Redox-Activated Contrast-Enhanced T1-Weighted Imaging Visualizes Glutathione-Mediated Biotransformation Dynamics in the Liver

GSH-mediated liver biotransformation is a crucial physiological process demanding efficient research tools. Here, we report a type of amorphous FexMnyO nanoparticles (AFMO-ZDS NPs) as redox-activated probes for in vivo visualization of the dynamics of GSH-mediated biotransformation in liver with T-1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This imaging technique reveals the periodic variations in GSH concentration during the degradation of AFMO-ZDS NPs due to the limited transportation capacity of GSH carriers in the course of GSH efflux from hepatocytes to perisinusoidal space, providing direct imaging evidence for this important carrier-mediated process during GSH-mediated biotransformation. Therefore, this technique offers an effective method for in-depth investigations of GSH-related biological processes in liver under various conditions as well as a feasible means for the real-time assessment of liver functions, which is highly desirable for early diagnosis of liver diseases and prompt a toxicity evaluation of pharmaceuticals.

Automated summary

The study introduces a novel type of nanomaterial as redox-activated probes for real-time visualization of GSH-mediated liver biotransformation using MRI. The technique reveals periodic variations in GSH concentration during the degradation of the nanoparticles, providing direct imaging evidence for carrier-mediated processes in GSH metabolism. This methodology offers a feasible means for in-depth investigations of GSH-related biological processes in liver and real-time assessment of liver functions for early diagnosis of diseases and toxicity evaluation of pharmaceuticals.