Imaging Mass Spectrometry Reveals a Decrease of Cardiolipin in the Kidney of NASH Model Mice

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Hepatology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive liver disease.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a known complication of NASH.
• The mechanisms linking NASH and CKD require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate biomolecular changes in the kidneys of mice with NASH.
• To explore the potential role of specific lipids in kidney complications of NASH.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a mouse model of Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
• Employed imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) to analyze kidney tissue.
• Examined the spatial distribution of biomolecules, particularly lipids.

Main Results:

• IMS analysis revealed significant alterations in biomolecule distribution within the kidney cortex of NASH mice.
• Specifically, signals corresponding to cardiolipin (CL) species were markedly decreased in the kidney cortex of NASH model mice compared to controls.
• Ion images confirmed the reduced presence of CL in specific kidney regions.

Conclusions:

• The observed decrease in cardiolipin (CL) in the kidney cortex suggests a potential link between NASH and kidney dysfunction.
• These findings highlight cardiolipin alterations as a possible indicator of kidney involvement in NASH.
• Further research is warranted to understand the functional implications of CL reduction in NASH-associated CKD.