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Huang H, Zheng Y, Chang M, Song J, Xia L, Wu C, Jia W, Ren H, Feng W, Chen Y. Ultrasound-Based Micro-/Nanosystems for Biomedical Applications. Chem Rev 2024; 124:8307-8472. [PMID: 38924776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Due to the intrinsic non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, high safety, and real-time capabilities, besides diagnostic imaging, ultrasound as a typical mechanical wave has been extensively developed as a physical tool for versatile biomedical applications. Especially, the prosperity of nanotechnology and nanomedicine invigorates the landscape of ultrasound-based medicine. The unprecedented surge in research enthusiasm and dedicated efforts have led to a mass of multifunctional micro-/nanosystems being applied in ultrasound biomedicine, facilitating precise diagnosis, effective treatment, and personalized theranostics. The effective deployment of versatile ultrasound-based micro-/nanosystems in biomedical applications is rooted in a profound understanding of the relationship among composition, structure, property, bioactivity, application, and performance. In this comprehensive review, we elaborate on the general principles regarding the design, synthesis, functionalization, and optimization of ultrasound-based micro-/nanosystems for abundant biomedical applications. In particular, recent advancements in ultrasound-based micro-/nanosystems for diagnostic imaging are meticulously summarized. Furthermore, we systematically elucidate state-of-the-art studies concerning recent progress in ultrasound-based micro-/nanosystems for therapeutic applications targeting various pathological abnormalities including cancer, bacterial infection, brain diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic diseases. Finally, we conclude and provide an outlook on this research field with an in-depth discussion of the challenges faced and future developments for further extensive clinical translation and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Huang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, P. R. China
| | - Meiqi Chang
- Laboratory Center, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P. R. China
| | - Jun Song
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Lili Xia
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Chenyao Wu
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Wencong Jia
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Hongze Ren
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Wei Feng
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
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Durham PG, Upadhyay A, Navarro-Becerra JA, Moon RE, Borden MA, Dayton PA, Papadopoulou V. Effect of Anesthetic Carrier Gas on In Vivo Circulation Times of Intravenously Administered Phospholipid Oxygen Microbubbles in Rats. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2023; 49:1861-1866. [PMID: 37246050 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE For the treatment of tumor hypoxia, microbubbles comprising oxygen as a majority component of the gas core with a stabilizing shell may be used to deliver and release oxygen locally at the tumor site through ultrasound destruction. Previous work has revealed differences in circulation half-life in vivo for perfluorocarbon-filled microbubbles, typically used as ultrasound imaging contrast agents, as a function of anesthetic carrier gas. These differences in circulation time in vivo were likely due to gas diffusion as a function of anesthetic carrier gas, among other variables. This work has motivated studies to evaluate the effect of anesthetic carrier gas on oxygen microbubble circulation dynamics. METHODS Circulation time for oxygen microbubbles was derived from ultrasound image intensity obtained during longitudinal kidney imaging. Studies were constructed for rats anesthetized on inhaled isoflurane with either pure oxygen or medical air as the anesthetic carrier gas. RESULTS Results indicated that oxygen microbubbles were highly visible via contrast-specific imaging. Marked signal enhancement and duration differences were observed between animals breathing air and oxygen. Perhaps counterintuitively, oxygen microbubbles disappeared from circulation significantly faster when the animals were breathing pure oxygen compared with medical air. This may be explained by nitrogen counterdiffusion from blood into the bubble, effectively changing the gas composition of the core, as has been observed in perfluorocarbon core microbubbles. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the apparent longevity and persistence of oxygen microbubbles in circulation may not be reflective of oxygen delivery when the animal is anesthetized breathing air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip G Durham
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Awaneesh Upadhyay
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | - Richard E Moon
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Medicine, Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology, Duke University, NC, USA
| | - Mark A Borden
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Paul A Dayton
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Virginie Papadopoulou
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Microbubbles for human diagnosis and therapy. Biomaterials 2023; 294:122025. [PMID: 36716588 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles (MBs) were observed for the first time in vivo as a curious consequence of quick saline injection during ultrasound (US) imaging of the aortic root, more than 50 years ago. From this serendipitous event, MBs are now widely used as contrast enhancers for US imaging. Their intrinsic properties described in this review, allow a multitude of designs, from shell to gas composition but also from grafting targeting agents to drug payload encapsulation. Indeed, the versatile MBs are deeply studied for their dual potential in imaging and therapy. As presented in this paper, new generations of MBs now opens perspectives for targeted molecular imaging along with the development of new US imaging systems. This review also presents an overview of the different therapeutic strategies with US and MBs for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation. The overall aim is to overlap those fields in order to find similarities in the MBs application for treatment enhancement associated with US. To conclude, this review explores the new scales of MBs technologies with nanobubbles development, and along concurrent advances in the US imaging field. This review ends by discussing perspectives for the booming future uses of MBs.
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Choi SE, Rahman A, Ayoub T, Botelho O, Lee G, Gazdzinski LM, Wheeler AL, Weksberg R, Guger SL, Schachar RJ, Ito S, Hitzler J, Nieman BJ. High-frequency ultrasound-guided intrathecal injections in a young mouse model: Targeting the central nervous system in drug delivery. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 386:109778. [PMID: 36572156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrathecal injections provide important access to the central nervous system for delivery of anesthetic, analgesic or chemotherapeutic drugs that do not otherwise cross the blood-brain barrier. The administration of drugs via this route in animal models is challenging due to an inability to visualize the small target space during injection. Successful drug delivery therefore requires expertise in indirectly assessing vertebral and spinal cord anatomy and gaining advanced procedural skills. These factors are especially compounded in small animals such as mice (the most common mammalian model) and in investigations modeling pediatric drug delivery, where the animal is even smaller. NEW METHOD To address these issues, we have developed a method in which high-frequency ultrasound imaging is used to visualize and target the lumbar intrathecal space for injections. The technique is demonstrated in mice as young as postnatal day 16. To evaluate the method, a gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent was injected intrathecally, and subsequent brain delivery was verified post-injection by MRI. RESULTS Successful intrathecal injections of the MRI contrast agent showed distribution to the brain. In this study, we achieved a targeting success rate of 80% in 20 animals. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS AND CONCLUSION We expect that the new method will be convenient for drug delivery to the central nervous system in rodent research and provide higher reliability than unguided approaches, an essential contribution that will enable intrathecal delivery in pediatric mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Eui Choi
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Anum Rahman
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tiffany Ayoub
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Owen Botelho
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gail Lee
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa M Gazdzinski
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anne L Wheeler
- Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institutes of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sharon L Guger
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Russell J Schachar
- Institutes of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Psychiatry Research, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shinya Ito
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Johann Hitzler
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Haematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brian J Nieman
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, ON, Canada
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Li M, Beaumont N, Ma C, Rojas J, Vu T, Harlacher M, O'Connell G, Gessner RC, Kilian H, Kasatkina L, Chen Y, Huang Q, Shen X, Lovell JF, Verkhusha VV, Czernuszewicz T, Yao J. Three-Dimensional Deep-Tissue Functional and Molecular Imaging by Integrated Photoacoustic, Ultrasound, and Angiographic Tomography (PAUSAT). IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING 2022; 41:2704-2714. [PMID: 35442884 PMCID: PMC9563100 DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2022.3168859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive small-animal imaging technologies, such as optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging and x -ray computed tomography, have enabled researchers to study normal biological phenomena or disease progression in their native conditions. However, existing small-animal imaging technologies often lack either the penetration capability for interrogating deep tissues (e.g., optical microscopy), or the functional and molecular sensitivity for tracking specific activities (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging). To achieve functional and molecular imaging in deep tissues, we have developed an integrated photoacoustic, ultrasound and acoustic angiographic tomography (PAUSAT) system by seamlessly combining light and ultrasound. PAUSAT can perform three imaging modes simultaneously with complementary contrast: high-frequency B-mode ultrasound imaging of tissue morphology, microbubble-enabled acoustic angiography of tissue vasculature, and multi-spectral photoacoustic imaging of molecular probes. PAUSAT can provide three-dimensional (3D) multi-contrast images that are co-registered, with high spatial resolutions at large depths. Using PAUSAT, we performed proof-of-concept in vivo experiments on various small animal models: monitoring longitudinal development of placenta and embryo during mouse pregnancy, tracking biodistribution and metabolism of near-infrared organic dye on the whole-body scale, and detecting breast tumor expressing genetically-encoded photoswitchable phytochromes. These results have collectively demonstrated that PAUSAT has broad applicability in biomedical research, providing comprehensive structural, functional, and molecular imaging of small animal models.
