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Hyperpolarized γ-Glutamyl-[1-13C]Glycine MRI Detects Liver Injury Non-Invasively
Cornelius von Morze1, Michael A Ohliger2,3, Caroline Guglielmetti4
1Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, 4525 Scott Ave Rm 2303, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA. cornelius@wustl.edu.
Molecular Imaging and Biology
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Hyperpolarized (HP) 13C-glycine ([13C]GG) MRI non-invasively assesses liver injury by imaging enzymatic activity. Following injury, glycine production decreased, indicating reduced hepatic enzyme function.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biochemistry
- Preclinical Research
Background:
- Liver injury assessment often relies on invasive methods.
- Non-invasive imaging of hepatic enzymatic activity is needed.
- Hyperpolarized (HP) MRI offers a novel approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate HP γ-glutamyl-[1-13C]glycine ([13C]GG) MRI for assessing liver injury.
- To image hepatic enzymatic activity non-invasively.
- To correlate imaging findings with liver histopathology.
Main Methods:
- Prospective preclinical study in mice (n=5).
- HP 13C MRI with [13C]GG before and after CCl4-induced liver injury.
- Quantification of [13C]glycine production and glycine-to-GG ratios; histological analysis.
Main Results:
- HP [13C]GG MRI detected in vivo hepatic conversion to [13C]glycine.
- CCl4 injury reduced glycine production by 25% (p=0.024), despite consistent substrate delivery.
- Histology confirmed liver injury; ex vivo GGT activity correlated with imaging findings.
Conclusions:
- HP [13C]GG MRI detects altered hepatic enzymatic activity post-injury.
- Reduced product formation reflects impaired enzyme accessibility due to tissue damage.
- HP MRI shows potential for non-invasive liver function assessment.