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Huang C, Lok UW, Zhang J, Zhu XY, Krier JD, Stern A, Knoll KM, Petersen KE, Robinson KA, Hesley GK, Bentall AJ, Atwell TD, Rule AD, Lerman LO, Chen S. Optimizing In Vivo Data Acquisition for Robust Clinical Microvascular Imaging Using Ultrasound Localization Microscopy. ARXIV 2024:arXiv:2412.18077v1. [PMID: 39764396 PMCID: PMC11703319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2025]
Abstract
Ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) enables microvascular imaging at spatial resolutions beyond the acoustic diffraction limit, offering significant clinical potentials. However, ULM performance relies heavily on microbubble (MB) signal sparsity, the number of detected MBs, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), all of which vary in clinical scenarios involving bolus MB injections. These sources of variations underscore the need to optimize MB dosage, data acquisition timing, and imaging settings in order to standardize and optimize ULM of microvasculature. This pilot study investigated temporal changes in MB signals during bolus injections in both pig and human models to optimize data acquisition for clinical ULM. Quantitative indices were developed to evaluate MB signal quality, guiding selection of acquisition timing that balances the MB localization quality and adequate MB counts. The effects of transmitted voltage and dosage were also explored. In the pig model, a relatively short window (approximately 10 seconds) for optimal acquisition was identified during the rapid wash-out phase, highlighting the need for real-time MB signal monitoring during data acquisition. The slower wash-out phase in humans allowed for a more flexible imaging window of 1-2 minutes, while trade-offs were observed between localization quality and MB density (or acquisition length) at different wash-out phase timings. Guided by these findings, robust ULM imaging was achieved in both pig and human kidneys using a short period of data acquisition, demonstrating its feasibility in clinical practice. This study provides insights into optimizing data acquisition for consistent and reproducible ULM, paving the way for its standardization and broader clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwu Huang
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - U-Wai Lok
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jingke Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Xiang Yang Zhu
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - James D. Krier
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Amy Stern
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kate M. Knoll
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kendra E. Petersen
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kathryn A. Robinson
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Gina K. Hesley
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Andrew J. Bentall
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Thomas D. Atwell
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Andrew D. Rule
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lilach O. Lerman
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shigao Chen
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
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Hao Y, Luo J, Wang Y, Li Z, Wang X, Yan F. Ultrasound molecular imaging of p32 protein translocation for evaluation of tumor metastasis. Biomaterials 2023; 293:121974. [PMID: 36566551 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Protein translocation is an essential process for living cells to respond to different physiological, pathological or environmental stimuli. However, its abnormal occurrence usually results in undesirable outcomes such as tumors. To date, there is still a lack of appropriate methods to detect this event in live animals in a real-time manner. Here, we identified the gradually increased cell-surface translocation of p32 protein from mitochondria during tumor progression. LyP-1-modified gas vesicles (LyP-1-GVs) were developed through conjugating LyP-1 (p32-targeting peptide) to the biosynthetic GVs to monitor the cell-surface level of p32 translocation. The resulting LyP-1-GVs have about 200 nm particle size and good tumor cell targeting performance. Upon systemic administration, LyP-1-GVs can traverse through blood vessels and bind to the tumor cells, producing strong contrast imaging signals in comparison with the non-targeted GVs. The contrast imaging signals correlate well with the cell-surface translocation level of p32 protein and tumor metastatic ability. To our knowledge, this is the first report about the in vivo detection of protein translocation to cell membrane from mitochondria by ultrasound molecular imaging. Our study provides a new strategy to explore the molecular events of protein membrane translocations for evaluation of tumor metastasis at the live animal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsheng Hao
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Shenzhen College of Advanced Technology, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jingna Luo
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518061, PR China; Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518000, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Zhenzhou Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518061, PR China; Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518000, PR China
| | - Xiangwei Wang
- Department of Urology & Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Fei Yan
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