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Canejo-Teixeira R, Lima A, Santana A. Applications of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Splenic Studies of Dogs and Cats. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162104. [PMID: 36009694 PMCID: PMC9404716 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a noninvasive imaging technique that has become a reliable tool for identifying and monitoring lesions in both human and animals. In the last decade, its use in veterinary diagnostic imaging has gained increasing importance, and it can be reliable in everyday clinical practice. However, there is a lack of reviews describing existing CEUS results in the study of splenic lesions, which is of particular importance in dogs and cats. This information is important for validating its efficacy, to facilitate decision making related to sampling procedures and diagnosis, or even as a means to select CEUS as an alternative diagnostic tool in specific cases. Our goal was to review the existing studies of CEUS applications for splenic ultrasound studies in cats and dogs, present these results in a systematic manner, and combine this information into practical guidelines that can be used to help diagnosis and interpretation in both clinical cases and research. Abstract Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an emerging technology in veterinary medicine involving the administration of intravenous contrast agents, and it is increasingly recognized for its high potential as a diagnostic imaging tool for small animals. This exam is easy and quick to perform, safe and reliable, and allows for the differentiation of lesions. It permits the identification of lesions that may require more invasive procedures, from those that can be safely dismissed to those that can be followed-up with ultrasound imaging. Although it has been extensively reviewed for use in human medicine, there is an overall lack of information about the application of this technique for cats and dogs, particularly in splenic studies, which can be particularly important for small animals. The present review describes and summarizes the CEUS applications used for splenic analysis in cats and dogs, providing a basic overview of CEUS technology with examples of common and uncommon features of focal splenic lesions. It also systematically gathers the results obtained for benign and malignant splenic lesions described in the literature, whilst providing guidelines for their interpretation. Furthermore, it presents the advantages of using CEUS for splenic analysis in cats and dogs and the main factors that may influence the quality of the imaging and the accuracy of the diagnosis. This type of knowledge can be used to provide a framework to help veterinarians make informed decisions regarding the use of this emerging technique for splenic lesions, guiding their interpretation of CEUS findings in the splenic ultrasounds of cats and dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Canejo-Teixeira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital (CA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence: (R.C.-T.); (A.L.)
| | - Ana Lima
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence: (R.C.-T.); (A.L.)
| | - Ana Santana
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital (CA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
- CECAV-Animal and Veterinary Research Center, Universidade de Trás os Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- AL4AnimalS-Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Trás os Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Helbert A, von Wronski M, Mestas JL, Tardy I, Bettinger T, Lafon C, Hyvelin JM, Padilla F. Ultrasound Molecular Imaging for the Guidance of Ultrasound-Triggered Release of Liposomal Doxorubicin and Its Treatment Monitoring in an Orthotopic Prostatic Tumor Model in Rat. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:3420-3434. [PMID: 34503895 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Liposome encapsulation of drugs is an interesting approach in cancer therapy to specifically release the encapsulated drug at the desired treatment site. In addition to thermo-, pH-, light-, enzyme- or redox-responsive liposomes, which have had promising results in (pre-) clinical studies, ultrasound-triggered sonosensitive liposomes represent an exciting alternative to locally trigger the release from these cargos. Localized drug release requires precise tumor visualization to produce a targeted and ultrasound stimulus. We used ultrasound molecular imaging (USMI) with BR55, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)-targeted ultrasound contrast agent, to guide ultrasound-triggered release of sonosensitive liposomes encapsulating doxorubicin (L-DXR) in an orthotopic prostatic rodent tumor model. Forty-eight hours after L-DXR injection, local release of doxorubicin was triggered with a confocal ultrasound device with two focused transducers, 1.1-MHz center frequency, and peak positive and negative pressures of 20.5 and 13 MPa at focus. Tumor size decreased by 20% in 2 wk with L-DXR alone (n = 9) and by 70% after treatment with L-DXR and confocal ultrasound (n = 7) (p < 0.01). The effect of doxorubicin on perfusion/vascularity and VEGFR2 expression was evaluated by USMI and immunohistochemistry of CD31 and VEGFR2 and did not reveal differences in perfusion or VEGFR2 expression in the absence or after the triggered release of liposomes. USMI can provide precise guidance for ultrasound-triggered release of liposomal doxorubicin mediated by a confocal ultrasound device; moreover, the combination of B-mode imaging and USMI can help to follow the response of the tumor to the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Helbert
- Bracco Suisse SA, Bracco Global Research & Development, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Mathew von Wronski
- Bracco Suisse SA, Bracco Global Research & Development, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Louis Mestas
- LabTAU, INSERM, Centre Léon Bérard, Université Lyon 1, Univ Lyon, F-69003, Lyon, France
| | - Isabelle Tardy
- Bracco Suisse SA, Bracco Global Research & Development, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Bettinger
- Bracco Suisse SA, Bracco Global Research & Development, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cyril Lafon
- LabTAU, INSERM, Centre Léon Bérard, Université Lyon 1, Univ Lyon, F-69003, Lyon, France
| | | | - Frédéric Padilla
- LabTAU, INSERM, Centre Léon Bérard, Université Lyon 1, Univ Lyon, F-69003, Lyon, France; FUS Foundation, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Department of Radiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Zahiri M, Taghavi S, Abnous K, Taghdisi SM, Ramezani M, Alibolandi M. Theranostic nanobubbles towards smart nanomedicines. J Control Release 2021; 339:164-194. [PMID: 34592384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapy and early accurate detection of malignant lesions are essential for the effectiveness of treatment and prognosis in cancer patients. The development of gaseous system as a versatile platform for the fabricated nanobubbles, has attracted much interest in improving the efficacy of ultrasound therapeutic, diagnostic, and theranostic platforms. Nano-sized bubble, as an ultrasound contrast agent, with spherical gas-filled structures exhibited contrast enhancement capability due to their inherent EPR effect. Additionally, nanobubbles exhibited good stability with extended retention time in the blood stream. The current review summarized various nanobubbles and discussed about the crucial parameters affecting the stability of ultrafine bubbles. Furthermore, therapeutic and theranostic gaseous systems for fighting against cancer were described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Zahiri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sahar Taghavi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Kupsch C, Feierabend L, Nauber R, Buttner L, Czarske J. Ultrasound Super-Resolution Flow Measurement of Suspensions in Narrow Channels. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2021; 68:807-817. [PMID: 32746205 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2020.3007483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Zinc-air flow batteries provide a scalable and cost-efficient energy storage solution. However, the achieved power density depends on the local flow conditions of the zinc particle suspension in the electrochemical cell. Numerical modeling is challenging due to the complex multiphase fluid and the interaction of flow and electrochemistry. Hence, performing experiments is crucial to investigate the influence of the flow conditions on the electrical performance, which requires flow instrumentation for the opaque suspension. To resolve the flow field across the 2.6-mm-wide flow channel of the investigated zinc-air flow battery (ZAB), a spatial resolution below 100 [Formula: see text] has to be typically achieved. Using ultrasound techniques, the achieved spatial resolution is limited by the trade-off between ultrasound frequency and imaging depth. This trade-off is even more critical for suspensions due to the scattering of the ultrasound, which increases strongly with frequency. We propose super-resolution particle tracking velocimetry (SRPTV) to overcome this limitation by achieving the required spatial resolution at a low ultrasound frequency. SRPTV is based on the super-resolution technique ultrasound localization microscopy, which is adapted to strongly scattering suspensions by using a dual-frequency-phased array and applying a coherence weighting beamformer to suppress speckles, which result from the scattering at the zinc particles of the suspension. The spatial resolution and the velocity uncertainty are characterized through calibration measurement and numerical simulation. A spatial resolution of 66 [Formula: see text] at an excitation wavelength of 330 [Formula: see text] was achieved, which is sufficient for performing flow investigation in an operational ZAB. The measured flow profile reveals shear-thinning properties and wall slip and therefore differs significantly from a parabolic flow profile of a Newtonian fluid. The presented technique offers potential for performing flow investigations of suspensions in small geometries with a spatial resolution beyond the diffraction limit.
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Meyer S, Fuchs D, Meier M. Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging of the Kidney: Basic Concepts and Protocols. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2216:109-130. [PMID: 33475997 PMCID: PMC9703212 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0978-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive, robust, and reproducible methods to image kidneys are provided by different imaging modalities. A combination of modalities (multimodality) can give better insight into structure and function and to understand the physiology of the kidney. Magnetic resonance imaging can be complemented by a multimodal imaging approach to obtain additional information or include interventional procedures. In the clinic, renal ultrasound has been essential for the diagnosis and management of kidney disease and for the guidance of invasive procedures for a long time. Adapting ultrasound to preclinical requirements and for translational research, the combination with photoacoustic imaging expands the capabilities to obtain anatomical, functional, and molecular information from animal models. This chapter describes the basic concepts of how to image kidneys using different and most appropriate modalities.This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This introduction chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the experimental procedure and data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Meyer
- FUJIFILM VisualSonics, Inc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dieter Fuchs
- FUJIFILM VisualSonics, Inc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Meier
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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Abstract
Gas-filled microbubbles are currently in clinical use as blood pool contrast agents for ultrasound imaging. The goal of this review is to discuss the trends and issues related to these relatively unusual intravascular materials, which are not small molecules per se, not polymers, not even nanoparticles, but larger micrometer size structures, compressible, flexible, elastic, and deformable. The intent is to connect current research and initial studies from 2 to 3 decades ago, tied to gas exchange between the bubbles and surrounding biological medium, in the following areas of focus: (1) parameters of microbubble movement in relation to vasculature specifics; (2) gas uptake and loss from the bubbles in the vasculature; (3) adhesion of microbubbles to target receptors in the vasculature; and (4) microbubble interaction with the surrounding vessels and tissues during insonation.Microbubbles are generally safe and require orders of magnitude lower material doses than x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. Application of microbubbles will soon extend beyond blood pool contrast and tissue perfusion imaging. Microbubbles can probe molecular and cellular biomarkers of disease by targeted contrast ultrasound imaging. This approach is now in clinical trials, for example, with the aim to detect and delineate tumor nodes in prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer. Imaging of inflammation, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and ischemic memory is also feasible. More importantly, intravascular microbubbles can be used for local deposition of focused ultrasound energy to enhance drug and gene delivery to cells and tissues, across endothelial barrier, especially blood-brain barrier.Overall, microbubble behavior, stability and in vivo lifetime, bioeffects upon the action of ultrasound and resulting enhancement of drug and gene delivery, as well as targeted imaging are critically dependent on the events of gas exchange between the bubbles and surrounding media, as outlined in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L Klibanov
- From the Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine and Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine; and Departments of Biomedical Engineering, and Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
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Helbert A, Gaud E, Segers T, Botteron C, Frinking P, Jeannot V. Monodisperse versus Polydisperse Ultrasound Contrast Agents: In Vivo Sensitivity and safety in Rat and Pig. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:3339-3352. [PMID: 33008649 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the field of monodisperse microbubble synthesis by flow focusing allow for the production of foam-free, highly concentrated and monodisperse lipid-coated microbubble suspensions. It has been found that in vitro, such monodisperse ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) improve the sensitivity of contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging. Here, we present the first in vivo study in the left ventricle of rat and pig with this new monodisperse bubble agent. We systematically characterize the acoustic sensitivity and safety of the agent at an imaging frequency of 2.5 MHz as compared with three commercial polydisperse UCAs (SonoVue/Lumason, Definity/Luminity and Optison) and one research-grade polydisperse agent with the same shell composition as the monodisperse bubbles. The monodisperse microbubbles, which had a diameter of 4.2 μm, crossed the pulmonary vasculature, and their echo signal could be measured at least as long as that of the polydisperse UCAs, indicating that microfluidically formed monodisperse microbubbles are stable in vivo. Furthermore, it was found that the sensitivity of the monodisperse agent, expressed as the mean echo power per injected bubble, was at least 10 times higher than that of the polydisperse UCAs. Finally, the safety profile of the monodisperse microbubble suspension was evaluated by injecting 400 and 2000 times the imaging dose, and neither physiologic nor pathologic changes were found, which is a first indication that monodisperse lipid-coated microbubbles formed by flow focusing are safe for in vivo use. The more uniform acoustic response and corresponding increased imaging sensitivity of the monodisperse agent may boost emerging applications of microbubbles and ultrasound such as molecular imaging and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Helbert
- Bracco Suisse S.A., Route de la Galaise 31, 1228 Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Gaud
- Bracco Suisse S.A., Route de la Galaise 31, 1228 Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Tim Segers
- Physics of Fluids Group, MESA + Institute for Nanotechnology, Technical Medical (TechMed) Center, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands; Former employee of Bracco Suisse S.A
| | | | | | - Victor Jeannot
- Bracco Suisse S.A., Route de la Galaise 31, 1228 Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland.
