Imaging Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model Using H-1 and F-19 MRI

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Hepatology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing health concern.
• Current diagnostic methods for NAFLD can be invasive or lack sensitivity for inflammation.
• Novel imaging techniques are needed for early and accurate detection of liver pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the use of intravenously delivered perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoemulsion and 19F MRI for detecting inflammation in a mouse model of NAFLD.
• To correlate 1H MRI-based liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and T1 measurements with histology.
• To assess longitudinal changes in MRI biomarkers post-PFC administration.

Main Methods:

• NAFLD was induced in C57BL/6 mice using a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks.
• 1H MRI (PDFF, T1) was performed at baseline, followed by intravenous PFC nanoemulsion administration.
• 19F MRI was used to quantify liver PFC uptake at 2, 21, and 42 days post-PFC. Histopathology was performed at the study endpoint.

Main Results:

• HFD mice showed significant increases in liver volume, PDFF, and total PFC uptake compared to standard diet mice.
• Liver fluorine density and T1 relaxation time were significantly reduced in HFD mice.
• Longitudinal quantification of multiple MRI biomarkers revealed significant differences between HFD and control groups.

Conclusions:

• 19F MRI, using PFC nanoemulsion, can longitudinally quantify liver pathology in a mouse model of NAFLD.
• Increased liver PFC uptake in HFD mice suggests 19F MRI is a viable biomarker for liver inflammation.
• This approach holds promise for non-invasive detection and monitoring of NAFLD progression.