Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques for Brown Adipose Tissue Detection

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Adipose Tissue Biology

Background:

• Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation.
• Non-invasive assessment of BAT structure and function is essential for research.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) are powerful tools for in vivo tissue analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of MRI and MRS techniques for BAT detection.
• To highlight methods for differentiating BAT from white adipose tissue (WAT).
• To discuss challenges and future directions in MR-based BAT research.

Main Methods:

• Proton MR (¹H) techniques: proton density fat fraction mapping, diffusion imaging, intermolecular multiple quantum coherence imaging for microstructure.
• MR thermometry, relaxometry, and spectroscopy with ³¹P, ²H, ¹³C, and ¹²⁹Xe for functional insights.
• Application of these methods in both rodent and human studies.

Main Results:

• MRI and MRS can non-invasively assess BAT structure and function.
• Specific MR techniques enable differentiation between BAT and WAT.
• Various ¹H, ³¹P, ²H, ¹³C, and ¹²⁹Xe MR methods provide complementary information on BAT characteristics.

Conclusions:

• MRI and MRS are versatile tools for studying BAT.
• Current MR methods offer detailed insights into BAT microstructure and function.
• Future advancements in MRI and MRS will further enhance BAT research capabilities.