In vivo medical imaging for assessing geroprotective interventions in humans
Jonas E Svensson1,2, Martin Schain3, Pontus Plavén-Sigray4,5
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
There is a growing interest in developing drugs with a general geroprotective effect, aimed at slowing down aging. Several compounds have been shown to increase the lifespan and reduce the incidence of age-related diseases in model organisms. Translating these results is challenging, due to the long lifespan of humans. To address this, we propose using a battery of medical imaging protocols that allow for assessments of age-related processes known to precede disease onset. These protocols, based on magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission-, computed-, and optical coherence tomography, are already in use in drug development and are available at most modern hospitals. Here, we outline how an informed use of these techniques allows for detecting changes in the accumulation of age-related pathologies in a diverse set of physiological systems. This in vivo imaging battery enables efficient screening of candidate geroprotective compounds in early phase clinical trials, within reasonable trial durations.
Insights
Developing new drugs to slow aging is a goal. Medical imaging can assess aging processes in humans, enabling faster drug screening for geroprotective effects.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and drug development
- Biomedical imaging applications
Background:
- Growing interest in geroprotective drugs to slow aging.
- Model organisms show lifespan extension with certain compounds.
- Human translation is difficult due to long lifespans.
Purpose of the Study:
- Propose medical imaging protocols for assessing aging.
- Enable early detection of age-related pathologies.
- Facilitate efficient screening of geroprotective compounds.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, computed tomography, and optical coherence tomography.
- Assessing age-related processes preceding disease onset.
- Employing a battery of in vivo imaging protocols.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated feasibility of detecting age-related pathology accumulation across physiological systems.
- Established imaging protocols for assessing geroprotective drug efficacy.
- Proposed a framework for early-phase clinical trial integration.
Conclusions:
- Informed use of medical imaging accelerates geroprotective drug development.
- Imaging battery allows for efficient screening within practical trial durations.
- This approach bridges the gap between model organism results and human clinical trials.
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