How deuterated tracers allow us imaging metabolism in vivo

WEBINAR

Magnetic resonance has truly transformed the landscape of medical diagnostics and chemical analysis. The minute magnetic moments of nuclear spins have proven invaluable for elucidating molecular structures, identifying chemical compounds, and imaging anatomical features and physiological functions in vivo. Despite these advancements, there remains a significant, unmet need in the medical field for techniques that can effectively measure—and ideally image—the biochemistry and metabolism that underpin anatomical structures.

In this context, in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy emerges as a promising solution, offering unique insights into metabolic processes. However, its potential is often limited by the signal-to-noise ratio achievable within practical time frames. Consequently, in vivo measurements typically detect only large metabolite pools at millimolar concentrations, leaving a wealth of biochemical information unexamined.

Recently, two innovative yet established approaches have gained prominence in addressing these challenges: hyperpolarized magnetic resonance, which enhances the alignment of nuclear spins in tracers, and deuterium magnetic resonance, which utilizes deuterated molecules to trace metabolic pathways. The latter, which is the focal point of this presentation, leverages the rapid recovery of deuterium from excitation compared to hydrogen, allowing for a greater number of averages to be acquired and significantly enhancing the signal. Additionally, deuterium's low background signal—thanks to its natural abundance of only 0.015%—minimizes interference from unwanted signals, a common issue in hydrogen magnetic resonance. The ease of deuterating molecules, such as glucose, further simplifies the application of this technique. In this presentation, I will delve into these advancements and discuss recent developments that promise to enhance our understanding of metabolic processes through innovative magnetic resonance techniques.