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Paakkari P, Inkinen SI, Jäntti J, Tuppurainen J, Fugazzola MC, Joenathan A, Ylisiurua S, Nieminen MT, Kröger H, Mikkonen S, van Weeren R, Snyder BD, Töyräs J, Honkanen MKM, Matikka H, Grinstaff MW, Honkanen JTJ, Mäkelä JTA. Dual-Contrast Agent with Nanoparticle and Molecular Components in Photon-Counting Computed Tomography: Assessing Articular Cartilage Health. Ann Biomed Eng 2025; 53:1423-1438. [PMID: 40155520 PMCID: PMC12075350 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-025-03715-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2025] [Indexed: 04/01/2025]
Abstract
PURPOSE Photon-counting detectors (PCDs) are cutting-edge technology that enable spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging with a single scan. Spectral imaging is particularly effective in contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) imaging, especially when multiple contrast agents are utilized, as materials are distinguishable based on their unique X-ray absorption. One application of CECT is joint imaging, where it assesses the structure and composition of articular cartilage soft tissue. This evaluates articular cartilage and reveals compositional changes associated with early-stage osteoarthritis (OA) using a photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) technique combined with a dual-contrast agent method. METHODS A dual-contrast agent combination was used, consisting of proteoglycan-binding cationic tantalum oxide nanoparticles, developed in our lab, and a commercial non-ionic iodinated iodixanol agent. Ex vivo equine stifle joint cartilage samples (N = 30) were immersed in the contrast agent bath for 96 hours and imaged at multiple timepoints for analysis of proteoglycan, collagen, and water contents as well as collagen orientation, histological scoring, and biomechanical parameters. RESULTS By analyzing contrast agent concentrations, the technique provided a simultaneous assessment of the solid constituents and function of cartilage. Contrast agent diffusion depended on contrast agent composition and was significantly different between healthy and early-stage OA groups within 12 hours. CONCLUSION The present study shows the promising utility of the dual-contrast PCD-CT technique for articular cartilage assessment and early-stage OA detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petri Paakkari
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Satu I Inkinen
- Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jiri Jäntti
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juuso Tuppurainen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maria C Fugazzola
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anisha Joenathan
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry and Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sampo Ylisiurua
- Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Miika T Nieminen
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Heikki Kröger
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Santtu Mikkonen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - René van Weeren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Juha Töyräs
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Hanna Matikka
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry and Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Juuso T J Honkanen
- Radiotherapy Department, Center of Oncology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Janne T A Mäkelä
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Paakkari P, Inkinen SI, Mohammadi A, Nieminen MT, Joenathan A, Grinstaff MW, Töyräs J, Mäkelä JTA, Honkanen JTJ. Photon-counting in dual-contrast-enhanced computed tomography: a proof-of-concept quantitative biomechanical assessment of articular cartilage. Sci Rep 2024; 14:29956. [PMID: 39622931 PMCID: PMC11612382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78237-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 10/29/2024] [Indexed: 12/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This proof-of-concept study explores quantitative imaging of articular cartilage using photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) with a dual-contrast agent approach, comparing it to clinical dual-energy CT (DECT). The diffusion of cationic iodinated CA4 + and non-ionic gadolinium-based gadoteridol contrast agents into ex vivo bovine medial tibial plateau cartilage was tracked over 72 h. Continuous maps of the contrast agents' diffusion were created, and correlations with biomechanical indentation parameters (equilibrium and instantaneous moduli, and relaxation time constants) were examined at 28 specific locations. Cartilage at each location was analyzed as full-thickness to ensure a fair comparison, and calibration-based material decomposition was employed for concentration estimation. Both DECT and PCD-CT exhibit strong correlations between CA4 + content and biomechanical parameters, with PCD-CT showing superior significance, especially at later time points. DECT lacks significant correlations with gadoteridol-related parameters, while PCD-CT identifies noteworthy correlations between gadoteridol diffusion and biomechanical parameters. In summary, the experimental PCD-CT setup demonstrates superior accuracy and sensitivity in concentration estimation, suggesting its potential as a more effective tool for quantitatively assessing articular cartilage condition compared to a conventional clinical DECT scanner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petri Paakkari
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Satu I Inkinen
- HUS Diagnostic Center, Radiology, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry and Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Miika T Nieminen
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Anisha Joenathan