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Zeng W, Yue X, Dai Z. Ultrasound contrast agents from microbubbles to biogenic gas vesicles. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2023; 3:31-48. [PMID: 37724107 PMCID: PMC10471104 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2022-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles have been the earliest and most widely used ultrasound contrast agents by virtue of their unique features: such as non-toxicity, intravenous injectability, ability to cross the pulmonary capillary bed, and significant enhancement of echo signals for the duration of the examination, resulting in essential preclinical and clinical applications. The use of microbubbles functionalized with targeting ligands to bind to specific targets in the bloodstream has further enabled ultrasound molecular imaging. Nevertheless, it is very challenging to utilize targeted microbubbles for molecular imaging of extravascular targets due to their size. A series of acoustic nanomaterials have been developed for breaking free from this constraint. Especially, biogenic gas vesicles, gas-filled protein nanostructures from microorganisms, were engineered as the first biomolecular ultrasound contrast agents, opening the door for more direct visualization of cellular and molecular function by ultrasound imaging. The ordered protein shell structure and unique gas filling mechanism of biogenic gas vesicles endow them with excellent stability and attractive acoustic responses. What's more, their genetic encodability enables them to act as acoustic reporter genes. This article reviews the upgrading progresses of ultrasound contrast agents from microbubbles to biogenic gas vesicles, and the opportunities and challenges for the commercial and clinical translation of the nascent field of biomolecular ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Zeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuli Yue
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Zhifei Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Wang H, Vilches-Moure JG, Bettinger T, Cherkaoui S, Lutz A, Paulmurugan R. Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Spontaneous Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease in an Interleukin-2 Receptor α−/− Transgenic Mouse Model Using Targeted Microbubbles. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12020280. [PMID: 35055297 PMCID: PMC8779209 DOI: 10.3390/nano12020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a lifelong inflammatory disorder with relapsing–remission cycles, which is currently diagnosed by clinical symptoms and signs, along with laboratory and imaging findings. However, such clinical findings are not parallel to the disease activity of IBD and are difficult to use in treatment monitoring. Therefore, non-invasive quantitative imaging tools are required for the multiple follow-up exams of IBD patients in order to monitor the disease activity and determine treatment regimens. In this study, we evaluated a dual P- and E-selectin-targeted microbubble (MBSelectin) in an interleukin-2 receptor α deficient (IL-2Rα−/−) spontaneous chronic IBD mouse model for assessing long-term anti-inflammatory effects with ultrasound molecular imaging (USMI). We used IL-2Rα−/− (male and female on a C57BL/6 genetic background; n = 39) and C57BL/6 wild-type (negative control; n = 6) mice for the study. USMI of the proximal, middle, and distal colon was performed with MBSelectin using a small animal scanner (Vevo 2100) up to six times in each IL-2Rα−/− mouse between 6–30 weeks of age. USMI signals were compared between IL-2Rα−/− vs. wild-type mice, and sexes in three colonic locations. Imaged colon segments were analyzed ex vivo for inflammatory changes on H&E-stained sections and for selectin expression by immunofluorescence staining. We successfully detected spontaneous chronic colitis in IL-2Rα−/− mice between 6–30 weeks (onset at 6–14 weeks) compared to wild-type mice. Both male and female IL-2Rα−/− mice were equally (p = 0.996) affected with the disease, and there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in USMI signals of colitis between the proximal, middle, and distal colon. We observed the fluctuating USMI signals in IL-2Rα−/− mice between 6–30 weeks, which might suggest a resemblance of the remission-flare pattern of human IBD. The ex vivo H&E and immunostaining further confirmed the inflammatory changes, and the high expression of P- and E-selectin in the colon. The results of this study highlight the IL-2Rα−/− mice as a chronic colitis model and are suitable for the long-term assessment of treatment response using a dual P- and E-selectin-targeted USMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaijun Wang
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (H.W.); (A.L.)
| | | | | | | | - Amelie Lutz
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (H.W.); (A.L.)
| | - Ramasamy Paulmurugan
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (H.W.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-650-725-6097; Fax: +1-650-721-6921
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Keller SB, Wang YN, Totten S, Yeung RS, Averkiou MA. Safety of Image-Guided Treatment of the Liver with Ultrasound and Microbubbles in an in Vivo Porcine Model. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:3211-3220. [PMID: 34362584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound and microbubbles are useful for both diagnostic imaging and targeted drug delivery, making them ideal conduits for theranostic interventions. Recent reports have indicated the preclinical success of microbubble cavitation for enhancement of chemotherapy in abdominal tumors; however, there have been limited studies and variable efficacy in clinical implementation of this technique. This is likely because in contrast to the high pressures and long cycle lengths seen in successful preclinical work, current clinical implementation of microbubble cavitation for drug delivery generally involves low acoustic pressures and short cycle lengths to fit within clinical guidelines. To translate the preclinical parameter space to clinical adoption, a relevant safety study in a healthy large animal is required. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to evaluate the safety of ultrasound cavitation treatment (USCTx) in a healthy porcine model using a modified Philips EPIQ with S5-1 as the focused source. We performed USCTx on eight healthy pigs and monitored health over the course of 1 wk. We then performed an acute study of USCTx to evaluate immediate tissue damage. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound exams were performed before and after each treatment to investigate perfusion changes within the treated areas, and blood and urine were evaluated for liver damage biomarkers. We illustrate, through quantitative analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound data, blood and urine analyses and histology, that this technique and the parameter space considered are safe within the time frame evaluated. With its safety confirmed using a clinical-grade ultrasound scanner and contrast agent, USCTx could be easily translated into clinical trials for improvement of chemotherapy delivery. This represents the first safety study assessing the bio-effects of microbubble cavitation from relevant ultrasound parameters in a large animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Keller
