Paramagnetic nanoparticle as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging: an experimental study of nephrotoxicity

• Grant number: 23/10459-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Luzia Naoko Shinohara Furukawa
• Grantee: Luzia Naoko Shinohara Furukawa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: Katia Rodrigues Neves ; Khallil Taverna Chaim ; Robson Raphael Guimarães
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/05446-1 - Study of paramagnetic nanoparticles in the magnetic resonance image with acute and chronic renal disease models in animals., BP.TT; 24/14637-5 - Renal histological evaluation of the experimental study of the nephrotoxicity of paramagnetic nanoparticles as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging - part of the regular project magnetic resonance imaging, BP.IC

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive method for assessing soft tissues with high spatial resolution, excellent contrast between structures, enhances the differentiation between tissues and allows for dynamic evaluation during their passage or accumulation in a particular region of the body. Paramagnetic gadolinium complexes (CPGd) are the most widely used contrast agents in clinics. However, their use is contraindicated in severe renal failure, as it increases the risk of systemic nephrogenic fibrosis (NSF). Thus, developing new biocompatible contrast agents with fewer adverse effects is important.Nanoparticles are ideal nano biomaterials for such applications since they can control their size, shape, and surface charge, directly influencing their properties. Nanoparticles' surfaces can also be modified with different classes of molecules, conferring desirable properties like paramagnetism, targeting (site-directed delivery), or therapeutics, interacting with high-affinity cellular structures, such as antibodies, peptides, and aptamers.The use of nanoparticles as a contrast agent is still in its early stages but shows promising results in obtaining T1-weighted images with visualization of the renal pathway as an elimination route. The next step would be to evaluate the nephrotoxicity of nanoparticles, especially in experimental models of acute and chronic renal failure. (AU)