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Wistuba J, Beumer C, Warmeling AS, Sandhowe-Klaverkamp R, Stypmann J, Kuhlmann M, Holtmeier R, Damm OS, Tüttelmann F, Gromoll J. Testicular blood supply is altered in the 41,XX Y* Klinefelter syndrome mouse model. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14369. [PMID: 32873847 PMCID: PMC7462989 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism is a major feature of Klinefelter syndrome (KS), assumed to be caused by testicular hormone resistance. It was previously shown that intratesticular testosterone levels in vivo and Leydig cell function in vitro seem to be normal indicating other functional constraints. We hypothesized that impaired testicular vascularization/blood flow could be a co-factor to the observed hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. We evaluated the testicular vascular system by measuring blood vessel sizes during postnatal development and testis blood flow in adult 41,XXY* mice. Proportional distribution and size of blood vessels were analyzed during testicular development (1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 21 dpp, 15 wpp). While ratios of the vessel/testis area were different at 15 wpp only, a lower number of smaller and mid-sized blood vessels were detected in adult KS mice. For testicular blood flow determination we applied contrast enhanced ultrasound. Floating and reperfusion time for testicular blood flow was increased in 41,XXY* mice (floating: XY* 28.8 ± 1.69 s vs XXY* 44.6 ± 5.6 s, p = 0.0192; reperfusion XY* 19.7 ± 2.8 s vs XXY*: 29.9 ± 6.2 s, p = 0.0134), indicating a diminished blood supply. Our data strengthen the concept that an impaired vascularization either in conjunction or as a result of altered KS testicular architecture contributes to hormone resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Wistuba
- Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, University Clinics, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Munster, Germany.
| | - Cristin Beumer
- Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, University Clinics, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Ann-Sophie Warmeling
- Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, University Clinics, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Reinhild Sandhowe-Klaverkamp
- Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, University Clinics, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Jörg Stypmann
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1 Building A1, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Michael Kuhlmann
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging (EIMI), University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Richard Holtmeier
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging (EIMI), University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Oliver S Damm
- Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, University Clinics, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Vesaliusweg 12-14, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Jörg Gromoll
- Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, University Clinics, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Munster, Germany
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Ultrasound Molecular Imaging With BR55, a Predictive Tool of Antiangiogenic Treatment Efficacy in a Chemo-Induced Mammary Tumor Model. Invest Radiol 2020; 55:657-665. [DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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15
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Precise treatment of acute antibody-mediated cardiac allograft rejection in rats using C4d-targeted microbubbles loaded with nitric oxide. J Heart Lung Transplant 2020; 39:481-490. [PMID: 32115364 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) constitutes an important cause of cardiac allograft loss; however, all current therapeutic strategies represent systemic applications with unsatisfactory efficacy. Previously, we successfully non-invasively detected C4d, a specific marker for AMR diagnosis, in allografts using C4d-targeted microbubbles (MBC4d). In this study, we extended this approach by incorporating nitric oxide (NO), as high NO levels manifest immunosuppressive and anti-thrombotic effects. METHODS We designed novel MBC4d loaded with NO (NO-MBC4d). A rat model of AMR was established by pre-sensitization with skin transplantation. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) images were obtained and quantitatively analyzed following NO-MBC4d injection. Allograft survival and histologic features were analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of NO-MBC4d toward AMR. RESULTS We successfully obtained CEUS images following NO-MBC4d injection and demonstrated that the ultrasound signal intensity of the myocardial area and clearance time of NO-MBC4d both increased with increased C4d grade, thereby realizing non-invasive diagnosis of AMR. Furthermore, allograft survival was significantly prolonged, and rejection was obviously attenuated following NO-MBC4d injection through significant suppression of thrombosis and reduction of inflammatory cell infiltrates. Overall, the therapeutic efficacy was significantly improved in the NO-MBC4d group compared with the control NO-MB group, demonstrating that precise treatment could significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy compared with that afforded by systemic applications. CONCLUSIONS This study presented a novel tool to provide simultaneous non-invasive diagnosis and precise treatment of AMR using NO-MBC4d CEUS imaging, which may be expected to provide a better option for recipients with AMR in clinic.
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Bam R, Lown PS, Stern LA, Sharma K, Wilson KE, Bean GR, Lutz AM, Paulmurugan R, Hackel BJ, Dahl J, Abou-Elkacem L. Efficacy of Affibody-Based Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Vascular B7-H3 for Breast Cancer Detection. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:2140-2150. [PMID: 31924738 PMCID: PMC7196517 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-1655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human B7-H3 (hB7-H3) is a promising molecular imaging target differentially expressed on the neovasculature of breast cancer and has been validated for preclinical ultrasound (US) imaging with anti-B7-H3-antibody-functionalized microbubbles (MB). However, smaller ligands such as affibodies (ABY) are more suitable for the design of clinical-grade targeted MB. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Binding of ABYB7-H3 was confirmed with soluble and cell-surface B7-H3 by flow cytometry. MB were functionalized with ABYB7-H3 or anti-B7-H3-antibody (AbB7-H3). Control and targeted MB were tested for binding to hB7-H3-expressing cells (MS1hB7-H3) under shear stress conditions. US imaging was performed with MBABY-B7-H3 in an orthotopic mouse model of human MDA-MB-231 coimplanted with MS1hB7-H3 or control MS1WT cells and a transgenic mouse model of breast cancer development. RESULTS ABYB7-H3 specifically binds to MS1hB7-H3 and murine-B7-H3-expressing monocytes. MBABY-B7-H3 (8.5 ± 1.4 MB/cell) and MBAb-B7-H3 (9.8 ± 1.3 MB/cell) showed significantly higher (P < 0.0001) binding to the MS1hB7-H3 cells compared with control MBNon-targeted (0.5 ± 0.1 MB/cell) under shear stress conditions. In vivo, MBABY-B7-H3 produced significantly higher (P < 0.04) imaging signal in orthotopic tumors coengrafted with MS1hB7-H3 (8.4 ± 3.3 a.u.) compared with tumors with MS1WT cells (1.4 ± 1.0 a.u.). In the transgenic mouse tumors, MBABY-B7-H3 (9.6 ± 2.0 a.u.) produced higher (P < 0.0002) imaging signal compared with MBNon-targeted (1.3 ± 0.3 a.u.), whereas MBABY-B7-H3 signal in normal mammary glands and tumors with B7-H3 blocking significantly reduced (P < 0.02) imaging signal. CONCLUSIONS MBABY-B7-H3 enhances B7-H3 molecular signal in breast tumors, improving cancer detection, while offering the advantages of a small size ligand and easier production for clinical imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Bam
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Patrick S Lown
- Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Lawrence A Stern
- Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Karina Sharma
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Katheryne E Wilson
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Gregory R Bean
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Amelie M Lutz
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ramasamy Paulmurugan
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Benjamin J Hackel
- Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jeremy Dahl
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - Lotfi Abou-Elkacem
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Hwang J, Kang K, Kang J, Nam J, Park S, Yoon J, Choi M. Effect of catheter diameter and injection rate of flush solution on renal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with perfluorobutane in dogs. Am J Vet Res 2019; 80:825-831. [PMID: 31449446 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.80.9.825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess effects of catheter diameter and injection rate of flush solution (saline [0.9% NaCl] solution) on renal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) with perfluorobutane in dogs. ANIMALS 5 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURES CEUS of the kidneys was performed by IV injection of contrast medium (0.0125 mL/kg) followed by injection of 5 mL of saline solution at rates of 1, 3, and 5 mL/s through a 20-gauge or 24-gauge catheter; thus, CEUS was repeated 3 times for each catheter diameter. Time-intensity curves were created for regions of interest drawn in the renal cortex and medulla. Repeatability was determined by calculating the coefficient of variation (CV). Statistical analysis was used to assess whether perfusion variables or CV of the perfusion variables was associated with catheter diameter or injection rate. RESULTS Perfusion variables did not differ significantly between catheter diameters. Time to peak enhancement (TTP) in the renal cortex was affected by injection rate, and there were significantly lower values for TTP at higher injection rates. The CEUS variables with the lowest CVs among injection rates were TTP for the renal cortex; the CV for TTP of the renal cortex was the lowest at an injection rate of 5 mL/s. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Use of a 24-gauge catheter did not alter CEUS with perfluorobutane; therefore, such catheters could be used for CEUS of the kidneys of small dogs. Moreover, a rate of 5 mL/s is recommended for injection of flush solution to obtain greater accuracy for renal CEUS in Beagles.