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Yak-Nam Wang
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stephanie Totten
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Guan Y, Yao W, Yi K, Zheng C, Lv S, Tao Y, Hei Z, Li M. Nanotheranostics for the Management of Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2007727. [PMID: 33852769 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202007727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), in which an insufficient oxygen supply followed by reperfusion leads to an inflammatory network and oxidative stress in disease tissue to cause cell death, always occurs after liver transplantations and sections. Although pharmacological treatments favorably prevent or protect the liver against experimental IRI, there have been few successes in clinical applications for patient benefits because of the incomprehension of complicated IRI-induced signaling events as well as short blood circulation time, poor solubility, and severe side reactions of most antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs. Nanomaterials can achieve targeted delivery and controllable release of contrast agents and therapeutic drugs in desired hepatic IRI regions for enhanced imaging sensitivity and improved therapeutic effects, emerging as novel alternative approaches for hepatic IRI diagnosis and therapy. In this review, the application of nanotechnology is summarized in the management of hepatic IRI, including nanomaterial-assisted hepatic IRI diagnosis, nanoparticulate systems-mediated remission of reactive oxygen species-induced tissue injury, and nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery systems for the alleviation of IRI-related inflammation. The current challenges and future perspectives of these nanoenabled strategies for hepatic IRI treatment are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guan
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Weifeng Yao
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Ke Yi
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Chunxiong Zheng
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Shixian Lv
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Yu Tao
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Ziqing Hei
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, 510630, China
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Molecular Ultrasound Imaging. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10101935. [PMID: 32998422 PMCID: PMC7601169 DOI: 10.3390/nano10101935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, molecular ultrasound imaging has been rapidly progressing. It has proven promising to diagnose angiogenesis, inflammation, and thrombosis, and many intravascular targets, such as VEGFR2, integrins, and selectins, have been successfully visualized in vivo. Furthermore, pre-clinical studies demonstrated that molecular ultrasound increased sensitivity and specificity in disease detection, classification, and therapy response monitoring compared to current clinically applied ultrasound technologies. Several techniques were developed to detect target-bound microbubbles comprising sensitive particle acoustic quantification (SPAQ), destruction-replenishment analysis, and dwelling time assessment. Moreover, some groups tried to assess microbubble binding by a change in their echogenicity after target binding. These techniques can be complemented by radiation force ultrasound improving target binding by pushing microbubbles to vessel walls. Two targeted microbubble formulations are already in clinical trials for tumor detection and liver lesion characterization, and further clinical scale targeted microbubbles are prepared for clinical translation. The recent enormous progress in the field of molecular ultrasound imaging is summarized in this review article by introducing the most relevant detection technologies, concepts for targeted nano- and micro-bubbles, as well as their applications to characterize various diseases. Finally, progress in clinical translation is highlighted, and roadblocks are discussed that currently slow the clinical translation.
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Molecular imaging of inflammation - Current and emerging technologies for diagnosis and treatment. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 211:107550. [PMID: 32325067 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation is a key factor in multiple diseases including primary immune-mediated inflammatory diseases e.g. rheumatoid arthritis but also, less obviously, in many other common conditions, e.g. cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Together, chronic inflammatory diseases contribute to the majority of global morbidity and mortality. However, our understanding of the underlying processes by which the immune response is activated and sustained is limited by a lack of cellular and molecular information obtained in situ. Molecular imaging is the visualization, detection and quantification of molecules in the body. The ability to reveal information on inflammatory biomarkers, pathways and cells can improve disease diagnosis, guide and monitor therapeutic intervention and identify new targets for research. The optimum molecular imaging modality will possess high sensitivity and high resolution and be capable of non-invasive quantitative imaging of multiple disease biomarkers while maintaining an acceptable safety profile. The mainstays of current clinical imaging are computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US) and nuclear imaging such as positron emission tomography (PET). However, none of these have yet progressed to routine clinical use in the molecular imaging of inflammation, therefore new approaches are required to meet this goal. This review sets out the respective merits and limitations of both established and emerging imaging modalities as clinically useful molecular imaging tools in addition to potential theranostic applications.
