Imaging Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model Using H-1 and F-19 MRI

Purpose We explore the use of intravenously delivered perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoemulsion and F-19 MRI for detecting inflammation in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Correlative studies of H-1-based liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and T-1 measurements and histology are also evaluated. ProceduresC57BL/6 mice were fed standard or high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks to induce NAFLD. H-1 MRI measurements of PDFF and T-1 relaxation time were performed at baseline to assess NAFLD onset prior to administration of a PFC nanoemulsion to enable F-19 MRI of liver PFC uptake. H-1 and F-19 MRI biomarkers were acquired at 2, 21, and 42 days post-PFC to assess changes. Histopathology of liver tissue was performed at experimental endpoint. Results Significant increases in liver volume, PDFF, and total PFC uptake were noted in HFD mice compared to Std diet mice. Liver fluorine density and T-1 relaxation time were significantly reduced in HFD mice. Conclusions We demonstrated longitudinal quantification of multiple MRI biomarkers of disease in NAFLD mice. The changes in liver PFC uptake in HFD mice were compared with healthy mice that suggests that F-19 MRI may be a viable biomarker of liver pathology.

Automated summary

"This study explores the use of PFC nanoemulsion and F-19 MRI for detecting inflammation in a mouse model of NAFLD. The results showed significant increases in liver PFC uptake and decreases in liver fluorine density and T-1 relaxation time in HFD mice. This suggests that F-19 MRI may be a viable biomarker of liver pathology."