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Liao T, Zhang Y, Ren J, Zheng H, Zhang H, Li X, Liu X, Yin T, Sun Q. Noninvasive quantification of intrarenal allograft C4d deposition with targeted ultrasound imaging. Am J Transplant 2019; 19:259-268. [PMID: 30171802 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) has emerged as a major cause of renal allograft dysfunction. C4d, a specific marker for AMR diagnosis, was strongly recommended for routine surveillance; however, currently, C4d detection is dependent upon tissue biopsy, which is invasive and provides only local semi-quantitative data. Targeted ultrasound imaging has been used extensively for noninvasive and real-time molecular detection with advantages of high specificity and sensitivity. In this study, we designed C4d-targeted microbubbles (MBC4d ) using a streptavidin-biotin conjugated method and detected C4d deposition in vivo in a rat model of AMR by enhanced ultrasound imaging. This noninvasive procedure allowed successful acquisition of the first qualitative image of C4d deposition in a wide renal allograft section, which reflected real-time C4d distribution in grafts. Moreover, we introduced normal intensity difference for quantitative analysis, which exhibited a nearly linear correlation with the grade of C4d deposition according to pathologic analysis. In addition, this approach showed no influence on survival rates and pathologic features in the microbubble injection groups, thereby demonstrating its safety. These findings demonstrated a simple, noninvasive, quantitative, and safe evaluation method for C4d, with the utility of this approach potentially preventing patients from having to undergo an invasive biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liao
- Organ Transplantation Research Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yannan Zhang
- Organ Transplantation Research Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haofeng Zheng
- Organ Transplantation Research Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongjun Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiujie Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Organ Transplantation Research Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tinghui Yin
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiquan Sun
- Organ Transplantation Research Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Akhbardeh A, Sagreiya H, El Kaffas A, Willmann JK, Rubin DL. A multi-model framework to estimate perfusion parameters using contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging. Med Phys 2018; 46:590-600. [PMID: 30554408 DOI: 10.1002/mp.13340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging has expanded the diagnostic potential of ultrasound by enabling real-time imaging and quantification of tissue perfusion. Several perfusion models and curve fitting methods have been developed to quantify the temporal behavior of tracer signal and standardize perfusion quantification. While the least-squares approach has traditionally been applied for curve fitting, it can be inadequate for noisy and complex data. Moreover, previous research suggests that certain perfusion models may be more relevant depending on the organ or tissue imaged. We propose a multi-model framework to select the most appropriate perfusion model and curve fitting method for each diagnostic application. METHODS Our multi-model approach uses a system identification method, which estimates perfusion parameters from the model with the best fit to a given time-intensity curve. We compared current perfusion quantification methods that use a single perfusion model and curve fitting method and our proposed multi-model framework on bolus 3D dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) in vivo images obtained in mice implanted with a colon cancer, as well as on simulation data. The quality of fit in estimating perfusion parameters was evaluated using the Spearman correlation coefficient, the coefficient of determination (R2 ), and the normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) to ensure that the multi-model framework finds the best perfusion model and curve fitting algorithm. RESULTS Our multi-model framework outperforms conventional single perfusion model approaches with least-squares optimization, providing more robust perfusion parameter estimation. R2 and NRMSE are 0.98 and 0.18, respectively, for our proposed method. By comparison, the performance of the traditional approach is much more dependent upon the selection of the appropriate model. The R2 and NRMSE are 0.91 and 0.31, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The proposed multi-model framework for perfusion modeling outperforms the current approach of single perfusion modeling using least-squares optimization and more robustly estimates perfusion parameters when using empiric data labeled by an expert as the gold standard. Our technique is minimally sensitive to issues affecting the accuracy of perfusion parameter estimation, including rise time, noise, region of interest size, and frame rate. This framework could be of key utility in modeling different perfusion systems in different tissues and organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Akhbardeh
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Hersh Sagreiya
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ahmed El Kaffas
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jürgen K Willmann
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Daniel L Rubin
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Medicine (Biomedical Informatics Research), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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Noninvasive and quantitative measurement of C4d deposition for the diagnosis of antibody-mediated cardiac allograft rejection. EBioMedicine 2018; 37:236-245. [PMID: 30385231 PMCID: PMC6286270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.10.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background C4d is a specific biomarker for the diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) after cardiac transplantation. Although strongly recommended, routine C4d surveillance is hindered by the invasive nature of endomyocardial biopsy. Targeted ultrasound (US) has high sensitivity, and C4d is abundantly expressed within the graft of patients experiencing AMR, which makes it possible to visualize C4d deposition in vivo using targeted US. Methods We designed a serial dilution of C4d-targeted microbubbles (MBC4d) using a streptavidin-biotin conjugation system. A rat model of AMR with C4d deposition was established by pre-sensitization with skin transplantation before cardiac transplantation. MBC4d were injected into recipients and then qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using the destruction-replenishment method with a clinical US imaging system and analyzed by software. Findings We successfully obtained qualitative images of C4d deposition in a wide cardiac allograft section, which, for the first time, reflected real-time C4d distribution. Moreover, normal intensity difference was used for quantitative analysis and exhibited an almost nearly linear correlation with the grade of C4d deposition according to the pathologic evidence. In addition, MBC4d injection did not affect the survival and aggravate injury, which demonstrates its safety. Interpretation This study demonstrates a noninvasive, quantitative and safe evaluation method for C4d. As contrast-enhanced US has been widely used in clinical settings, this technology is expected to be applied quickly to clinical practice. Fund National Natural Science Foundation of China and Guangdong Province, Leading Scientific Talents of Guangdong special support program, the Science and Technology Project of Guangdong Province and Guangzhou City. C4d is a specific biomarker for the diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection after cardiac transplantation. Although strongly recommended, routine C4d surveillance is hindered by the invasive nature of endomyocardial biopsy. This study documents a noninvasive and quantitative method for detecting C4d deposition in cardiac allografts. Thus, the utility of this approach may realize noninvasive detection of this important biomarker in clinic.
