Establishent of Novel Testicular Imaging Using Creatine Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CrCEST) Imaging

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K15776
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52040:Radiological sciences-related
• Research Institution: National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute
• Principal Investigator: Takahashi Yusuke 国立研究開発法人国立循環器病研究センター, 研究所, 上級研究員 (70880912)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 化学交換飽和移動イメージング / MRI / クレアチン分子イメージング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study was to elucidate the usefulness of Creatine Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CrCEST) imaging, targeting creatine molecules, in the evaluation of testicular function. In testicular ischemia models, we demonstrated progressive reduction of CrCEST signals in the ischemic testes and established a correlation between the signal reduction and ischemic duration. In male infertility models induced by anticancer drugs and rX-ray irradiation, we revealed a decrease in CrCEST signals and established a correlation between the signal reduction and the Johnsen score. Furthermore, in localized irradiation models using a lead plate, we successfully visualized varying residual spermatogenic function at different sites within the same testis using the CrCEST technique.

Free Research Field

放射線科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

男性不妊症や精巣捻転症の治療方針決定・治療成績改善のためには、精巣機能を非侵襲的に評価するイメージング法の開発が望まれており、本分野にはアンメットメディカルニーズが存在するが、未だ開発されていない。本研究では精巣CrCEST-MRIの精巣機能評価における有用性を検証し、精巣機能イメージングとしての前臨床コンセプトを確立した。現在はヒトを対象とした精巣CrCEST研究を進めており、本評価法が不妊症治療や精巣捻転症の診療におけるブレイクスルーにつながることが期待される。