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Luong A, Smith D, Tai CH, Cotter B, Luo C, Strachan M, DeMaria A, Rychak JJ. Development of a Translatable Ultrasound Molecular Imaging Agent for Inflammation. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:690-702. [PMID: 31899038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study details the development, characterization and non-clinical efficacy of an ultrasound molecular imaging agent intended for molecular imaging of P-selectin in humans. A targeting ligand based on a recently discovered human selectin ligand was manufactured as fusion protein, and activity for human and mouse P- and E-selectin was evaluated by functional immunoassay. The targeting ligand was covalently conjugated to a lipophilic anchor inserted into a phospholipid microbubble shell. Three lots of the targeted microbubble drug product, TS-07-009, were produced, and assays for size distribution, zeta potential and morphology were established. The suitability of TS-07-009 as a molecular imaging agent was evaluated in vitro in a flow-based adhesion assay and in vivo using a canine model of transient myocardial ischemia. Selectivity for P-selectin over E-selectin was observed in both the human and murine systems. Contrast agent adhesion increased with P-selectin concentration in a dynamic adhesion assay. Significant contrast enhancement was observed on ultrasound imaging with TS-07-009 in post-ischemic canine myocardium at 30 or 90 min of re-perfusion. Negligible enhancement was observed in resting (no prior ischemia) hearts or with a control microbubble 90 min after ischemia. The microbubble contrast agent described here exhibits physiochemical properties and in vivo behavior suitable for development as a clinical imaging agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Smith
- Targeson, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Bruno Cotter
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Colin Luo
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Monet Strachan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Anthony DeMaria
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Joshua J Rychak
- Targeson, Inc., San Diego, California, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
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Wang H, Vilches-Moure JG, Cherkaoui S, Tardy I, Alleaume C, Bettinger T, Lutz A, Paulmurugan R. Chronic Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in IL-10 -/- Transgenic Mice: Evaluation with Ultrasound Molecular Imaging. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:6031-6046. [PMID: 31534535 PMCID: PMC6735517 DOI: 10.7150/thno.37397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Acute mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) fail to mirror the chronic nature of IBD in patients. We sought to develop a chronic mouse IBD model for assessing long-term anti-inflammatory effects with ultrasound molecular imaging (USMI) by using dual P- and E-selectin targeted microbubbles (MBSelectin). Materials and Methods: Interleukin 10 deficient (IL-10-/- on a C57BL/6 genetic background; n=55) and FVB (n=16) mice were used. In IL-10-/-mice, various experimental regimens including piroxicam, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) or dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), respectively were used for promoting colitis; colitis was induced with DSS in FVB mice. Using clinical and small animal ultrasound scanners, evolution of inflammation in proximal, middle and distal colon, was monitored with USMI by using MBSelectin at multiple time points. Imaged colon segments were analyzed ex vivo for inflammatory changes on H&E staining and for P-selectin expression on immunofluorescence staining. Results: Sustained colitis was not detected with USMI in IL-10-/- or FVB mice with various experimental regimens. USMI signals either gradually decreased after the colitis enhancing/inducing drug/agents were discontinued, or the mortality rate of mice was high. Inflammation was observed on H&E staining in IL-10-/- mice with piroxicam promotion, while stable overexpression of P-selectin was not found on immunofluorescence staining in the same mice. Conclusion: Sustained colitis in IL-10-/- mice induced with piroxicam, TNBS or DSS, and in FVB mice induced with DSS, was not detected with USMI using MBSelectin, and this was verified by immunofluorescence staining for inflammation marker P-selectin. Thus, these models may not be appropriate for long-term monitoring of chronic colitis and subsequent treatment response with dual-selectin targeted USMI.
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11
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Wischhusen J, Padilla F. Ultrasound Molecular Imaging with Targeted Microbubbles for Cancer Diagnostics: From Bench to Bedside. Ing Rech Biomed 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.irbm.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Kiessling F. US Molecular Imaging Sensitively Captures Acute Ileitis Therapy Response. Radiology 2018; 289:101-102. [DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2018181211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kiessling
- From the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH), Aachen University, Forckenbeckstrasse 55, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Wang H, Hyvelin JM, Felt SA, Guracar I, Vilches-Moure JG, Cherkaoui S, Bettinger T, Tian L, Lutz AM, Willmann JK. US Molecular Imaging of Acute Ileitis: Anti-Inflammatory Treatment Response Monitored with Targeted Microbubbles in a Preclinical Model. Radiology 2018; 289:90-100. [PMID: 30040040 PMCID: PMC6190483 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2018172600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate whether dual-selectin-targeted US molecular imaging allows longitudinal monitoring of anti-inflammatory treatment effects in an acute terminal ileitis model in swine. Materials and Methods The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approved all animal studies. Fourteen swine with chemically induced acute terminal ileitis (day 0) were randomized into the following groups: (a) an anti-inflammatory treatment group (n = 8; meloxicam, 0.25 mg per kilogram of body weight; prednisone, 0.5 mg/kg) and (b) a control group (n = 6; saline). US molecular imaging was performed with a clinical US machine after intravenous injection of clinically translatable dual P- and E-selectin-targeted microbubbles (5 × 108/kg). Three inflamed bowel segments per swine were imaged at baseline, as well as on days 1, 3, and 6 after treatment initiation. At day 6, bowel segments were analyzed ex vivo for selectin expression levels by using quantitative immunofluorescence. Results After induction of inflammation, US molecular imaging signal increased at day 1 in both animal groups (P < .001). At day 3, signal in the treatment group decreased (P < .001 vs day 1), while signal in control animals did not significantly change (P = .18 vs day 1) and was higher (P = .001) compared with that in the treatment group. At day 6, signal in the treatment group further decreased and remained lower (P = .02) compared with that in the control group. Immunofluorescence confirmed significant (P ≤ .04) downregulation of both P- and E-selectin expression levels in treated versus control bowel segments. Conclusion Dual-selectin-targeted US molecular imaging allows longitudinal monitoring of anti-inflammatory treatment effects in a large-animal model of acute ileitis. This supports further clinical development of this quantitative and radiation-free technique for monitoring inflammatory bowel disease. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaijun Wang
- From the Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of
Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Grant SO62B, Stanford, CA 94305-5105 (H.W., A.M.L.,
J.K.W.); Bracco Suisse SA, Geneva, Switzerland (J.M.H., S.C., T.B.); Departments
of Comparative Medicine (S.A.F., J.G.V.) and Health, Research & Policy
(L.T.), Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; and Ultrasound Business Unit,
Siemens Healthcare, Mountain View, Calif (I.G.)
