Evaluation of an Integrin α_vβ₃ Radiotracer, [¹⁸F]F-FPP-RGD₂, for Monitoring Pharmacological Effects of Integrin α_v...

Integrin α_v is a key regulator in the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis. In this study, we evaluated the potential utility of an integrin α_vβ₃ positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer, ¹⁸F-labeled cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid penta-peptide ([¹⁸F]F-FPP-RGD₂), for detecting hepatic integrin α_v and function in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model rats using integrin α_v siRNA.

NASH model rats were produced by feeding a choline-deficient, low-methionine, high-fat diet for 8 weeks. PET/computerized tomography imaging and quantification of integrin α_v protein, serum aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were performed 1 week after single intravenous injection of integrin α_v siRNA.

Integrin α_v siRNA (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg) dose-dependently decreased hepatic integrin α_v protein concentrations in control and NASH model rats. The hepatic mean standard uptake value of [¹⁸F]F-FPP-RGD₂ was decreased dose-dependently by integrin α_v siRNA. The mean standard uptake value was positively correlated with integrin α_v protein levels in control and NASH model rats. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations were also decreased by siRNA injection and correlated with liver integrin α_v protein expression levels in NASH model rats.

This study suggests that [¹⁸F]F-FPP-RGD₂ PET imaging is a promising radiotracer for monitoring hepatic integrin α_v protein levels and hepatic function in NASH pathology.