[Molecular imaging of apoptosis in cardiovascular diseases].
Molecular imaging of functional parameters such as apoptosis (programmed cell death) in vivo opens new possibilities in clinical diagnostic and scientific research. Especially in the case of cardiovascular diseases that are mainly responsible for both morbidity and mortality in Western industrial nations, innovative non-invasive examination strategies are necessary for early diagnosis of these diseases. Since apoptosis unlike necrosis is present even after minor alterations of the microenvironment of cells and has been shown to be involved in a large number of cardiovascular diseases, there are currently several experimental studies underway with the goal of imaging apoptosis in vivo. The review discusses the basics of apoptosis in myocardial infarction, myocarditis, atherosclerosis, restenosis after angioplasty and stent implantation, currently used imaging techniques, achieved results, and future possibilities for molecular imaging of apoptosis.
Böhm
I
I
Radiologische Universitätsklinik, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Sigmund-Freud Strasse 25, 53105 Bonn. ingrid.boehm@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Heverhagen
J T
JT
Behe
M
M
Greschus
S
S
Willinek
W
W
Lohmaier
S
S
Wilhelm
K
K
Block
W
W
Träber
F
F
Schild
H
H
D017209:Apoptosis; D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques
D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D015415:Biomarkers