| | - Jean-Marc Hyvelin
- From the Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of
Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Grant SO62B, Stanford, CA 94305-5105 (H.W., A.M.L.,
J.K.W.); Bracco Suisse SA, Geneva, Switzerland (J.M.H., S.C., T.B.); Departments
of Comparative Medicine (S.A.F., J.G.V.) and Health, Research & Policy
(L.T.), Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; and Ultrasound Business Unit,
Siemens Healthcare, Mountain View, Calif (I.G.)
| | - Stephen A. Felt
- From the Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of
Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Grant SO62B, Stanford, CA 94305-5105 (H.W., A.M.L.,
J.K.W.); Bracco Suisse SA, Geneva, Switzerland (J.M.H., S.C., T.B.); Departments
of Comparative Medicine (S.A.F., J.G.V.) and Health, Research & Policy
(L.T.), Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; and Ultrasound Business Unit,
Siemens Healthcare, Mountain View, Calif (I.G.)
| | - Ismayil Guracar
- From the Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of
Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Grant SO62B, Stanford, CA 94305-5105 (H.W., A.M.L.,
J.K.W.); Bracco Suisse SA, Geneva, Switzerland (J.M.H., S.C., T.B.); Departments
of Comparative Medicine (S.A.F., J.G.V.) and Health, Research & Policy
(L.T.), Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; and Ultrasound Business Unit,
Siemens Healthcare, Mountain View, Calif (I.G.)
| | - Jose G. Vilches-Moure
- From the Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of
Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Grant SO62B, Stanford, CA 94305-5105 (H.W., A.M.L.,
J.K.W.); Bracco Suisse SA, Geneva, Switzerland (J.M.H., S.C., T.B.); Departments
of Comparative Medicine (S.A.F., J.G.V.) and Health, Research & Policy
(L.T.), Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; and Ultrasound Business Unit,
Siemens Healthcare, Mountain View, Calif (I.G.)
| | - Samir Cherkaoui
- From the Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of
Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Grant SO62B, Stanford, CA 94305-5105 (H.W., A.M.L.,
J.K.W.); Bracco Suisse SA, Geneva, Switzerland (J.M.H., S.C., T.B.); Departments
of Comparative Medicine (S.A.F., J.G.V.) and Health, Research & Policy
(L.T.), Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; and Ultrasound Business Unit,
Siemens Healthcare, Mountain View, Calif (I.G.)
| | - Thierry Bettinger
- From the Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of
Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Grant SO62B, Stanford, CA 94305-5105 (H.W., A.M.L.,
J.K.W.); Bracco Suisse SA, Geneva, Switzerland (J.M.H., S.C., T.B.); Departments
of Comparative Medicine (S.A.F., J.G.V.) and Health, Research & Policy
(L.T.), Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; and Ultrasound Business Unit,
Siemens Healthcare, Mountain View, Calif (I.G.)
| | - Lu Tian
- From the Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of
Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Grant SO62B, Stanford, CA 94305-5105 (H.W., A.M.L.,
J.K.W.); Bracco Suisse SA, Geneva, Switzerland (J.M.H., S.C., T.B.); Departments
of Comparative Medicine (S.A.F., J.G.V.) and Health, Research & Policy
(L.T.), Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; and Ultrasound Business Unit,
Siemens Healthcare, Mountain View, Calif (I.G.)
| | - Amelie M. Lutz
- From the Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of
Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr, Grant SO62B, Stanford, CA 94305-5105 (H.W., A.M.L.,
J.K.W.); Bracco Suisse SA, Geneva, Switzerland (J.M.H., S.C., T.B.); Departments
of Comparative Medicine (S.A.F., J.G.V.) and Health, Research & Policy
(L.T.), Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; and Ultrasound Business Unit,
Siemens Healthcare, Mountain View, Calif (I.G.)
