Betanin-Based Contrast Agents for MRI: A Preliminary Experimental Study.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Medical Chemistry
• Plant-based Therapeutics

Background:

• Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) raise concerns regarding toxicity and environmental persistence.
• Existing research on plant-based MRI contrast agents is limited, primarily focusing on gastrointestinal imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Betanin and beetroot-derived Betanin-based contrast agents (BBCA) as potential MRI contrast agents.
• To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy and safety of BBCA compared to gadobutrol (a GBCA).

Main Methods:

• Preclinical study involving in vitro cell line experiments and in vivo animal models (rats and rabbits).
• Characterization of Betanin and BBCA using mass spectrometry.
• Assessment of safety through cytotoxicity, histology, and blood biochemistry.
• Evaluation of paramagnetic properties and in vivo contrast enhancement via MRI.

Main Results:

• Betanin exhibited superior molecular binding efficiency and therapeutic capacity.
• BBCA demonstrated lower cytotoxicity than gadobutrol and provided contrast enhancement in gastrointestinal, parenchymal, and vascular structures.
• Significant contrast enhancement was observed in the liver with BBCA, alongside antioxidative benefits.

Conclusions:

• Betanin and BBCA represent promising, safer alternatives for contrast-enhanced abdominal MRI.
• Further investigation into these plant-derived agents could lead to improved MRI safety and efficacy.