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Hybrid Molecular and Functional Micro-CT Imaging Reveals Increased Myocardial Apoptosis Preceding Cardiac Failure in
Bibi S van Thiel1,2,3, Martine de Boer4, Yanto Ridwan1,5
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Molecular Imaging and Biology
|March 18, 2024
Summary
Apoptosis can predict cardiac failure in Ercc1 mutant mice before symptoms appear. Advanced imaging techniques detect this early sign, offering a new biomarker for heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular research
- Molecular imaging
- Genetics
Background:
- Ercc1 mutations accelerate aging and DNA damage accumulation.
- Ercc1 deficiency in mice leads to left ventricular dysfunction.
- Apoptosis is investigated as a potential biomarker for cardiac failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore apoptosis as an early biomarker for cardiac failure.
- To utilize functional micro-CT and fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) imaging.
- To investigate Ercc1 mutant mice as a model.
Main Methods:
- Employing functional micro-CT and FMT imaging.
- Assessing apoptosis in vivo in Ercc1 mutant mice.
- Correlating imaging findings with left ventricular function.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis was detected in Ercc1 mutant mice before overt left ventricular dysfunction.
- Early detection of apoptosis was feasible at 12 weeks of age.
- Apoptosis predicted later-onset left ventricular dysfunction at 24 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Combined micro-CT and FMT imaging are useful for assessing cardiac function.
- Apoptosis serves as a potential early biomarker for cardiac failure.
- This study provides insights into early cardiac impairment detection.