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Liu DJX, Hesta M, Stock E, Bogaerts E, Broeckx BJG, Saunders JH, Vanderperren K. Renal perfusion parameters measured by contrast-enhanced ultrasound in healthy dogs demonstrate a wide range of variability in the long-term. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2018; 60:201-209. [PMID: 30276919 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound may be helpful for detecting early renal microvascular damage and dysfunction in dogs. However, before this noninvasive imaging method can be tested as an early-stage screening tool in clinical patients, an improved understanding of long-term variation in healthy animals is needed. In this prospective, secondary, longitudinal, serial measurements study, variability of contrast-enhanced ultrasound renal perfusion parameters was described for eight healthy dogs, using seven time points and a period of 83 weeks. Dogs were sedated with butorphanol (0.4 mg/kg), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound of each kidney was performed after an intravenous bolus injection of a microbubble contrast agent (0.04 mL/kg). Time-intensity curves were created from regions-of-interest drawn in the renal cortex and medulla. Intensity-related parameters representing blood volume and time-related parameters representing blood velocity were determined. A random-effects model using restricted maximum likelihood was used to estimate variance components. Within-dog coefficient of variation was defined as the ratio of the standard deviation over the mean. Time-related parameters such as time-to-peak, rise and fall time had lowest within-dog variability. Intensity-related parameters such as peak enhancement, wash-in and wash-out area under the curve, total area under the curve, and wash-in and washout rates had high within-dog variability (coefficient of variation > 45%). Authors therefore recommend the use of time-related parameters for future studies of renal perfusion. Within-dog variability for bilateral kidney measurements was extremely low, therefore contrast-enhanced ultrasound may be particularly useful for detecting unilateral changes in renal perfusion. Future studies are needed to compare contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings in healthy dogs versus dogs with renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy J X Liu
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Myriam Hesta
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Emmelie Stock
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evelien Bogaerts
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart J G Broeckx
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jimmy H Saunders
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Vanderperren
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Stock E, Duchateau L, Saunders JH, Volckaert V, Polis I, Vanderperren K. Repeatability of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography of the Kidneys in Healthy Cats. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2018; 44:426-433. [PMID: 29174044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be used to image and quantify tissue perfusion. It holds great potential for the use in the diagnosis of various diffuse renal diseases in both human and veterinary medicine. Nevertheless, the technique is known to have an inherent relatively high variability, related to various factors associated with the patient, the contrast agent and machine settings. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess week-to-week intra- and inter-cat variation of several perfusion parameters obtained with CEUS of both kidneys of 12 healthy cats. Repeatability was determined by calculating the coefficient of variation (CV). The contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameters with the lowest variation for the renal cortex were time-to-peak (CV 6.0%), rise time (CV 13%), fall time (CV 19%) and mean transit time (24%). Intensity-related parameters and parameters related to the slope of the time-intensity curve had a CV of >35%. Lower repeatability was present for perfusion parameters derived from the renal medulla compared with the renal cortex. Normalization to the inter-lobar artery does not cause a reduction in variation. In conclusion, time-related parameters for the cortex show a reasonable repeatability; whereas poor repeatability is present for intensity-related parameters and parameters related to in- and outflow of contrast agent. Poor repeatability is also present for all perfusion parameters for the renal medulla, except for time to peak, which has a good repeatability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmelie Stock
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jimmy H Saunders
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Veerle Volckaert
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ingeborgh Polis
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Biology of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Vanderperren
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Stock E, Paepe D, Daminet S, Vandermeulen E, Duchateau L, Saunders JH, Vanderperren K. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Examination for the Assessment of Renal Perfusion in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease. J Vet Intern Med 2017; 32:260-266. [PMID: 29171085 PMCID: PMC5787201 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound examination (CEUS) is a functional imaging technique allowing noninvasive assessment of tissue perfusion. Studies in humans show that the technique holds great potential to be used in the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, data in veterinary medicine are currently lacking. Objectives To evaluate renal perfusion using CEUS in cats with CKD. Animals Fourteen client‐owned cats with CKD and 43 healthy control cats. Methods Prospective case‐controlled clinical trial using CEUS to evaluate renal perfusion in cats with CKD compared to healthy control cats. Time‐intensity curves were created, and perfusion parameters were calculated using off‐line software. A linear mixed model was used to examine differences between perfusion parameters of cats with CKD and healthy cats. Results In cats with CKD, longer time to peak and shorter mean transit times were observed for the renal cortex. In contrast, a shorter time to peak and rise time were seen for the renal medulla. The findings for the renal cortex indicate decreased blood velocity and shorter total duration of enhancement, likely caused by increased vascular resistance in CKD. Increased blood velocity in the renal medulla has not been described before and may be because of a different response to regulatory factors in cortex and medulla. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound examination was capable of detecting perfusion changes in cats with CKD. Further research is warranted to assess the diagnostic capabilities of CEUS in early stage of the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Stock
- Department of Medical Imaging of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - D Paepe
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - S Daminet
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - E Vandermeulen
- Department of Medical Imaging of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - L Duchateau
- Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - J H Saunders
- Department of Medical Imaging of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - K Vanderperren
- Department of Medical Imaging of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Alvarez E, Dalton ND, Gu Y, Smith D, Luong A, Hoshijima M, Peterson KL, Rychak J. A novel method for quantitative myocardial contrast echocardiography in mice. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2017; 314:H370-H379. [PMID: 29127239 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00568.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The small size of the mouse heart frequently imparts technical challenges when applying conventional in vivo imaging methods for assessing heart function. Here, we describe the use of high-frequency ultrasound imaging in conjunction with a size-tuned blood pool contrast agent for quantitatively assessing myocardial perfusion in living mice. A perflurocarbon microbubble formulation exhibiting a narrow size distribution was developed, and echogenicity was assessed at 18 MHz in vitro. Adult mice were subjected to permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery. Ultrasound imaging was performed on day 7, and a cohort of intact mice was used as a control. Parasternal long-axis cine clips were acquired at 18 MHz before and after contrast administration. Reduced ejection fraction and increased end-systolic volume were observed in infarcted compared with control mice. In control animals, washin of the contrast agent was visible in all myocardial segments. Reduced contrast enhancement was observed in apical-posterolateral regions of all infarcted mice. A novel method for reslicing of the imaging data through the time domain provided a two-dimensional presentation of regional contrast agent washin, enabling convenient identification of locations exhibiting altered perfusion. Myocardial segments exhibiting diminished contractility were observed to have correspondingly low relative myocardial perfusion. The contrast agent formulation and methods demonstrated here provide the basis for simplifying routine in vivo estimation of infarct size in mice and may be particularly useful in longitudinal evaluation of revascularization interventions and assessment of peri-infarct ischemia. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Murine myocardial contrast echocardiography frequently suffers from poor sensitivity to contrast. Here, we formulated a novel size-tuned microbubble contrast agent and validated it for use with ultra-high-frequency ultrasound. A novel data method for evaluating myocardial perfusion based on reslicing the imaging data through the time domain is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Alvarez
- Department of Medicine, University of California , San Diego, California
| | - N D Dalton
- Department of Medicine, University of California , San Diego, California
| | - Y Gu
- Department of Medicine, University of California , San Diego, California
| | - D Smith
- Targeson, Incorporated, San Diego, California
| | - A Luong
- Targeson, Incorporated, San Diego, California
| | - M Hoshijima
- Department of Medicine, University of California , San Diego, California
| | - K L Peterson
- Department of Medicine, University of California , San Diego, California
| | - J Rychak
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California , San Diego, California.,Targeson, Incorporated, San Diego, California
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Snipstad S, Berg S, Mørch Ý, Bjørkøy A, Sulheim E, Hansen R, Grimstad I, van Wamel A, Maaland AF, Torp SH, Davies CDL. Ultrasound Improves the Delivery and Therapeutic Effect of Nanoparticle-Stabilized Microbubbles in Breast Cancer Xenografts. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:2651-2669. [PMID: 28781149 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Compared with conventional chemotherapy, encapsulation of drugs in nanoparticles can improve efficacy and reduce toxicity. However, delivery of nanoparticles is often insufficient and heterogeneous because of various biological barriers and uneven tumor perfusion. We investigated a unique multifunctional drug delivery system consisting of microbubbles stabilized by polymeric nanoparticles (NPMBs), enabling ultrasound-mediated drug delivery. The aim was to examine mechanisms of ultrasound-mediated delivery and to determine if increased tumor uptake had a therapeutic benefit. Cellular uptake and toxicity, circulation and biodistribution were characterized. After intravenous injection of NPMBs into mice, tumors were treated with ultrasound of various pressures and pulse lengths, and distribution of nanoparticles was imaged on tumor sections. No effects of low pressures were observed, whereas complete bubble destruction at higher pressures improved tumor uptake 2.3 times, without tissue damage. An enhanced therapeutic effect was illustrated in a promising proof-of-concept study, in which all tumors exhibited regression into complete remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Snipstad
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Sigrid Berg
- SINTEF Technology and Society, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ýrr Mørch
- SINTEF Materials and Chemistry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Astrid Bjørkøy
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Einar Sulheim
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; SINTEF Materials and Chemistry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Rune Hansen
- SINTEF Technology and Society, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ingeborg Grimstad
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Annemieke van Wamel
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Astri F Maaland
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sverre H Torp
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Pathology, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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Volz KR, Evans KD, Kanner CD, Buford JA, Freimer M, Sommerich CM, Basso DM. Molecular Ultrasound Imaging for the Detection of Neural Inflammation: A Longitudinal Dosing Pilot Study. JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479317736250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Molecular ultrasound imaging provides the ability to detect physiologic processes noninvasively by targeting a variety of biomarkers in vivo. The current study was performed by exploiting an inflammatory biomarker, P-selectin, known to be present following spinal cord injury. Using a murine model (n = 6), molecular ultrasound imaging was performed using contrast microbubbles modified to target and adhere to P-selectin, prior to spinal cord injury (0D), acute stage postinjury (7D), and chronic stage (42D). Additionally, two imaging sessions were performed on each subject at specific time points, using doses of 30 μL and 100 μL. Upon analysis, targeted contrast analysis parameters were appreciably increased during the 7D scan compared with the 42D scan, without statistical significance. When examining the dose levels, the 30-μL dose demonstrated greater values than the 100-μL dose but lacked statistical significance. These findings provide additional preclinical evidence for the use of molecular ultrasound imaging for the possible detection of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Volz
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kevin D. Evans
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - John A. Buford
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - D. Michele Basso
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Stock E, Daminet S, Paepe D, Buresova E, Vandermeulen E, Smets P, Duchateau L, Saunders JH, Vanderperren K. Evaluation of Renal Perfusion in Hyperthyroid Cats before and after Radioiodine Treatment. J Vet Intern Med 2017; 31:1658-1663. [PMID: 29031027 PMCID: PMC5697172 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common in elderly cats. Consequently, both diseases often occur concurrently. Furthermore, renal function is affected by thyroid status. Because changes in renal perfusion play an important role in functional renal changes in hyperthyroid cats, investigation of renal perfusion may provide novel insights. Objectives To evaluate renal perfusion in hyperthyroid cats with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Animals A total of 42 hyperthyroid cats was included and evaluated before and 1 month after radioiodine treatment. Methods Prospective intrasubject clinical trial of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound using a commercial contrast agent (SonoVue) to evaluate renal perfusion. Time‐intensity curves were created, and perfusion parameters were calculated by off‐line software. A linear mixed model was used to examine differences between pre‐ and post‐treatment perfusion parameters. Results An increase in several time‐related perfusion parameters was observed after radioiodine treatment, indicating a decreased blood velocity upon resolution of the hyperthyroid state. Furthermore, a small post‐treatment decrease in peak enhancement was present in the renal medulla, suggesting a lower medullary blood volume. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound indicated a higher cortical and medullary blood velocity and higher medullary blood volume in hyperthyroid cats before radioactive treatment in comparison with 1‐month post‐treatment control.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Stock
- Department of Medical Imaging of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - S Daminet
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - D Paepe
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - E Buresova
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - E Vandermeulen
- Department of Medical Imaging of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - P Smets
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - L Duchateau
- Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometry (Duchateau), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - J H Saunders
- Department of Medical Imaging of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - K Vanderperren
- Department of Medical Imaging of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Dizeux A, Payen T, Barrois G, Le Guillou Buffello D, Bridal SL. Reproducibility of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Mice with Controlled Injection. Mol Imaging Biol 2017; 18:651-8. [PMID: 27074840 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-016-0952-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sensitivity of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to microvascular flow modifications can be limited by intra-injection variability (injected dose, rate, volume). PROCEDURES To evaluate the effect of injection variability on microvascular flow evaluation, CEUS was compared between controlled and manual injections where enhancement was assessed in vitro within a flow phantom, in normal murine kidney (N = 12) and in murine ectopic tumors (N = 10). RESULTS For both in vitro and in vivo measurements in the renal cortex, controlled injections significantly improved reproducibility of functional parameter estimation. Their coefficient of variation (CV) in the renal cortex ranged from 4 to 19 % for controlled injection vs. 5 to 43 % for manual injections. For measurements in tumors, controlled injection only decreased the CV significantly for the mean transit time. In tumors, multiple injections of contrast agent with a 15-min delay between each were shown to strongly modify contrast uptake by facilitating penetration of microbubbles. CONCLUSION Improved reproducibility of CEUS assessments in murine models should provide more robust quantification of flow parameters and more sensitive evaluation of tumor modifications in therapeutic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Dizeux
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75006, Paris, France.
