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Frontiers in Immunology 2021Microglia are highly dynamic in the brain in terms of their ability to migrate, proliferate, and phagocytose over the course of an individual's life. Real-time imaging... (Review)
Review
Microglia are highly dynamic in the brain in terms of their ability to migrate, proliferate, and phagocytose over the course of an individual's life. Real-time imaging is a useful tool to examine how microglial behavior is regulated and how it affects the surrounding environment. However, microglia are sensitive to environmental stimuli, so they possibly change their state during live imaging , mainly due to surgical damage, and due to various effects associated with culture conditions. Therefore, it is difficult to perform live imaging without compromising the properties of the microglia under physiological conditions. To overcome this barrier, various experimental conditions have been developed; recently, it has become possible to perform live imaging of so-called surveillant microglia , and , although there are various limitations. Now, we can choose , or live imaging systems according to the research objective. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each experimental system and outline the physiological significance and molecular mechanisms of microglial behavior that have been elucidated by live imaging.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Cell Communication; Cell Culture Techniques; Cell Tracking; Cells, Cultured; Diagnostic Imaging; Gene Expression; Genes, Reporter; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Microglia; Molecular Imaging; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 33763064
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.617564 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2020Infectious and inflammatory pulmonary diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although infrequently used in this setting, molecular imaging... (Review)
Review
Infectious and inflammatory pulmonary diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although infrequently used in this setting, molecular imaging may significantly contribute to their diagnosis using techniques like single photon emission tomography (SPET), positron emission tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the support of specific or unspecific radiopharmaceutical agents. F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG), mostly applied in oncological imaging, can also detect cells actively involved in infectious and inflammatory conditions, even if with a low specificity. SPET with nonspecific (e.g., Gallium-citrate (Ga citrate)) and specific tracers (e.g., white blood cells radiolabeled with Indium-oxine (In) or Technetium (Tc)) showed interesting results for many inflammatory lung diseases. However, Ga citrate is unfavorable by a radioprotection point of view while radiolabeled white blood cells scan implies complex laboratory settings and labeling procedures. Radiolabeled antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin) have been recently tested, although they seem to be quite unspecific and cause antibiotic resistance. New radiolabeled agents like antimicrobic peptides, binding to bacterial cell membranes, seem very promising. Thus, the aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview about techniques, including PET/MRI, and tracers that can guide the clinicians in the appropriate diagnostic pathway of infectious and inflammatory pulmonary diseases.
Topics: Citrates; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Gallium; Humans; Lung; Lung Diseases; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Molecular Imaging; Pneumonia; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 32019142
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030894 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022Molecular imaging is the visual representation of biological processes that take place at the cellular or molecular level in living organisms. To date, molecular imaging... (Review)
Review
Molecular imaging is the visual representation of biological processes that take place at the cellular or molecular level in living organisms. To date, molecular imaging plays an important role in the transition from conventional medical practice to precision medicine. Among all imaging modalities, positron emission tomography (PET) has great advantages in sensitivity and the ability to obtain absolute imaging quantification after corrections for photon attenuation and scattering. Due to the ability to label a host of unique molecules of biological interest, including endogenous, naturally occurring substrates and drug-like compounds, the role of PET has been well established in the field of molecular imaging. In this article, we provide an overview of the recent advances in the development of PET radiopharmaceuticals and their clinical applications in oncology.
Topics: Radiopharmaceuticals; Positron-Emission Tomography; Molecular Imaging
PubMed: 36296381
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27206790 -
Cancer Jul 2022During the past several decades, numerous studies have provided insights into biological characteristics of cancer cells and identified various hallmarks of cancer... (Review)
Review
During the past several decades, numerous studies have provided insights into biological characteristics of cancer cells and identified various hallmarks of cancer acquired in the tumorigenic processes. However, it is still challenging to image these distinctive traits of cancer to facilitate the management of patients in clinical settings. The rapidly evolving field of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has provided opportunities to investigate cancer's biological characteristics in vivo. This article reviews the current status of PET imaging on characterizing hallmarks of cancer and discusses the future directions of PET imaging strategies facilitating in vivo cancer phenotyping.
Topics: Humans; Molecular Imaging; Neoplasms; Positron-Emission Tomography
PubMed: 35417604
DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34228 -
Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology Dec 2023Chronic knee pain is a common condition. Causes of knee pain include trauma, inflammation, and degeneration, but in many patients the pathophysiology remains unknown.... (Review)
Review
Chronic knee pain is a common condition. Causes of knee pain include trauma, inflammation, and degeneration, but in many patients the pathophysiology remains unknown. Recent developments in advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and molecular imaging facilitate more in-depth research focused on the pathophysiology of chronic musculoskeletal pain and more specifically inflammation. The forthcoming new insights can help develop better targeted treatment, and some imaging techniques may even serve as imaging biomarkers for predicting and assessing treatment response in the future. This review highlights the latest developments in perfusion MRI, diffusion MRI, and molecular imaging with positron emission tomography/MRI and their application in the painful knee. The primary focus is synovial inflammation, also known as synovitis. Bone perfusion and bone metabolism are also addressed.
