Imaging Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model Using H-1 and F-19 MRI.

PURPOSE: We explore the use of intravenously delivered perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoemulsion and 19 F MRI for detecting inflammation in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Correlative studies of 1 H-based liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and T1 measurements and histology are also evaluated.

PROCEDURES: C57BL/6 mice were fed standard or high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks to induce NAFLD. 1 H MRI measurements of PDFF and T1 relaxation time were performed at baseline to assess NAFLD onset prior to administration of a PFC nanoemulsion to enable 19 F MRI of liver PFC uptake. 1 H and 19 F MRI biomarkers were acquired at 2, 21, and 42 days post-PFC to assess changes. Histopathology of liver tissue was performed at experimental endpoint.

RESULTS: Significant increases in liver volume, PDFF, and total PFC uptake were noted in HFD mice compared to Std diet mice. Liver fluorine density and T1 relaxation time were significantly reduced in HFD mice.

CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated longitudinal quantification of multiple MRI biomarkers of disease in NAFLD mice. The changes in liver PFC uptake in HFD mice were compared with healthy mice that suggests that 19 F MRI may be a viable biomarker of liver pathology.