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry and Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry and Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Juha Töyräs
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Janne T A Mäkelä
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juuso T J Honkanen
- Radiotherapy Department, Center of Oncology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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3
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Tuppurainen J, Paakkari P, Jäntti J, Nissinen MT, Fugazzola MC, van Weeren R, Ylisiurua S, Nieminen MT, Kröger H, Snyder BD, Joenathan A, Grinstaff MW, Matikka H, Korhonen RK, Mäkelä JTA. Revealing Detailed Cartilage Function Through Nanoparticle Diffusion Imaging: A Computed Tomography & Finite Element Study. Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:2584-2595. [PMID: 39012563 PMCID: PMC11329549 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03552-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The ability of articular cartilage to withstand significant mechanical stresses during activities, such as walking or running, relies on its distinctive structure. Integrating detailed tissue properties into subject-specific biomechanical models is challenging due to the complexity of analyzing these characteristics. This limitation compromises the accuracy of models in replicating cartilage function and impacts predictive capabilities. To address this, methods revealing cartilage function at the constituent-specific level are essential. In this study, we demonstrated that computational modeling derived individual constituent-specific biomechanical properties could be predicted by a novel nanoparticle contrast-enhanced computer tomography (CECT) method. We imaged articular cartilage samples collected from the equine stifle joint (n = 60) using contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography (µCECT) to determine contrast agents' intake within the samples, and compared those to cartilage functional properties, derived from a fibril-reinforced poroelastic finite element model. Two distinct imaging techniques were investigated: conventional energy-integrating µCECT employing a cationic tantalum oxide nanoparticle (Ta2O5-cNP) contrast agent and novel photon-counting µCECT utilizing a dual-contrast agent, comprising Ta2O5-cNP and neutral iodixanol. The results demonstrate the capacity to evaluate fibrillar and non-fibrillar functionality of cartilage, along with permeability-affected fluid flow in cartilage. This finding indicates the feasibility of incorporating these specific functional properties into biomechanical computational models, holding potential for personalized approaches to cartilage diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juuso Tuppurainen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Petri Paakkari
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jiri Jäntti
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko T Nissinen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maria C Fugazzola
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - René van Weeren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sampo Ylisiurua
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Miika T Nieminen
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Heikki Kröger
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Kuopio Musculoskeletal Research Unit, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Brian D Snyder
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Anisha Joenathan
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | - Hanna Matikka
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Rami K Korhonen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Janne T A Mäkelä
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Orava H, Paakkari P, Jäntti J, Honkanen MKM, Honkanen JTJ, Virén T, Joenathan A, Tanska P, Korhonen RK, Grinstaff MW, Töyräs J, Mäkelä JTA. Triple contrast computed tomography reveals site-specific biomechanical differences in the human knee joint-A proof of concept study. J Orthop Res 2024; 42:415-424. [PMID: 37593815 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Cartilage and synovial fluid are challenging to observe separately in native computed tomography (CT). We report the use of triple contrast agent (bismuth nanoparticles [BiNPs], CA4+, and gadoteridol) to image and segment cartilage in cadaveric knee joints with a clinical CT scanner. We hypothesize that BiNPs will remain in synovial fluid while the CA4+ and gadoteridol will diffuse into cartilage, allowing (1) segmentation of cartilage, and (2) evaluation of cartilage biomechanical properties based on contrast agent concentrations. To investigate these hypotheses, triple contrast agent was injected into both knee joints of a cadaver (N = 1), imaged with a clinical CT at multiple timepoints during the contrast agent diffusion. Knee joints were extracted, imaged with micro-CT (µCT), and biomechanical properties of the cartilage surface were determined by stress-relaxation mapping. Cartilage was segmented and contrast agent concentrations (CA4+ and gadoteridol) were compared with the biomechanical properties at multiple locations (n = 185). Spearman's correlation between cartilage thickness from clinical CT and reference µCT images verifies successful and reliable segmentation. CA4+ concentration is significantly higher in femoral than in tibial cartilage at 60 min and further timepoints, which corresponds to the higher Young's modulus observed in femoral cartilage. In this pilot study, we show that (1) large BiNPs do not diffuse into cartilage, facilitating straightforward segmentation of human knee joint cartilage in a clinical setting, and (2) CA4+ concentration in cartilage reflects the biomechanical differences between femoral and tibial cartilage. Thus, the triple contrast agent CT shows potential in cartilage morphology and condition estimation in clinical CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heta Orava
