New article: PET imaging of LDL for early detection of atherosclerosis
NN researcher Juan Pellico has published a new article in the journal Chemical & Biomedical Imaging. The study has been carried out in close collaboration with the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III.
This study introduces a novel PET imaging method to detect low-density lipoprotein (LDL) buildup in atherosclerotic plaques using short-lived gallium-68. The two-step click chemistry strategy enables highly specific, low-radiation imaging, paving the way for earlier and safer cardiovascular disease diagnosis.
Title
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/cbmi.5c00147
DOI: 10.1021/cbmi.5c00147
Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plays a central role in the development of atherosclerosis, making its detection critical for cardiovascular disease management. Radionuclide imaging of LDL offers distinct advantages over other modalities but remains limited by poor specificity and the need for long-lived isotopes. We present a click chemistry-based PET imaging strategy using gallium-68 (68Ga), a short-lived radionuclide, for the specific detection of LDL accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques. The approach relies on a two-step inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction between trans-cyclooctene (TCO)-modified LDL and tetrazine-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles radiolabeled with 68Ga. In vivo PET/CT imaging in LDL receptor-deficient (LDLr–/–) mice showed selective uptake of the nanoparticles in atherosclerotic lesions, with minimal signal in wild-type controls. This method demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity, while reducing background signal and radiation exposure. Our results support the potential of this approach as a noninvasive and translatable platform for early diagnosis and risk assessment in cardiovascular disease.
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