NeuroFLiPP - Parametric PET of Neuroinflammation in Fatty Liver Disease
University of California, Davis
Summary
Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD) affect about 6 million people in the U.S. and are the fifth leading cause of death for adults over 65. Recent research is investigating how chronic liver diseases like Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which affects one-third of the U.S. population, might influence ADRD through the liver-brain axis. MASLD shares risk factors with Alzheimer's, such as diabetes and hypertension, and studies have linked MASLD to increased risks of cognitive decline and ADRD. Mouse-model studies suggest that chronic liver inflammation in MASLD can induce neuroinflammation and accelerate Alzheimer's pathology, highlighting the importance of studying the liver-brain connection to identify new therapeutic targets for ADRD. The goal of this research is to develop a practical PET imaging method using 18F-FDG to simultaneously assess liver and brain inflammation in patients with MASLD-related ADRD. This approach leverages dynamic FDG-PET scanning and advanced tracer kinetic modeling to quantify glucose transport, overcoming limitations of traditional imaging methods that cannot noninvasively assess chronic liver inflammation. The new method aims to enable comprehensive imaging of liver-brain inflammation crosstalk, validated against the 18F-DPA-714 radiotracer. Success in this project could provide a valuable imaging tool for linking liver inflammation with neuroinflammation and cognitive decline, advancing clinical research and potentially uncovering new pathways for ADRD treatment
Description
Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting approximately 6 million people in the United States (US), and is the fifth leading cause of death for adults aged 65 years and older. The research of ADRD has traditionally focused on the brain and central neural system. Nevertheless, interests have also emerged in the field to investigate the impact of peripheral organ dysfunction and systemic inflammation on ADRD. Particularly MASLD, the most common chronic liver disease that affects one-third population in the United States, shares several common…