascular diseases. Radiotracers like annexin V show promise for guiding therapy and preserving heart tissue.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Molecular Imaging
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Apoptosis is central to cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and heart failure.
- Noninvasive imaging of apoptosis is needed for diagnosis and treatment guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in molecular imaging for visualizing apoptosis in cardiovascular diseases.
- To highlight the potential of novel imaging agents and modalities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized various molecular imaging techniques: nuclear scintigraphy, PET, MRI, fluorescent, and bioluminescent imaging.
- Targeted key apoptotic markers such as phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and caspases.
- Evaluated radiolabeled annexin V in clinical trials for specific conditions.
Main Results:
- Molecular imaging successfully visualizes apoptosis noninvasively.
- Annexin V imaging demonstrated promise in clinical trials for ischemia-reperfusion injury and allograft rejection.
- New imaging agents offer enhanced potential for apoptosis detection.
Conclusions:
- Noninvasive apoptosis imaging is advancing rapidly in cardiovascular medicine.
- This technology can identify patients for anti-apoptotic therapies and guide myocardial preservation strategies.
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