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Sekita A, Unterweger H, Berg S, Ohlmeyer S, Bäuerle T, Zheng KH, Coolen BF, Nederveen AJ, Cabella C, Rossi S, Stroes ESG, Alexiou C, Lyer S, Cicha I. Accumulation of Iron Oxide-Based Contrast Agents in Rabbit Atherosclerotic Plaques in Relation to Plaque Age and Vulnerability Features. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:1645-1666. [PMID: 38406599 PMCID: PMC10893894 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s430693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose In this study, a detailed characterization of a rabbit model of atherosclerosis was performed to assess the optimal time frame for evaluating plaque vulnerability using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods The progression of atherosclerosis induced by ballooning and a high-cholesterol diet was monitored using angiography, and the resulting plaques were characterized using immunohistochemistry and histology. Morphometric analyses were performed to evaluate plaque size and vulnerability features. The accumulation of SPIONs (novel dextran-coated SPIONDex and ferumoxytol) in atherosclerotic plaques was investigated by histology and MRI and correlated with plaque age and vulnerability. Toxicity of SPIONDex was evaluated in rats. Results Weak positive correlations were detected between plaque age and intima thickness, and total macrophage load. A strong negative correlation was observed between the minimum fibrous cap thickness and plaque age as well as the mean macrophage load. The accumulation of SPION in the atherosclerotic plaques was detected by MRI 24 h after administration and was subsequently confirmed by Prussian blue staining of histological specimens. Positive correlations between Prussian blue signal in atherosclerotic plaques, plaque age, and macrophage load were detected. Very little iron was observed in the histological sections of the heart and kidney, whereas strong staining of SPIONDex and ferumoxytol was detected in the spleen and liver. In contrast to ferumoxytol, SPIONDex administration in rabbits was well tolerated without inducing hypersensitivity. The maximum tolerated dose in rat model was higher than 100 mg Fe/kg. Conclusion Older atherosclerotic plaques with vulnerable features in rabbits are a useful tool for investigating iron oxide-based contrast agents for MRI. Based on the experimental data, SPIONDex particles constitute a promising candidate for further clinical translation as a safe formulation that offers the possibility of repeated administration free from the risks associated with other types of magnetic contrast agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Sekita
- ENT-Department, Section of Experimental Oncology Und Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Harald Unterweger
- ENT-Department, Section of Experimental Oncology Und Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sonja Berg
- ENT-Department, Section of Experimental Oncology Und Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sabine Ohlmeyer
- Institute of Radiology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tobias Bäuerle
- Preclinical Imaging Platform Erlangen (PIPE), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kang H Zheng
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bram F Coolen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aart J Nederveen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Claudia Cabella
- Bracco Imaging SpA, Centro Ricerche Bracco, Colleretto Giacosa, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Rossi
- Bracco Imaging SpA, Centro Ricerche Bracco, Colleretto Giacosa, Turin, Italy
| | - Erik S G Stroes
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christoph Alexiou
- ENT-Department, Section of Experimental Oncology Und Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Lyer
- ENT-Department, Section of Experimental Oncology Und Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Iwona Cicha
- ENT-Department, Section of Experimental Oncology Und Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Quantifying iron content in magnetic resonance imaging. Neuroimage 2018; 187:77-92. [PMID: 29702183 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Measuring iron content has practical clinical indications in the study of diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, ferritinopathies and multiple sclerosis as well as in the quantification of iron content in microbleeds and oxygen saturation in veins. In this work, we review the basic concepts behind imaging iron using T2, T2*, T2', phase and quantitative susceptibility mapping in the human brain, liver and heart, followed by the applications of in vivo iron quantification in neurodegenerative diseases, iron tagged cells and ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles.