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14
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Wizenty J, Ashraf MI, Rohwer N, Stockmann M, Weiss S, Biebl M, Pratschke J, Aigner F, Wuensch T. Autofluorescence: A potential pitfall in immunofluorescence-based inflammation grading. J Immunol Methods 2018; 456:28-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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15
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Wang S, Hossack JA, Klibanov AL. Targeting of microbubbles: contrast agents for ultrasound molecular imaging. J Drug Target 2018; 26:420-434. [PMID: 29258335 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2017.1419362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
For contrast ultrasound imaging, the most efficient contrast agents comprise highly compressible gas-filled microbubbles. These micrometer-sized particles are typically filled with low-solubility perfluorocarbon gases, and coated with a thin shell, often a lipid monolayer. These particles circulate in the bloodstream for several minutes; they demonstrate good safety and are already in widespread clinical use as blood pool agents with very low dosage necessary (sub-mg per injection). As ultrasound is an ubiquitous medical imaging modality, with tens of millions of exams conducted annually, its use for molecular/targeted imaging of biomarkers of disease may enable wider implementation of personalised medicine applications, precision medicine, non-invasive quantification of biomarkers, targeted guidance of biopsy and therapy in real time. To achieve this capability, microbubbles are decorated with targeting ligands, possessing specific affinity towards vascular biomarkers of disease, such as tumour neovasculature or areas of inflammation, ischaemia-reperfusion injury or ischaemic memory. Once bound to the target, microbubbles can be selectively visualised to delineate disease location by ultrasound imaging. This review discusses the general design trends and approaches for such molecular ultrasound imaging agents, which are currently at the advanced stages of development, and are evolving towards widespread clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Wang
- a Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
| | - John A Hossack
- a Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
| | - Alexander L Klibanov
- a Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA.,b Cardiovascular Division (Department of Medicine), Robert M Berne Cardiovascular Research Center , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
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16
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Qiu C, Yin T, Zhang Y, Lian Y, You Y, Wang K, Zheng R, Shuai X. Ultrasound Imaging Based on Molecular Targeting for Quantitative Evaluation of Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:3087-3097. [PMID: 28489274 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to quantitatively diagnose and monitor the therapy response of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) with the use of targeted ultrasound (US) imaging. Targeted microbubbles (MBs) were fabricated, and the binding of intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) antibodies to MBs was observed. To establish a quantitative method based on targeted US imaging, contrast-enhanced US was applied for IRI rats. After andrographolide treatment, the IRI rats were subjected to the quantitative targeted US imaging for a therapeutic effect. Effective binding of ICAM-1 antibodies to MBs was observed. According to the quantitative targeted US imaging, the ICAM-1 normalized intensity difference (NID) in the IRI rats (38.74 ± 15.08%) was significantly higher than that in the control rats (10.08 ± 2.52%, p = 0.048). Further, different degrees of IRI (mild IRI, moderate to severe IRI) were distinguished by the use of the NID (37.14 ± 2.14%, 22.34 ± 1.08%, p = 0.002). Analysis of mRNA expression demonstrated the accuracy of analyzing the NID by using quantitative targeted US imaging (R2 = 0.7434, p < 0.001). Andrographolide treatment resulted in an obviously weakened NID of ICAM-1 (17.7 ± 4.8% vs 34.2 ± 6.6%, p < 0.001). The study showed the potential of the quantitative targeted US imaging method for the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Qiu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - T Yin
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Liver Transplantation, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Lian
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y You
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - K Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - R Zheng
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - X Shuai
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Center for Biomedical Engineering, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Wang H, Felt SA, Guracar I, Taviani V, Zhou J, Sigrist RMS, Zhang H, Liau J, Vilches-Moure JG, Tian L, Saenz Y, Bettinger T, Hargreaves BA, Lutz AM, Willmann JK. Anatomical Road Mapping Using CT and MR Enterography for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Small Bowel Inflammation in Swine. Eur Radiol 2017; 28:2068-2076. [PMID: 29170798 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-017-5148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the feasibility and time saving of fusing CT and MR enterography with ultrasound for ultrasound molecular imaging (USMI) of inflammation in an acute small bowel inflammation of swine. METHODS Nine swine with ileitis were scanned with either CT (n = 3) or MR (n = 6) enterography. Imaging times to load CT/MR images onto a clinical ultrasound machine, fuse them to ultrasound with an anatomical landmark-based approach, and identify ileitis were compared to the imaging times without anatomical road mapping. Inflammation was then assessed by USMI using dual selectin-targeted (MBSelectin) and control (MBControl) contrast agents in diseased and healthy control bowel segments, followed by ex vivo histology. RESULTS Cross-sectional image fusion with ultrasound was feasible with an alignment error of 13.9 ± 9.7 mm. Anatomical road mapping significantly reduced (P < 0.001) scanning times by 40%. Localising ileitis was achieved within 1.0 min. Subsequently performed USMI demonstrated significantly (P < 0.001) higher imaging signal using MBSelectin compared to MBControl and histology confirmed a significantly higher inflammation score (P = 0.006) and P- and E-selectin expression (P ≤ 0.02) in inflamed vs. healthy bowel. CONCLUSIONS Fusion of CT and MR enterography data sets with ultrasound in real time is feasible and allows rapid anatomical localisation of ileitis for subsequent quantification of inflammation using USMI. KEY POINTS • Real-time fusion of CT/MRI with ultrasound to localise ileitis is feasible. • Anatomical road mapping using CT/MRI significantly decreases the scanning time for USMI. • USMI allows quantification of inflammation in swine, verified with ex vivo histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaijun Wang
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H1307, Stanford, CA, 94305-5621, USA
| | - Stephen A Felt
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ismayil Guracar
- Siemens Healthcare, Ultrasound Business Unit, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Valentina Taviani
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H1307, Stanford, CA, 94305-5621, USA
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H1307, Stanford, CA, 94305-5621, USA
| | - Rosa Maria Silveira Sigrist
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H1307, Stanford, CA, 94305-5621, USA
| | - Huiping Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H1307, Stanford, CA, 94305-5621, USA
| | - Joy Liau
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H1307, Stanford, CA, 94305-5621, USA
| | | | - Lu Tian
- Department of Health, Research & Policy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yamil Saenz
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Brian A Hargreaves
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H1307, Stanford, CA, 94305-5621, USA
| | - Amelie M Lutz
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H1307, Stanford, CA, 94305-5621, USA
| | - Jürgen K Willmann
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H1307, Stanford, CA, 94305-5621, USA.
