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Effects of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents on liver tissue

Tolga Mercantepe1, Levent Tümkaya1, Fatma Beyazal Çeliker2

  • 1Department of Histology and Embryology, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|April 3, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) like gadodiamide and gadoteric acid can cause liver damage, leading to hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis in rats. These agents increased liver enzyme levels and histological activity scores, despite no changes in antioxidant capacity.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Toxicology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are widely used in MRI.
  • Recent studies indicate significant accumulation of GBCAs in organs like the liver.
  • The long-term effects of GBCAs on liver tissue require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of gadodiamide and gadoteric acid on liver tissue.
  • To evaluate biochemical and histopathological changes in liver tissue following GBCA administration.

Main Methods:

  • A controlled longitudinal study involving 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats.
  • Rats were divided into control, sham, gadodiamide, and gadoteric acid groups.
  • Liver tissues were assessed using histological activity index (HAI), caspase-3 immunohistochemistry, and biochemical tests (AST, ALT, TAS, TOS, OSI).

Main Results:

  • Gadodiamide and gadoteric acid administration led to increased histological activity scores and elevated caspase-3, AST, and ALT levels (P < 0.05).
  • No significant changes were observed in total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), or oxidative stress index (OSI) between groups.
  • These findings indicate GBCA-induced liver injury.

Conclusions:

  • Gadodiamide and gadoteric acid can induce hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis.
  • GBCA administration damages hepatocytes, as evidenced by increased liver enzymes and histological damage.
  • Despite causing direct liver cell damage, GBCAs did not alter the overall antioxidant and oxidant balance in the liver tissue.
Keywords:
apoptosisgadodiamidegadoteric acidliveroxidative stressrat

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