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Ngen EJ, Wang L, Kato Y, Krishnamachary B, Zhu W, Gandhi N, Smith B, Armour M, Wong J, Gabrielson K, Artemov D. Imaging transplanted stem cells in real time using an MRI dual-contrast method. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13628. [PMID: 26330231 PMCID: PMC4556978 DOI: 10.1038/srep13628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapies are currently being investigated for the repair of brain injuries. Although exogenous stem cell labelling with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) prior to transplantation provides a means to noninvasively monitor stem cell transplantation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), monitoring cell death is still a challenge. Here, we investigate the feasibility of using an MRI dual-contrast technique to detect cell delivery, cell migration and cell death after stem cell transplantation. Human mesenchymal stem cells were dual labelled with SPIONs and gadolinium-based chelates (GdDTPA). The viability, proliferation rate, and differentiation potential of the labelled cells were then evaluated. The feasibility of this MRI technique to distinguish between live and dead cells was next evaluated using MRI phantoms, and in vivo using both immune-competent and immune-deficient mice, following the induction of brain injury in the mice. All results were validated with bioluminescence imaging. In live cells, a negative (T2/T2*) MRI contrast predominates, and is used to track cell delivery and cell migration. Upon cell death, a diffused positive (T1) MRI contrast is generated in the vicinity of the dead cells, and serves as an imaging marker for cell death. Ultimately, this technique could be used to manage stem cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethel J Ngen
- The In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
| | - Lee Wang
- The In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
| | - Yoshinori Kato
- The In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205, USA.,The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
| | - Balaji Krishnamachary
- The In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
| | - Wenlian Zhu
- The In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
| | - Nishant Gandhi
- The Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287, USA
| | - Barbara Smith
- The Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
| | - Michael Armour
- The Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287, USA
| | - John Wong
- The Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287, USA
| | - Kathleen Gabrielson
- The Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
| | - Dmitri Artemov
- The In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205, USA.,The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
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Bernsen MR, Guenoun J, van Tiel ST, Krestin GP. Nanoparticles and clinically applicable cell tracking. Br J Radiol 2015; 88:20150375. [PMID: 26248872 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20150375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo cell tracking has emerged as a much sought after tool for design and monitoring of cell-based treatment strategies. Various techniques are available for pre-clinical animal studies, from which much has been learned and still can be learned. However, there is also a need for clinically translatable techniques. Central to in vivo cell imaging is labelling of cells with agents that can give rise to signals in vivo, that can be detected and measured non-invasively. The current imaging technology of choice for clinical translation is MRI in combination with labelling of cells with magnetic agents. The main challenge encountered during the cell labelling procedure is to efficiently incorporate the label into the cell, such that the labelled cells can be imaged at high sensitivity for prolonged periods of time, without the labelling process affecting the functionality of the cells. In this respect, nanoparticles offer attractive features since their structure and chemical properties can be modified to facilitate cellular incorporation and because they can carry a high payload of the relevant label into cells. While these technologies have already been applied in clinical trials and have increased the understanding of cell-based therapy mechanism, many challenges are still faced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique R Bernsen
- 1 Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jamal Guenoun
- 1 Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Cao J, Li X, Chang N, Wang Y, Lei J, Zhao D, Gao K, Jin Z. Dual-modular molecular imaging to trace transplanted bone mesenchymal stromal cells in an acute myocardial infarction model. Cytotherapy 2015; 17:1365-73. [PMID: 26166321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS The purpose of the study was to investigate the feasibility of in vitro and in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI), fluorescence imaging (FI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to trace transplanted bone mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) labeled with the firefly luciferase (Fluc) reporter gene, CyI dyes and ultra-small super-paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) particles. METHODS Fluc-transfected BMSCs were further labeled with CyI dyes and USPIO particles, respectively. Acute myocardial infarction models of different weighted Sprague-Dawley rats and Balb/c mice were established, and BLI and FI were performed in vivo and ex vivo to determine the optimal method of optical imaging. Finally, BLI and MRI were selected to trace transplanted BMSCs in a murine model in vivo. RESULTS BLI was found to be the optimal optical imaging method in vivo, compared with FI, and mice were found to be the optimal animal model, compared with rats. A significant BLI signal intensity was detected in the heart region in the BMSC-treated mice group (40,552 ± 6073 counts, n = 26) and gradually decreased below the detection threshold. Two distinct hypo-intense regions were observed in the anterior wall of the heart, where stem cells were injected on MR images obtained with the gradient recalled echo cine sequence in the BMSC-treated mice group. CONCLUSIONS Transplanted BMSCs labeled with Fluc reporter gene and USPIO particles can be traced with the use of BLI and MRI in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Cao
- Department of Radiology, PUMC Hospital, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Radiology, PUMC Hospital, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Chang
- Department of Radiology, PUMC Hospital, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing, China
| | - Yining Wang
- Department of Radiology, PUMC Hospital, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing Lei
- Department of Radiology, PUMC Hospital, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing, China
| | - Dachun Zhao
- Department of Pathology, PUMC Hospital, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Gao
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengyu Jin
- Department of Radiology, PUMC Hospital, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing, China.
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El-Hammadi MM, Arias JL. Iron oxide-based multifunctional nanoparticulate systems for biomedical applications: a patent review (2008 - present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2015; 25:691-709. [PMID: 25800416 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2015.1028358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Iron oxide nanoparticles (IO NPs) exhibit remarkable properties, including inherent magnetism, biocompatibility, high surface to volume ratio, and versatility of engineering, making them ideal candidates for a variety of clinical applications. AREAS COVERED The review provides an in-depth discussion on recent patents and developments related to IO NPs in Biomedicine from the last 7 years. It covers innovations in the chemical synthesis, surface coating and functionalization, and biomedical applications, including MRI and multimodal imaging, molecular imaging, cell labeling, drug delivery, hyperthermia, hyperphosphatemia, and antibacterial activity. A brief outline of the important properties of IO NPs is also presented. EXPERT OPINION The main focus of current research is the development of new approaches to generate high-quality IO NPs with optimal properties in terms of particle geometry, crystal structure, surface functionalities, stability, and magnetization. Among chemical synthesis methods, thermal decomposition and hydrothermal synthetics processes allow fine control of the particle properties. Plenty of coating materials have been successfully used as shells for these NPs to provide colloidal stability, even enabling the formulation of nanotheranostics for simultaneous disease diagnosis and therapy. However, long-term toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies are necessary before magnetic nanosystems can be approved for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen M El-Hammadi
- University of Granada, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy , Campus Universitario de Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada , Spain +34 958 24 39 02 ; +34 958 24 89 58 ;
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