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18
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Molecular Ultrasound Imaging of αvβ3-Integrin Expression in Carotid Arteries of Pigs After Vessel Injury. Invest Radiol 2017; 51:767-775. [PMID: 27119438 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Interventions such as balloon angioplasty can cause vascular injury leading to platelet activation, thrombus formation, and inflammatory response. This induces vascular smooth muscle cell activation and subsequent re-endothelialization with expression of αvβ3-integrin by endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cell. Thus, poly-N-butylcyanoacrylate microbubbles (MBs) targeted to αvβ3-integrin were evaluated for monitoring vascular healing after vessel injury in pigs using molecular ultrasound imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Approval for animal experiments was obtained. The binding specificity of αvβ3-integrin-targeted MB to human umbilical vein endothelial cells was tested with fluorescence microscopy. In vivo imaging was performed using a clinical ultrasound system and an 8-MHz probe. Six mini pigs were examined after vessel injury in the left carotid artery. The right carotid served as control. Uncoated MB, cDRG-coated MB, and αvβ3-integrin-specific cRGD-coated MB were injected sequentially. Bound MBs were assessed 8 minutes after injection using ultrasound replenishment analysis. Measurements were performed 2 hours, 1 and 5 weeks, and 3 and 6 months after injury. In vivo data were validated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Significantly stronger binding of cRGD-MB than MB and cDRG-MB to human umbilical vein endothelial cells was found (P < 0.01). As vessel injury leads to upregulation of αvβ3-integrin, cRGD-MBs bound significantly stronger (P < 0.05) in injured carotid arteries than at the counter side 1 week after vessel injury and significant differences could also be observed after 5 weeks. After 3 months, αvβ3-integrin expression decreased to baseline and binding of cRGD-MB was comparable in both vessels. Values remained at baseline also after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound imaging with RGD-MB is promising for monitoring vascular healing after vessel injury. This may open new perspectives to assess vascular damage after radiological interventions.
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19
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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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20
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Volz KR, Evans KD, Kanner CD, Buford JA, Freimer M, Sommerich CM. Molecular Ultrasound Imaging of the Spinal Cord for the Detection of Acute Inflammation. JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479317729671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Molecular ultrasound imaging provides the ability to detect physiologic processes non-invasively by targeting a wide variety of biological markers in vivo. The current study investigates the novel application of molecular ultrasound imaging for the detection of neural inflammation. Using a murine model with acutely injured spinal cords (n=31), subjects were divided into four groups, each being administered ultrasound contrast microbubbles bearing antibodies against various known inflammatory molecules (P-selectin, vascular cell adhesion protein 1 [VCAM-1], intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM-1], and isotype control) during molecular ultrasound imaging. Upon administration of the targeted contrast agent, ultrasound imaging of the injured spinal cord was performed at 40MHz for seven minutes, followed by a bursting pulse. We observed significantly enhanced signals from contrast targeted to P-selectin and VCAM-1, using a variety of outcome measures. These findings provide preclinical evidence that molecular ultrasound imaging could be a useful tool in the detection of neural 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
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21
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Molecular Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging of Radiation-Induced P-Selectin Expression in Healthy Mice Colon. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2017; 97:581-585. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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22
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Volz KR, Evans KD, Kanner CD, Buford JA, Freimer M, Sommerich CM. Targeted Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Inflammation Detection. JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479316678616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Molecular imaging is a form of nanotechnology that enables the noninvasive examination of biological processes in vivo. Radiopharmaceutical agents are used to target biochemical markers, permitting their detection and evaluation. Early visualization of molecular variations indicative of pathophysiological processes can aid in patient diagnoses and management decisions. Molecular imaging is performed by introducing into the body molecular probes, which are often contrast agents that have been nanoengineered to target and tether to molecules, thus enabling their radiologic identification. Through a nanoengineering process, ultrasound contrast agents can be targeted to specific molecules, extending ultrasound’s capabilities from the tissue to molecular level. Molecular ultrasound, or targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound (TCEUS), has recently emerged as a popular molecular imaging technique due to its ability to provide real-time anatomic and functional information without ionizing radiation. However, molecular ultrasound represents a novel form of molecular imaging and consequently remains largely preclinical. This review explores the commonalities of TCEUS across several molecular targets and points to the need for standardization of kinetic behavior analysis. The literature underscores evidence gaps and the need for additional research. The application of TCEUS is unlimited but needs further standardization to ensure that future research studies are comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Volz
