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Bariatric Radioembolization: A Pilot Study on Technical Feasibility and Safety in a Porcine Model
Alexander S Pasciak1, Austin C Bourgeois2, Ben E Paxton3
1Departments of Radiology, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, Tennessee; The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR
|August 6, 2016
Summary
Left gastric artery (LGA) yttrium-90 ((90)Y) radioembolization shows promise for obesity treatment by reducing ghrelin cells and weight gain in pigs. Further preclinical studies are needed to confirm safety and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder with limited effective long-term treatments.
- Targeting gastric hormonal regulation presents a potential therapeutic avenue for weight management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of left gastric artery (LGA) yttrium-90 ((90)Y) radioembolization for obesity treatment.
- To evaluate the impact of LGA radioembolization on gastric physiology and hormonal markers in a porcine model.
Main Methods:
- Eight female pigs underwent LGA radioembolization with (90)Y resin microspheres.
- Animal weight and serum ghrelin levels were monitored pre- and post-treatment.
- Histological analysis examined mucosal integrity and ghrelin-producing cell density.
Main Results:
- Treated animals exhibited reduced weight gain compared to controls.
- Significantly lower ghrelin-producing cell density was observed in the stomach fundus and body of treated animals.
- Increased gastric fibrosis and decreased stomach weight were noted in the radioembolized group.
Conclusions:
- LGA (90)Y radioembolization demonstrates potential as a novel obesity treatment.
- The procedure effectively reduced ghrelin-producing cells and moderated weight gain in the porcine model.
- Further extensive preclinical research is warranted to validate safety and efficacy.