| | - Thomas Payen
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Barrois
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Le Guillou Buffello
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - S Lori Bridal
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, F-75006, Paris, France
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29
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Dizeux A, Payen T, Le Guillou-Buffello D, Comperat E, Gennisson JL, Tanter M, Oelze M, Bridal SL. In Vivo Multiparametric Ultrasound Imaging of Structural and Functional Tumor Modifications during Therapy. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:2000-2012. [PMID: 28554540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Longitudinal imaging techniques are needed that can meaningfully probe the tumor microenvironment and its spatial heterogeneity. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, shear wave elastography and quantitative ultrasound are ultrasound-based techniques that provide information on the vascular function and micro-/macroscopic tissue structure. Modifications of the tumor microenvironment induced by cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic molecules in ectopic murine Lewis lung carcinoma tumors were monitored. The most heterogenous structures were found in tumors treated with anti-angiogenic drug that simultaneously accumulated the highest levels of necrosis and fibrosis. The anti-angiogenic group presented the highest number of correlations between parameters related to vascular function and those related to the micro-/macrostructure of the tumor microenvironment. Results suggest how patterns of multiparametric ultrasound modifications can be related to provide a more insightful marker of changes occurring within tumors during therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Dizeux
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Paris, France.
| | - Thomas Payen
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Paris, France
| | | | - Eva Comperat
- Academic Department of Pathology, Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital, AP-HP, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Luc Gennisson
- Institut Langevin-Ondes et Images, ESPCI ParisTech, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR7587, INSERM U979, Paris, France
| | - Mickael Tanter
- Institut Langevin-Ondes et Images, ESPCI ParisTech, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR7587, INSERM U979, Paris, France
| | - Michael Oelze
- Bioacoustics Research Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - S Lori Bridal
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, INSERM, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Paris, France
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Shirinifard A, Thiagarajan S, Johnson MD, Calabrese C, Sablauer A. Measuring Absolute Blood Perfusion in Mice Using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:1628-1638. [PMID: 28522149 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the feasibility of estimating absolute tissue blood perfusion using dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging in mice. We developed a novel method of microbubble administration and a model-free approach to estimate absolute kidney perfusion, and explored the kidney as a reference organ to estimate absolute perfusion of a neuroblastoma tumor. We performed CEUS on the kidneys of CD1 nude mice using the VisualSonics VEVO 2100 imaging system. We estimated individual kidney blood perfusion using the burst-replenishment (BR) technique. We repeated the kidney imaging on the mice after a week. We performed CEUS imaging of a neuroblastoma mouse xenograft tumor along with its right kidney using two sets of microbubble administration parameters to estimate absolute tumor blood perfusion. We performed statistical tests at a significance level of 0.05. Our estimated absolute kidney perfusion (425 ± 123 mL/min/100 g) was within the range of previously reported values. There was no statistical difference between the estimated absolute kidney blood perfusions from the 2 wk of imaging (paired t-test, p = 0.09). We estimated the absolute blood perfusion in the neuroblastoma tumor to be 16.49 and 16.9 mL/min/100 g for the two sets of microbubble administration parameters (Wilcoxon rank-sum test, p = 0.6). We have established the kidney as a reliable reference organ in which to estimate absolute perfusion of other tissues. Using a neuroblastoma tumor, we have determined the feasibility of estimating absolute blood perfusion in tissues using contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Shirinifard
- Department of Information Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Suresh Thiagarajan
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Melissa D Johnson
- Department of Small Animal Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Christopher Calabrese
- Department of Small Animal Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - András Sablauer
- Department of Information Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
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Brückner M, Heidemann J, Nowacki TM, Cordes F, Stypmann J, Lenz P, Gohar F, Lügering A, Bettenworth D. Detection and characterization of murine colitis and carcinogenesis by molecularly targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:2899-2911. [PMID: 28522908 PMCID: PMC5413785 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i16.2899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To study mucosal addressin cellular adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the assessment of murine colitis and carcinogenesis.
METHODS C57BL/6 mice were challenged with 3% dextran sodium-sulfate (DSS) for three, six or nine days to study the development of acute colitis. Ultrasound was performed with and without the addition of unspecific contrast agents. MAdCAM-1-targeted contrast agent was used to detect and quantify MAdCAM-1 expression. Inflammatory driven colorectal azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS-induced carcinogenesis was examined on day 42 and 84 using VEGF-targeted contrast agent. Highly specific tissue echogenicity was quantified using specialized software. Sonographic findings were correlated to tissue staining, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry to quantify the degree of inflammation and stage of carcinogenesis.
RESULTS Native ultrasound detected increased general bowel wall thickening that correlated with more progressed and more severe DSS-colitis (healthy mice: 0.3 mm ± 0.03 vs six days DSS: 0.5 mm ± 0.2 vs nine days DSS: 0.6 mm ± 0.2, P < 0.05). Moreover, these sonographic findings correlated well with clinical parameters such as weight loss (r2 = 0.74) and histological damage (r2 = 0.86) (P < 0.01). In acute DSS-induced murine colitis, CEUS targeted against MAdCAM-1 detected and differentiated stages of mild, moderate and severe colitis via calculation of mean pixel contrast intensity in decibel (9.6 dB ± 1.6 vs 12.9 dB ± 1.4 vs 18 dB ± 3.33, P < 0.05). Employing the AOM/DSS-induced carcinogenesis model, tumor development was monitored by CEUS targeted against VEGF and detected a significantly increased echogenicity in tumors as compared to adjacent healthy mucosa (healthy mucosa, 1.6 dB ± 1.4 vs 42 d, 18.2 dB ± 3.3 vs 84 d, 18.6 dB ± 4.9, P < 0.01). Tissue echogenicity strongly correlated with histological analysis and immunohistochemistry findings (VEGF-positive cells in 10 high power fields of healthy mucosa: 1 ± 1.2 vs 42 d after DSS start: 2.4 ± 1.6 vs 84 d after DSS start: 3.5 ± 1.3, P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION Molecularly targeted CEUS is a highly specific and non-invasive imaging modality, which characterizes murine intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis in vivo.