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kevin D. Evans
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christopher D. Kanner
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John A. Buford
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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23
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Spivak I, Rix A, Schmitz G, Fokong S, Iranzo O, Lederle W, Kiessling F. Low-Dose Molecular Ultrasound Imaging with E-Selectin-Targeted PBCA Microbubbles. Mol Imaging Biol 2016; 18:180-90. [PMID: 26391990 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-015-0894-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our objective was to determine the lowest diagnostically effective dose for E-selectin-targeted poly n-butyl cyanoacrylate (PBCA)-shelled microbubbles and to apply it to monitor antiangiogenic therapy effects. PROCEDURES PBCA-shelled microbubbles (MBs) coupled to an E-selectin-specific peptide were applied in mice carrying MLS or A431 carcinoma xenografts scaling down the MB dosage to the lowest level where binding could be examined with a 18-MHz small animal ultrasound transducer. Differences in E-selectin expression in the two carcinoma xenografts were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, MLS tumor-bearing mice under antiangiogenic therapy were monitored using E-selectin-targeted MBs at the lowest applicable dose. Therapy effects on tumor vascularization were verified by immunohistological analyses. RESULTS The minimally required dosage was 7 × 10(7) MBs/kg body weight. This dosage was sufficient to enable E-selectin detection in high E-selectin-expressing MLS tumors, while low E-selectin-expressing A431 tumors required almost 2.5-fold higher doses. At the dose of 7 × 10(7) MBs/kg body weight, a decrease in E-selectin MB binding under antiangiogenic therapy could be assessed (being significant after 3 days of treatment; p < 0.0001), which was in line with the significant drop in E-selectin-positive area fractions that was found histologically (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Molecular ultrasound imaging with our E-selectin-targeted MB and therapy monitoring was possible down to a dose of 7 × 10(7) MBs/kg body weight (equates to 66 μg PBCA/kg and 4.6 mg PBCA/70 kg). Improvements in choice of targets, MB composition, and other MB detection methods may improve sensitivity and lead to reliable detection results of clinically transferrable MBs at even lower dosage levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Spivak
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anne Rix
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Georg Schmitz
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stanley Fokong
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Olga Iranzo
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.,Aix Marseille Université, Centrale Marseille, CNRS, iSm2 UMR 7313, 13397, Marseille, France
| | - Wiltrud Lederle
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. .,Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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24
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Kitano
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Ken Kamata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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25
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Kiessling F. Science to Practice: Molecularly Targeted US of Inflammation—Important Steps toward Clinical Translation. Radiology 2015; 276:621-3. [DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2015150589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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26
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Abou-Elkacem L, Bachawal SV, Willmann JK. Ultrasound molecular imaging: Moving toward clinical translation. Eur J Radiol 2015; 84:1685-93. [PMID: 25851932 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2015.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound is a widely available, cost-effective, real-time, non-invasive and safe imaging modality widely used in the clinic for anatomical and functional imaging. With the introduction of novel molecularly-targeted ultrasound contrast agents, another dimension of ultrasound has become a reality: diagnosing and monitoring pathological processes at the molecular level. Most commonly used ultrasound molecular imaging contrast agents are micron sized, gas-containing microbubbles functionalized to recognize and attach to molecules expressed on inflamed or angiogenic vascular endothelial cells. There are several potential clinical applications currently being explored including earlier detection, molecular profiling, and monitoring of cancer, as well as visualization of ischemic memory in transient myocardial ischemia, monitoring of disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease, and assessment of arteriosclerosis. Recently, a first clinical grade ultrasound contrast agent (BR55), targeted at a molecule expressed in neoangiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2; VEGFR2) has been introduced and safety and feasibility of VEGFR2-targeted ultrasound imaging is being explored in first inhuman clinical trials in various cancer types. This review describes the design of ultrasound molecular imaging contrast agents, imaging techniques, and potential future clinical applications of ultrasound molecular imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotfi Abou-Elkacem
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sunitha V Bachawal
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jürgen K Willmann
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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