Topics: Humans; Knee Joint; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Synovitis; Musculoskeletal Pain; Inflammation; Molecular Imaging
PubMed: 37935208
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1775741 -
Analytical Sciences : the International... Feb 2021Bioluminescence (BL) is an excellent optical readout platform that has great potential to be utilized in various bioassays and molecular imaging. The advantages of... (Review)
Review
Bioluminescence (BL) is an excellent optical readout platform that has great potential to be utilized in various bioassays and molecular imaging. The advantages of BL-based bioassays include the long dynamic range, minimal background, high signal-to-noise ratios, biocompatibility for use in cell-based assays, no need of external light source for excitation, simplicity in the measurement system, and versatility in the assay design. The recent intensive research in BL has greatly diversified the available luciferase-luciferin systems in the bioassay toolbox. However, the wide variety does not promise their successful utilization in various bioassays as new tools. This is mainly due to complexity and confusion with the diversity, and the unavailability of defined standards. This review is intended to provide an overview of recent basic developments and applications in BL studies, and showcases the bioanalytical utilities. We hope that this review can be used as an instant reference on BL and provides useful guidance for readers in narrowing down their potential options in their own assay designs.
Topics: Luminescent Measurements; Molecular Imaging
PubMed: 32963202
DOI: 10.2116/analsci.20R003 -
SLAS Discovery : Advancing Life... Oct 2021
Topics: Computational Biology; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Humans; Molecular Imaging
PubMed: 34543135
DOI: 10.1177/24725552211042299 -
Seminars in Roentgenology Apr 2022Molecular breast imaging (MBI) is a nuclear medicine study performed with dedicated gamma camera systems optimized to image the uptake of Tc-99m sestamibi in the breast....
Molecular breast imaging (MBI) is a nuclear medicine study performed with dedicated gamma camera systems optimized to image the uptake of Tc-99m sestamibi in the breast. MBI provides a relatively low-cost and simple functional breast imaging method that can identify breast cancers obscured by dense fibroglandular tissue on mammography. Recent studies have also found that background levels of uptake in benign dense tissue may provide breast cancer risk information. This article discusses the latest updates in MBI technology, recent evidence supporting its clinical use, and work in progress that may aid in wider adoption of MBI.
Topics: Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Gamma Cameras; Humans; Mammography; Molecular Imaging; Radiopharmaceuticals; Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi
PubMed: 35523526
DOI: 10.1053/j.ro.2021.12.006 -
Journal of Biomedical Optics May 2023This third biennial intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI) conference shows how optical contrast agents have been applied to develop clinically significant endpoints... (Review)
Review
SIGNIFICANCE
This third biennial intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI) conference shows how optical contrast agents have been applied to develop clinically significant endpoints that improve precision cancer surgery.
AIM
National and international experts on IMI presented ongoing clinical trials in cancer surgery and preclinical work. Previously known dyes (with broader applications), new dyes, novel nonfluorescence-based imaging techniques, pediatric dyes, and normal tissue dyes were discussed.
APPROACH
Principal investigators presenting at the Perelman School of Medicine Abramson Cancer Center's third clinical trials update on IMI were selected to discuss their clinical trials and endpoints.
RESULTS
Dyes that are FDA-approved or currently under clinical investigation in phase 1, 2, and 3 trials were discussed. Sections on how to move benchwork research to the bedside were also included. There was also a dedicated section for pediatric dyes and nonfluorescence-based dyes that have been newly developed.
CONCLUSIONS
IMI is a valuable adjunct in precision cancer surgery and has broad applications in multiple subspecialties. It has been reliably used to alter the surgical course of patients and in clinical decision making. There remain gaps in the utilization of IMI in certain subspecialties and potential for developing newer and improved dyes and imaging techniques.
Topics: Humans; Child; Neoplasms; Contrast Media; Molecular Imaging; Coloring Agents
PubMed: 37193364
DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.28.5.050901 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2021Brown adipose tissue (BAT), a uniquely thermogenic tissue that plays an important role in metabolism and energy expenditure, has recently become a revived target in the... (Review)
Review
Brown adipose tissue (BAT), a uniquely thermogenic tissue that plays an important role in metabolism and energy expenditure, has recently become a revived target in the fight against metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Different from white adipose tissue (WAT), the brown adipocytes have distinctive features including multilocular lipid droplets, a large number of mitochondria, and a high expression of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1), as well as abundant capillarity. These histologic characteristics provide an opportunity to differentiate BAT from WAT using imaging modalities, such as PET/CT, SPECT/CT, MRI, NIRF and Ultrasound. However, most of the reported imaging methods were BAT activation dependent, and the imaging signals could be affected by many factors, including environmental temperatures and the states of the sympathetic nervous system. Accurate BAT mass detection methods that are independent of temperature and hormone levels have the capacity to track the development and changes of BAT throughout the lifetime of mammals, and such methods could be very useful for the investigation of potential BAT-related therapies. In this review, we focus on molecular imaging modalities that can detect and quantify BAT mass. In addition, their detection mechanism and limitations will be discussed as well.
Topics: Adipose Tissue, Brown; Adipose Tissue, White; Animals; Humans; Metabolic Diseases; Molecular Imaging
PubMed: 34502347
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179436