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Stock E, Vanderperren K, Haers H, Duchateau L, Hesta M, Saunders JH. Quantitative Differences Between the First and Second Injection of Contrast Agent in Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography of Feline Kidneys and Spleen. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:500-504. [PMID: 27746009 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a valuable and safe technique for the evaluation of organ perfusion. Repeated injections of ultrasound contrast agent are often administered during the same imaging session. However, it remains unclear if quantitative differences are present between the consecutive microbubble injections. Therefore, the first and second injection of contrast agent for the left renal cortex, renal medulla and the splenic parenchyma in healthy cats were compared. A lower peak intensity and area under the curve were observed for the first injection of contrast agent in the feline kidney, both for the renal cortex and medulla, and spleen. Moreover, for the renal cortex, the time-intensity curve was steeper after the second injection. Findings from the present study demonstrate that a second injection of contrast agent provides stronger enhancement. The exact mechanism behind our findings remains unclear; however, saturation of the lung macrophages is believed to play an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmelie Stock
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Katrien Vanderperren
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hendrik Haers
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Myriam Hesta
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jimmy H Saunders
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Eschbach RS, Clevert DA, Hirner-Eppeneder H, Ingrisch M, Moser M, Schuster J, Tadros D, Schneider M, Kazmierczak PM, Reiser M, Cyran CC. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound with VEGFR2-Targeted Microbubbles for Monitoring Regorafenib Therapy Effects in Experimental Colorectal Adenocarcinomas in Rats with DCE-MRI and Immunohistochemical Validation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169323. [PMID: 28060884 PMCID: PMC5217974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with VEGFR2-targeted microbubbles for monitoring therapy effects of regorafenib on experimental colon carcinomas in rats with correlation to dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and immunohistochemistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human colorectal adenocarcinoma xenografts (HT-29) were implanted subcutaneously in n = 21 (n = 11 therapy group; n = 10 control group) female athymic nude rats (Hsd: RH-Foxn1rnu). Animals were imaged at baseline and after a one-week daily treatment with regorafenib or a placebo (10 mg/kg bodyweight), using CEUS with VEGFR2-targeted microbubbles and DCE-MRI. In CEUS tumor perfusion was assessed during an early vascular phase (wash-in area under the curve = WiAUC) and VEGFR2-specific binding during a late molecular phase (signal intensity after 8 (SI8min) and 10 minutes (SI10min)), using a conventional 15L8 linear transducer (transmit frequency 7 MHz, dynamic range 80 dB, depth 25 mm). In DCE-MRI functional parameters plasma flow (PF) and plasma volume (PV) were quantified. For validation purposes, CEUS parameters were correlated with DCE-MRI parameters and immunohistochemical VEGFR2, CD31, Ki-67 and TUNEL stainings. RESULTS CEUS perfusion parameter WiAUC decreased significantly (116,989 ± 77,048 a.u. to 30,076 ± 27,095a.u.; p = 0.005) under therapy with no significant changes (133,932 ± 65,960 a.u. to 84,316 ± 74,144 a.u.; p = 0.093) in the control group. In the therapy group, the amount of bound microbubbles in the late phase was significantly lower in the therapy than in the control group on day 7 (SI8min: 283 ± 191 vs. 802 ± 460 a.u.; p = 0.006); SI10min: 226 ± 149 vs. 645 ± 461 a.u.; p = 0.009). PF and PV decreased significantly (PF: 147 ± 58 mL/100 mL/min to 71 ± 15 mL/100 mL/min; p = 0.003; PV: 13 ± 3% to 9 ± 4%; p = 0.040) in the therapy group. Immunohistochemistry revealed significantly fewer VEGFR2 (7.2 ± 1.8 vs. 17.8 ± 4.6; p < 0.001), CD31 (8.1 ± 3.0 vs. 20.8 ± 5.7; p < 0.001) and Ki-67 (318.7 ± 94.0 vs. 468.0 ± 133.8; p = 0.004) and significantly more TUNEL (672.7 ± 194.0 vs. 357.6 ± 192.0; p = 0.003) positive cells in the therapy group. CEUS parameters showed significant (p < 0.05) correlations to DCE-MRI parameters and immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS CEUS with VEGFR2-targeted microbubbles allowed for monitoring regorafenib functional and molecular therapy effects on experimental colorectal adenocarcinomas with a significant decline of CEUS and DCE-MRI perfusion parameters as well as a significant reduction of specifically bound microbubbles under therapy, consistent with a reduced expression of VEGFR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Stefan Eschbach
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Dirk-Andre Clevert
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Heidrun Hirner-Eppeneder
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Ingrisch
- Josef Lissner Laboratory for Biomedical Imaging, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Moser
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Jessica Schuster
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Dina Tadros
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz Schneider
- Josef Lissner Laboratory for Biomedical Imaging, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Maximilian Kazmierczak
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reiser
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Clemens C. Cyran
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
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Freeling JL, Rezvani K. Assessment of murine colorectal cancer by micro-ultrasound using three dimensional reconstruction and non-linear contrast imaging. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 5:16070. [PMID: 28053998 PMCID: PMC5147881 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The relatively low success rates of current colorectal cancer (CRC) therapies have led investigators to search for more specific treatments. Vertebrate models of colorectal cancer are essential tools for the verification of new therapeutic avenues such as gene therapy. The evaluation of colorectal cancer in mouse models has been limited due to the lack of an accurate quantitative and longitudinal noninvasive method. This work introduces a method of three-dimensional micro-ultrasound reconstruction and microbubble administration for the comprehensive and longitudinal evaluation of CRC progression. This approach enabled quantification of both tumor volume and relative vascularity using a well-established inducible murine model of colon carcinogenesis. This inducible model recapitulated the adenocarcinoma sequence that occurs in human CRC allowing systematic in situ evaluation of the ultrasound technique. The administration of intravenous microbubbles facilitated enhancement of colon vascular contrast and quantification of relative vascularity of the mid and distal colon of the mouse in three dimensions. In addition, two-dimensional imaging in the sagittal orientation of the colon using Non-Linear Contrast Mode enabled calculation of relative blood volume and perfusion as the microbubbles entered the colon microvasculature. Quantitative results provided by the outlined protocol represent a noninvasive tool that can more accurately define CRC development and progression. This ultrasound technique will allow the practical and economical longitudinal study of murine CRC in both basic and preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Freeling
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, The University of South Dakota , Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Khosrow Rezvani
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, The University of South Dakota , Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
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Hodgson A, Wier EM, Fu K, Sun X, Wan F. Ultrasound imaging of splenomegaly as a proxy to monitor colon tumor development in Apc(min716/+) mice. Cancer Med 2016; 5:2469-76. [PMID: 27485505 PMCID: PMC5055147 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models of colon cancer are widely used to understand the molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis of the disease. These animal models require a substantial investment of time and traditionally necessitate the killing of the animal to measure the tumor progression. Several in vivo imaging techniques are being used in both human clinics and preclinical studies, albeit at high cost and requiring particular expertise. Here, we report that the progression of splenomegaly coincides with and positively correlates to colon tumor development in Apcmin716/+ mice expressing a mutant gene encoding an adenomatous polyposis coli protein truncated at amino acid 716. Ultrasound image‐based spleen size measurement precisely mirrors splenomegaly development in vivo in the tumor‐laden Apcmin716/+ mice. Moreover, the spleen dimensions extracted from the ultrasound sonograms are positively correlated with normalized spleen weight and the number and area of colon tumors. Hence, we propose measuring the spleen size in vivo by ultrasound imaging as a novel approach to estimate splenomegaly development and to indirectly monitor colon tumor development in Apcmin716/+ mice. The widespread use of ultrasound machines in the laboratory setting, coupled with the fact that it is a noninvasive method, make it a straightforward and useful tool for monitoring the experimental progress of colon cancer in mice and determining end points without killing animals strictly for diagnostics purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Hodgson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21025
| | - Eric M Wier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21025
| | - Kai Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21025
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21025
| | - Fengyi Wan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21025. .,Department of Oncology and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21287.
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Raes F, Sobilo J, Le Mée M, Rétif S, Natkunarajah S, Lerondel S, Le Pape A. High Resolution Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging of Orthotopic Lung Cancer in Mice: New Perspectives for Onco-Pharmacology. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153532. [PMID: 27070548 PMCID: PMC4829195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We have developed a relevant preclinical model associated with a specific imaging protocol dedicated to onco-pharmacology studies in mice. Materials and Methods We optimized both the animal model and an ultrasound imaging procedure to follow up longitudinally the lung tumor growth in mice. Moreover we proposed to measure by photoacoustic imaging the intratumoral hypoxia, which is a crucial parameter responsible for resistance to therapies. Finally, we compared ultrasound data to x-ray micro computed tomography and volumetric measurements to validate the relevance of this approach on the NCI-H460 human orthotopic lung tumor. Results This study demonstrates the ability of ultrasound imaging to detect and monitor the in vivo orthotopic lung tumor growth by high resolution ultrasound imaging. This approach enabled us to characterize key biological parameters such as oxygenation, perfusion status and vascularization of tumors. Conclusion Such an experimental approach has never been reported previously and it would provide a nonradiative tool for assessment of anticancer therapeutic efficacy in mice. Considering the absence of ultrasound propagation through the lung parenchyma, this strategy requires the implantation of tumors strictly located in the superficial posterior part of the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Raes
- PHENOMIN-TAAM-UPS44, CIPA (Centre d’Imagerie du Petit Animal), CNRS Orléans, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Julien Sobilo
- PHENOMIN-TAAM-UPS44, CIPA (Centre d’Imagerie du Petit Animal), CNRS Orléans, France
| | - Marilyne Le Mée
- PHENOMIN-TAAM-UPS44, CIPA (Centre d’Imagerie du Petit Animal), CNRS Orléans, France
| | - Stéphanie Rétif
- PHENOMIN-TAAM-UPS44, CIPA (Centre d’Imagerie du Petit Animal), CNRS Orléans, France
| | - Sharuja Natkunarajah
- PHENOMIN-TAAM-UPS44, CIPA (Centre d’Imagerie du Petit Animal), CNRS Orléans, France
| | - Stéphanie Lerondel
- PHENOMIN-TAAM-UPS44, CIPA (Centre d’Imagerie du Petit Animal), CNRS Orléans, France
| | - Alain Le Pape
- PHENOMIN-TAAM-UPS44, CIPA (Centre d’Imagerie du Petit Animal), CNRS Orléans, France
- INSERM U1100, CEPR, University of Tours, France
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Contrast-Based Real-Time Assessment of Microcirculatory Changes in a Fatty Liver After Ischemia Reperfusion Injury. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2016; 62:429-36. [PMID: 26485605 PMCID: PMC4768725 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000001008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A fatty liver is known to have impairment of microcirculation, which is worsened after ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). This makes most fatty grafts unsuitable for transplantation, and in the absence of real time assessment of microcirculation this selection has been at best, random. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the utility of a contrast enhanced ultrasound model in quantitative assessment of the microcirculation of a fatty liver. METHODS We subjected fatty mice to IRI, and blood flow dynamics were assessed before and after the injury. RESULTS There was a significant increase in the resistive and pulsatility index of the extrahepatic artery and a significant decrease in velocity of the portal vein. There was also a quantifiable decrease in the intrahepatic blood volume, blood flow, time to peak flow, and perfusion index of mice with fatty liver, suggesting that a fatty liver develops hemodynamic abnormalities after IRI, leading to increased hepatocellular injury. CONCLUSIONS Hemodynamic abnormalities in liver can be reliably quantified using a contrast, enhanced Doppler ultrasound, which is an inexpensive technique with multiple clinical applications. It can be used to assess the quality of the fatty liver donor graft before organ retrieval; for determining live donor candidacy, for making post-IRI recovery prognosis, and for assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
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Brückner M, Lenz P, Mücke MM, Gohar F, Willeke P, Domagk D, Bettenworth D. Diagnostic imaging advances in murine models of colitis. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:996-1007. [PMID: 26811642 PMCID: PMC4716050 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i3.996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic-remittent inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract still evoking challenging clinical diagnostic and therapeutic situations. Murine models of experimental colitis are a vital component of research into human IBD concerning questions of its complex pathogenesis or the evaluation of potential new drugs. To monitor the course of colitis, to the present day, classical parameters like histological tissue alterations or analysis of mucosal cytokine/chemokine expression often require euthanasia of animals. Recent advances mean revolutionary non-invasive imaging techniques for in vivo murine colitis diagnostics are increasingly available. These novel and emerging imaging techniques not only allow direct visualization of intestinal inflammation, but also enable molecular imaging and targeting of specific alterations of the inflamed murine mucosa. For the first time, in vivo imaging techniques allow for longitudinal examinations and evaluation of intra-individual therapeutic response. This review discusses the latest developments in the different fields of ultrasound, molecularly targeted contrast agent ultrasound, fluorescence endoscopy, confocal laser endomicroscopy as well as tomographic imaging with magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and fluorescence-mediated tomography, discussing their individual limitations and potential future diagnostic applications in the management of human patients with IBD.
