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

• Grant number: 24/14637-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Luzia Naoko Shinohara Furukawa
• Grantee: Victor Alves Santana
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/10459-2 - Paramagnetic nanoparticle as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging: an experimental study of nephrotoxicity, AP.R

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive method for assessing soft tissues with high spatial resolution and excellent contrast between structures. It enhances the differentiation between tissues and allows for dynamic evaluation during their passage or accumulation in a particular body region. Paramagnetic gadolinium complexes (CPGd) are clinics' most widely used contrast agents. 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 essential.Nanoparticles are ideal nanobiomaterials 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.