1
|
Song XJ, Wang SY, Jia SY, Wang GJ, Zhang WB. In vivo evaluation of liver function by multimodal imaging in an alcohol-induced liver injury model. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2023; 13:6434-6445. [PMID: 37869294 PMCID: PMC10585574 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Visually evaluating liver function is a hot topic in hepatology research. There are few reliable and practical visualization methods for evaluating the liver function in vivo in experimental studies. In this study, we established a multimodal imaging approach for in vivo liver function evaluation and compared healthy mice with chronic alcoholic liver injury (cALI) model mice to explore its potential applicability in experimental research. Methods In vivo fluorescence imaging (IVFI) technology was utilized to visually represent the clearance of indocyanine green from the liver of both healthy mice and mice with cALI. The reserve liver function was evaluated via IVFI using the Cy5.5-galactosylated polylysine probe, which targets the asialoglycoprotein receptor of hepatocytes. Hepatic microcirculation was assessed through laser speckle perfusion imaging of hepatic blood perfusion. The liver microstructure was then investigated by in vivo confocal laser endomicroscopy imaging. Finally, hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor expression, histology, and the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were measured. Results In vivo multimodal imaging results intuitively and dynamically showed that indocyanine green clearance [mean ± standard deviation (SD): 30.83±14.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 20.3 to 41.35], the fluorescence signal intensity (mean ± SD: 1,217.92±117.63; 95% CI: 1,148.38 to 1,290.84) and fluorescence aggregation area (mean ± SD: 5,855.80±1,271.81; 95% CI: 5,051.57 to 6,653.88) of Cy5.5-galactosylated polylysine targeting the asialoglycoprotein receptor, and hepatic blood perfusion (mean ± SD: 1,494.86±299.33; 95% CI: 1,316.98 to 1,690.16) in model mice were significantly lower than those in healthy mice (all P<0.001). Compared to healthy mice, the model mice exhibited a significant decline in liver asialoglycoprotein receptor expression (mean ± SD: 219.03±16.34; 95% CI: 208.97 to 230.69; P<0.001), increased serum alanine aminotransferase (mean ± SD: 149.70±47.89 U/L; 95% CI: 81.75 to 128.89; P=0.01) and aspartate aminotransferase levels (mean ± SD: 106.30±36.13 U/L; 95% CI: 122.01 to 180.17; P=0.021), hepatocyte swelling and deformation, disappearance of the hepatic cord structure, partial necrosis, and disintegration of hepatocytes. The imaging features of fluorescence signals in liver regions, hepatic blood perfusion and microstructure were biologically related to hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor expression, serum indices of liver function, and histopathology in model mice. Conclusions Utilizing in vivo multimodal imaging technology to assess liver function is a viable approach for experimental research, providing dynamic and intuitive visual evaluations in a rapid manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jing Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-You Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Yong Jia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Jun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Bo Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Freidel L, Li S, Choffart A, Kuebler L, Martins AF. Imaging Techniques in Pharmacological Precision Medicine. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 280:213-235. [PMID: 36907970 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_641] [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] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Biomedical imaging is a powerful tool for medical diagnostics and personalized medicines. Examples of commonly used imaging modalities include Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Ultrasound (US), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), and hybrid imaging. By combining these modalities, scientists can gain a comprehensive view and better understand physiology and pathology at the preclinical, clinical, and multiscale levels. This can aid in the accuracy of medical diagnoses and treatment decisions. Moreover, biomedical imaging allows for evaluating the metabolic, functional, and structural details of living tissues. This can be particularly useful for the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer and for the application of personalized medicines. In the case of hybrid imaging, two or more modalities are combined to produce a high-resolution image with enhanced sensitivity and specificity. This can significantly improve the accuracy of diagnosis and offer more detailed treatment plans. In this book chapter, we showcase how continued advancements in biomedical imaging technology can potentially revolutionize medical diagnostics and personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Freidel
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sixing Li
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anais Choffart
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Laura Kuebler
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - André F Martins
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Song XJ, Wang SY, Jia SY, Wang GJ, Zhang WB. Effects of electroacupuncture on liver function in mice with chronic alcoholic liver injury: visual display by in vivo fluorescence imaging. Acupunct Med 2022:9645284221125248. [PMID: 36263700 DOI: 10.1177/09645284221125248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acupuncture can improve the symptoms of alcohol-induced bodily injury and has been accepted by the World Health Organization. In this study, in vivo fluorescence imaging (IVFI) was applied to display and evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on liver function (LF) in mice with chronic alcoholic liver injury (cALI). METHODS IVFI of the Cy5.5-galactosylated polylysine (Cy5.5-GP) probe targeting the liver asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) and liver indocyanine green (ICG) clearance was performed to visually evaluate the effect of EA at ST36 and BL18 on liver reserve function and hepatic metabolism in mice with cALI. In addition, changes in ASGPR expression, serum indexes of LF, and hepatic morphology were observed. RESULTS After EA at ST36 and BL18, the ASGPR-targeted fluorescence signals (FS) in the liver increased significantly in cALI mice (p < 0.05) and exhibited relationships with liver ASGPR expression, liver ICG clearance, liver histology, and serum marker levels of LF in cALI mice undergoing EA intervention. CONCLUSIONS As displayed by IVFI, EA at ST36 and BL18 appears to improve liver reserve function and inhibit the development of liver injury in mice with cALI. EA may have potential as a treatment strategy to protect against ALI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jing Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-You Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Yong Jia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Jun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Bo Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Merritt JC, Richbart SD, Moles EG, Cox AJ, Brown KC, Miles SL, Finch PT, Hess JA, Tirona MT, Valentovic MA, Dasgupta P. Anti-cancer activity of sustained release capsaicin formulations. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 238:108177. [PMID: 35351463 PMCID: PMC9510151 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-noneamide) is a hydrophobic, lipophilic vanilloid phytochemical abundantly found in chili peppers and pepper extracts. Several convergent studies show that capsaicin displays robust cancer activity, suppressing the growth, angiogenesis and metastasis of several human cancers. Despite its potent cancer-suppressing activity, the clinical applications of capsaicin as a viable anti-cancer drug have remained problematic due to its poor bioavailability and aqueous solubility properties. In addition, the administration of capsaicin is associated with adverse side effects like gastrointestinal cramps, stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea and vomiting. All these hurdles may be circumvented by encapsulation of capsaicin in sustained release drug delivery systems. Most of the capsaicin-based the sustained release drugs have been tested for their pain-relieving activity. Only a few of these formulations have been investigated as anti-cancer agents. The present review describes the physicochemical properties, bioavailability, and anti-cancer activity of capsaicin-sustained release agents. The asset of such continuous release capsaicin formulations is that they display better solubility, stability, bioavailability, and growth-suppressive activity than the free drug. The encapsulation of capsaicin in sustained release carriers minimizes the adverse side effects of capsaicin. In summary, these capsaicin-based sustained release drug delivery systems have the potential to function as novel chemotherapies, unique diagnostic imaging probes and innovative chemosensitization agents in human cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin C Merritt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Stephen D Richbart
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Emily G Moles
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Ashley J Cox
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Kathleen C Brown
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Sarah L Miles
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Paul T Finch
- Department of Oncology, Edwards Cancer Center, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1400 Hal Greer Boulevard, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Joshua A Hess
- Department of Oncology, Edwards Cancer Center, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1400 Hal Greer Boulevard, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Maria T Tirona
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Edwards Cancer Center, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1400 Hal Greer Boulevard, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Monica A Valentovic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Piyali Dasgupta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States.
| |
Collapse
|