In Vivo Evaluation of Innovative Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents Designed for Bioimaging Applications

Overview

Journal Polymers (Basel)

Publisher MDPI

Date 2024 Apr 27

PMID 38674983

Authors

Sorina Nicoleta Voicu

Cecilia Virginia Gheran

Cornel Balta

Anca Hermenean

Maite Callewaert

Francoise Chuburu

Anca Dinischiotu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The aim of this study was the investigation of biochemical and histological changes induced in different tissues, as a result of the subcutaneous administration of Gd nanohydrogels (GdDOTA⸦CS-TPP/HA) in a CD-1 mouse strain. The nanohydrogels were obtained by encapsulating contrast agents (GdDOTA) in a biocompatible polymer matrix composed of chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) through the ionic gelation process. The effects of Gd nanohydrogels on the redox status were evaluated by measuring specific activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as oxidative stress markers, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and protein-reactive carbonyl groups (PRCG), in the liver, kidney, and heart tissues. The nitrosylated proteins expression were analyzed with Western Blot and the serum biochemical markers were measured with spectrophotometric methods. Also, a histological analysis of CD-1 mouse tissues was investigated. These results indicated that Gd nanohydrogels could potentially be an alternative to current MRI contrast agents thanks to their low toxicity in vivo.

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