Novel <em>In Vivo</em> Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging Techniques for Assessing the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Anna Hadjihambi; Rallia-Iliana Velliou; Panagiotis Tsialios; Aigli-Ioanna Legaki; Antonios Chatzigeorgiou; Maritina G. Rouchota

doi:10.3791/64838

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Neuartige In-vivo-Mikro-Computertomographie-Bildgebungsverfahren zur Beurteilung des Fo...

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Novel In Vivo Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging Techniques for Assessing the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Novel In Vivo Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging Techniques for Assessing the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

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08:41 min

March 24, 2023

DOI: 10.3791/64838-v

Anna Hadjihambi*^1,2, Rallia-Iliana Velliou*³, Panagiotis Tsialios⁴, Aigli-Ioanna Legaki³, Antonios Chatzigeorgiou*³, Maritina G. Rouchota*⁴

¹The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology London,Foundation for Liver Research, ²Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine,King's College London, ³Department of Physiology, Medical School,National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, ⁴BIOEMTECH,Lefkippos Attica Technology Park NCSR "Demokritos"

Overview

This study investigates a novel non-invasive micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging technique to monitor the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a diet-induced mouse model. The method focuses on analyzing the hepatic vascular network, a key factor in liver disease dysregulation.

Key Study Components

Research Area

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Micro-computed tomography imaging
Hepatic vascular network analysis

Background

NAFLD is a common liver condition associated with various metabolic disorders.
Understanding liver vascular changes is critical for assessing disease progression.
Current methods for evaluating liver disease often lack non-invasive approaches.

Methods Used

In vivo micro-CT imaging techniques
Diet-induced NAFLD mouse model
Contrast agents to visualize liver pathology

Main Results

Identified changes in hepatic vascular network volume and portal vein diameter.
Correlation established between liver fat percentage and vascular characteristics.
Demonstrated feasibility of using micro-CT for long-term liver disease assessment.

Conclusions

The study validates a non-invasive imaging method for monitoring NAFLD progression.
Findings may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAFLD?

NAFLD stands for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver unrelated to alcohol consumption.

How does micro-CT imaging work?

Micro-CT imaging provides high-resolution images of internal structures, utilizing X-ray technology to create detailed 3D reconstructions of tissues.

Why is the hepatic vascular network important in NAFLD?

The hepatic vascular network plays a crucial role in liver function and its dysregulation contributes to the progression of NAFLD.

What are the benefits of using non-invasive techniques?

Non-invasive techniques reduce stress and harm to animal models, allowing for safer long-term studies of disease progression and treatment effects.

Can this method be applied to human studies?

While this study focuses on a mouse model, similar imaging techniques could potentially be adapted for human studies in the future.

What are the next steps for this research?

Future research will focus on validating these findings in larger cohorts and exploring treatment mechanisms for NAFLD using this imaging approach.

Using a diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mouse model, we describe the use of novel in vivo micro-computed tomography imaging techniques as a non-invasive method to assess the progression stages of NAFLD, focusing predominantly on the hepatic vascular network due to its significant involvement in NAFLD-related hepatic dysregulation.

We consider this protocol significant because it demonstrates a non-invasive simple and easy method to assess over time key indicators for the diagnosis of liver disease. This imaging methodology allows for analysis over time of liver statuses, evaluation of the relative blood volume, portal vein diameter, intensity of the vascular network, all important parameters of liver pathology. Understanding the adaptations of the hepatic vascular network during NAFLD progression and correlating this with specific markers such as steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis can help establish new efficient therapy schemes.

This technique aids in the identification of such markers and also upgrades the value of mice in preclinical studies focusing on the development of novel therapies against disease progression. To begin, place the anesthetized animal in the CT scanner cradle. Apply ophthalmic ointment, secure the nose cone, and set the scanning parameters on the CT scanner.

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