A Contrast Examination of Proinflammatory Effects on Kidney Function for γ-FeO NP and Gadolinium Dimeglumine.

BACKGROUND

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool for many diseases. In many situations, the contrasts are repeatedly administrated in order to monitor and assess the disease progression.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate and compare the biological effects of γ-FeO nanoparticle (NP) and gadolinium dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) with high and multiple doses on the kidney of healthy mice.

METHODS

Polydextrose sorbitol carboxymethyl ether coated γ-FeO NP with hydrodynamic size of 68.2 nm and clinically applied Gd-DTPA were employed on healthy mice with the repeatedly intravenous administration of high doses. The cell viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in high doses of these two contrast agents were measured using the xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analysis (RTCA) S16 Instrument. The biological effects of γ-FeO NP and Gd-DTPA on the kidney were obtained using a biochemical automatic analyzer and multiple proinflammatory factor kit on the serum. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry analysis were taken on kidney tissues.

RESULTS

It showed that the proinflammatory responses elicited by the γ-FeO NPs were weaker than that by Gd-DTPA, evidenced by the relatively much lower level of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, C-reactive protein (CRP) and Ferritin. At the same time, the γ-FeO NPs did not have the biochemical index elevated, while the Gd-DTPA did.

CONCLUSION

The γ-FeO NPs induced weaker proinflammatory effects in reference to the Gd-DTPA, indicating better renal safety. Therefore, it is suggested that γ-FeO NPs should be safer and optional choice when repeated contrast-enhanced MRI is necessary.