In Vivo Evaluation of Innovative Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents Designed for Bioimaging Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Gadolinium (Gd) based contrast agents are widely used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
• Development of novel, safer contrast agents is crucial for clinical applications.
• Nanohydrogels offer a promising platform for drug and contrast agent delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the biochemical and histological effects of subcutaneous administration of Gd nanohydrogels (GdDOTA-CS-TPP/HA) in CD-1 mice.
• To assess the potential toxicity and biocompatibility of these novel nanohydrogels in vivo.
• To investigate Gd nanohydrogels as a potential alternative to current MRI contrast agents.

Main Methods:

• Gd nanohydrogels were synthesized by encapsulating GdDOTA in chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) using ionic gelation.
• Biochemical analysis of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPx, SOD) and oxidative stress markers (GSH, MDA, AOPP, PRC G) in liver, kidney, and heart tissues.
• Western blot analysis for nitrosylated proteins and spectrophotometric measurement of serum biochemical markers.
• Histological examination of mouse tissues.

Main Results:

• Gd nanohydrogels demonstrated low toxicity in vivo across evaluated tissues.
• No significant adverse biochemical or histological changes were observed.
• Antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers remained within normal ranges.
• Nitrosylated protein expression and serum markers showed no significant alterations.

Conclusions:

• Gd nanohydrogels exhibit a favorable safety profile for in vivo administration.
• These findings support the potential of Gd nanohydrogels as a safe and effective alternative to conventional MRI contrast agents.
• Further studies are warranted to explore their efficacy and long-term safety in preclinical models.