Current applications of nanotechnology for magnetic resonance imaging of apoptosis.
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a morphologically and biochemically distinct form of cell death, which together with proliferation plays an important role in tissue development and homeostasis. Insufficient apoptosis is important in the pathology of various disorders such as cancer and autoimmune diseases, whereas a high apoptotic activity is associated with myocardial infarction, neurodegenerative diseases, and advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Consequently, apoptosis is recognized as an important therapeutic target, which should be either suppressed, e.g., during an ischemic cardiac infarction, or promoted, e.g., in the treatment of cancerous lesions. Imaging tools to address location, amount, and time course of apoptotic activity non-invasively in vivo are therefore of great clinical use in the evaluation of such therapies. This chapter reviews current literature and new developments in the application of nanoparticles for non-invasive apoptosis imaging. Focus is on functionalized nanoparticle contrast agents for MR imaging and bimodal nanoparticle agents that combine magnetic and fluorescent properties.
Strijkers
Gustav J
GJ
Biomedical NMR, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
van Tilborg
Geralda A F
GA
Geelen
Tessa
T
Reutelingsperger
Chris P M
CP
Nicolay
Klaas
K
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis
D003287:Contrast Media