Dual-Activated Photoacoustic Probe for Reliably Detecting Hydroxyl Radical in Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease in...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) involves arterial lipid accumulation and inflammation.
• Hydroxyl radicals contribute to CVD progression via lipid peroxidation and cellular damage.
• Detecting reactive hydroxyl radicals in CVD lesions is challenging due to their transient nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel activatable optical probe, Cy-OH-LP, for specific hydroxyl radical detection in lipid-rich environments.
• To assess the probe's performance in vitro and in vivo for diagnosing and monitoring atherosclerosis (AS).

Main Methods:

• Development of Cy-OH-LP based on the Cy7 skeleton for near-infrared optical properties.
• Evaluation of probe's selectivity, stability, and turn-on signal response to hydroxyl radicals.
• In vivo application in mouse models to detect hydroxyl radicals in atherosclerosis lesions.
• Assessment of the probe's biosafety, including cytotoxicity and organ damage.

Main Results:

• Cy-OH-LP demonstrated specific and stable detection of hydroxyl radicals with a turn-on signal in photoacoustic and fluorescence spectra.
• Successful in vivo application in mouse models for detecting hydroxyl radicals in AS.
• Verified biosafety with low cytotoxicity and no significant organ damage in mice.

Conclusions:

• Cy-OH-LP is a promising tool for specific hydroxyl radical detection in lipid-rich environments.
• The probe offers potential for diagnosing and monitoring oxidative stress in CVD and related diseases.
• This technology opens new avenues for research and clinical applications in oxidative stress-related conditions.