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Payen T, Dizeux A, Baldini C, Le Guillou-Buffello D, Lamuraglia M, Comperat E, Lucidarme O, Bridal SL. VEGFR2-Targeted Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound to Distinguish between Two Anti-Angiogenic Treatments. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2015; 41:2202-2211. [PMID: 25980323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of BR55, an ultrasound contrast agent specifically targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), to distinguish the specific anti-VEGFR2 therapy effect of sunitinib from other anti-angiogenic effects of a therapy (imatinib) that does not directly inhibit VEGFR2. Sunitinib, imatinib and placebo were administered daily for 11 d (264 h) to 45 BalbC mice bearing ectopic CT26 murine colorectal carcinomas. During the course of therapy, B-mode ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound and VEGFR2-targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound were performed to assess tumor morphology, vascularization and VEGFR2 expression, respectively. The angiogenic effects on these three aspects were characterized using tumor volume, contrast-enhanced area and differential targeted enhancement. Necrosis, microvasculature and expression of VEGFR2 were also determined by histology and immunostaining. B-Mode imaging revealed that tumor growth was significantly decreased in sunitinib-treated mice at day 11 (p < 0.05), whereas imatinib did not affect growth. Functional evaluation revealed that the contrast-enhanced area decreased significantly (p < 0.02) and by similar amounts under both anti-angiogenic treatments by day 8 (192 h): -23% for imatinib and -21% for sunitinib. No significant decrease was observed in the placebo group. Targeted contrast-enhanced imaging revealed lower differential targeted enhancement, that is, lower levels of VEGFR2 expression, in sunitinib-treated mice relative to placebo-treated mice from 24 h (p < 0.05) and relative to both placebo- and imatinib-treated mice from 48 h (p < 0.05). Histologic assessment of tumors after the final imaging indicated that necrotic area was significantly higher for the sunitinib group (21%) than for the placebo (8%, p < 0.001) and imatinib (11%, p < 0.05) groups. VEGFR2-targeted ultrasound was able to sensitively differentiate the anti-VEGFR2 effect from the reduced area of tumor with functional flow produced by both anti-angiogenic agents. BR55 molecular imaging was, thus, able both to detect early therapeutic response to sunitinib in CT26 tumors as soon as 24 h after the beginning of the treatment and to provide early discrimination (48 h) between tumor response during anti-angiogenic therapy targeting VEGFR2 expression and response during anti-angiogenic therapy not directly acting on this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Payen
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Dizeux
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Capucine Baldini
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | | - Michele Lamuraglia
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France; Medical Oncology Department, Hopital Louis-Mourier, AP-HP, Colombes, France
| | - Eva Comperat
- Anatomic Pathology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Lucidarme
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Paris, France
| | - S Lori Bridal
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France.
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Wood AKW, Sehgal CM. A review of low-intensity ultrasound for cancer therapy. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2015; 41:905-28. [PMID: 25728459 PMCID: PMC4362523 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The literature describing the use of low-intensity ultrasound in four major areas of cancer therapy-sonodynamic therapy, ultrasound-mediated chemotherapy, ultrasound-mediated gene delivery and anti-vascular ultrasound therapy-was reviewed. Each technique consistently resulted in the death of cancer cells, and the bio-effects of ultrasound were attributed primarily to thermal actions and inertial cavitation. In each therapeutic modality, theranostic contrast agents composed of microbubbles played a role in both therapy and vascular imaging. The development of these agents is important as it establishes a therapeutic-diagnostic platform that can monitor the success of anti-cancer therapy. Little attention, however, has been given either to the direct assessment of the mechanisms underlying the observed bio-effects or to the viability of these therapies in naturally occurring cancers in larger mammals; if such investigations provided encouraging data, there could be prompt application of a therapy technique in the treatment of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew K W Wood
- Department Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chandra M Sehgal
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Ultrasound molecular imaging of transient acute myocardial ischemia with a clinically translatable P- and E-selectin targeted contrast agent: correlation with the expression of selectins. Invest Radiol 2014; 49:224-35. [PMID: 24442162 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome remains challenging especially in patients without clear symptoms or electrocardiographic and/or biomarker features. A hallmark of ischemia/reperfusion is activation of endothelial cells leading to altered expression of molecular markers, including selectins. In this context, we aimed to validate the value of ultrasound molecular imaging for detecting transient myocardial ischemia by using a clinically translatable dual P- and E-selectin-targeted ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) and microbubble (MB(selectin)). MATERIAL AND METHODS Transient (20 minutes) myocardial ischemia of rat heart was produced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery ligation followed by 2-, 5-, or 24-hour reperfusion. Imaging of the transient ischemic event was achieved by the use of MB(selectin). Performance of this clinically translatable targeted UCA was compared with that of antibody-targeted streptavidin MBs. Finally, immunohistochemistry staining of rat myocardial ischemic tissue was performed to assess expression of selectins accessible to targeted UCA. RESULTS In rats subjected to myocardial ischemia (20 minutes) followed by reperfusion (2 hours), injection of MB(selectin) produced high late phase (ie, 10-minute postinjection) ultrasound molecular imaging enhancement in the myocardium, which colocalized with the ischemic area. Late phase enhancement persisted 5 and 24 hours after reperfusion. Similarly, the use of MBP and MBE, comprising antibodies specific for P- and E-selectin, respectively, showed high late-phase enhancement within the ischemic area compared with remote myocardial tissue. Two and 5 hours after ischemia has resolved, a persistent expression of these 2 selectins was detected. After 24 hours of reperfusion, only MBE produced late phase enhancement within the ischemic myocardium. Immunohistochemical findings revealed that both P- and E-selectin were expressed and accessible on the surface of the activated endothelium 2 and 5 hours after the acute ischemic event, whereas only E-selectin remained accessible after 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound molecular imaging of transient myocardial ischemia using dual selectin-targeted UCA is able to monitor the time course of expression of selectins after resolution of the ischemic event, paving the way for a large clinical diagnostic window.
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Ultrasound molecular imaging of E-selectin in tumor vessels using poly n-butyl cyanoacrylate microbubbles covalently coupled to a short targeting peptide. Invest Radiol 2014; 48:843-50. [PMID: 23857137 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0b013e31829d03ec] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purposes of this study were the development and preclinical evaluation of clinically translatable E-selectin-specific ultrasound contrast agents based on a peptide ligand with the recognition sequence IELLQAR. MATERIALS AND METHODS The E-selectin-specific peptide was synthesized through solid phase peptide synthesis and covalently attached to poly n-butylcyanoacrylate-stabilized microbubbles with an air core. Quantification of the microbubble surface coverage with peptides was performed through flow cytometry. Targeted adhesion of peptide-coated microbubbles was investigated in vitro using parallel plate flow chamber assays on tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In vivo imaging was performed in nude mice bearing human ovarian carcinoma xenografts (MLS), followed by ex vivo immunohistochemistry validation of E-selectin expression. RESULTS Success of peptide synthesis was validated through preparative reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and electronspray ionization-mass spectrometry. Results of the flow cytometry revealed approximately 4000 E-selectin-specific peptides/microbubble surface. Results of the in vitro experiments demonstrated the specificity of peptide-coated microbubbles to E-selectin (1.10 ± 0.48 vs 0.19 ± 0.09 bound microbubbles per cell, before and after competition respectively; P < 0.01). The in vivo imaging enabled specific assessment of E-selectin expression in MLS carcinoma xenografts (5.21 ± 3.41 vs 1.37 ± 0.67 contrast intensity before and after competition, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Clinically translatable microbubbles that were covalently coupled to the short E-selectin-specific peptide (IELLQAR) enabled specific imaging of the E-selectin expression in tumor vessels in vivo.
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