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Paakkari
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jiri Jäntti
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Miitu K M Honkanen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Tuomas Virén
- Center of Oncology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anisha Joenathan
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Petri Tanska
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Rami K Korhonen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Juha Töyräs
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Janne T A Mäkelä
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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5
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Ibad HA, de Cesar Netto C, Shakoor D, Sisniega A, Liu S, Siewerdsen JH, Carrino JA, Zbijewski W, Demehri S. Computed Tomography: State-of-the-Art Advancements in Musculoskeletal Imaging. Invest Radiol 2023; 58:99-110. [PMID: 35976763 PMCID: PMC9742155 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Although musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a dominant role in characterizing abnormalities, novel computed tomography (CT) techniques have found an emerging niche in several scenarios such as trauma, gout, and the characterization of pathologic biomechanical states during motion and weight-bearing. Recent developments and advancements in the field of musculoskeletal CT include 4-dimensional, cone-beam (CB), and dual-energy (DE) CT. Four-dimensional CT has the potential to quantify biomechanical derangements of peripheral joints in different joint positions to diagnose and characterize patellofemoral instability, scapholunate ligamentous injuries, and syndesmotic injuries. Cone-beam CT provides an opportunity to image peripheral joints during weight-bearing, augmenting the diagnosis and characterization of disease processes. Emerging CBCT technologies improved spatial resolution for osseous microstructures in the quantitative analysis of osteoarthritis-related subchondral bone changes, trauma, and fracture healing. Dual-energy CT-based material decomposition visualizes and quantifies monosodium urate crystals in gout, bone marrow edema in traumatic and nontraumatic fractures, and neoplastic disease. Recently, DE techniques have been applied to CBCT, contributing to increased image quality in contrast-enhanced arthrography, bone densitometry, and bone marrow imaging. This review describes 4-dimensional CT, CBCT, and DECT advances, current logistical limitations, and prospects for each technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Ahmed Ibad
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cesar de Cesar Netto
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Delaram Shakoor
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alejandro Sisniega
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Siewerdsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John A. Carrino
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wojciech Zbijewski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shadpour Demehri
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Chan DD, Mashiatulla M, Li J, Ross RD, Pendyala M, Patwa A, Grinstaff MW, Plaas A, Sumner DR. Contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography of compartment and time-dependent changes in femoral cartilage and subchondral plate in a murine model of osteoarthritis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:92-109. [PMID: 35751529 PMCID: PMC10084428 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
A lack of understanding of the mechanisms underlying osteoarthritis (OA) progression limits the development of effective long-term treatments. Quantitatively tracking spatiotemporal patterns of cartilage and bone degeneration is critical for assessment of more appropriately targeted OA therapies. In this study, we use contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography (μCT) to establish a timeline of subchondral plate (SCP) and cartilage changes in the murine femur after destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). We performed DMM or sham surgery in 10-12-week-old male C57Bl/6J mice. Femora were imaged using μCT after 0, 2, 4, or 8 weeks. Cartilage-optimized scans were performed after immersion in contrast agent CA4+. Bone mineral density distribution (BMDD), cartilage attenuation, SCP, and cartilage thickness and volume were measured, including lateral and medial femoral condyle and patellar groove compartments. As early as 2 weeks post-DMM, cartilage thickness significantly increased and cartilage attenuation, SCP volume, and BMDD mean significantly decreased. Trends in cartilage and SCP metrics within each joint compartment reflected those seen in global measurements, and both BMDD and SCP thickness were consistently greater in the lateral and medial condyles than the patellar groove. Sham surgery also resulted in significant changes to SCP and cartilage metrics, highlighting a potential limitation of using surgical models to study tissue morphology or composition changes during OA progression. Contrast-enhanced μCT analysis is an effective tool to monitor changes in morphology and composition of cartilage, and when combined with bone-optimized μCT, can be used to assess the progression of degenerative changes after joint injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deva D Chan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Maleeha Mashiatulla
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ryan D Ross
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Meghana Pendyala
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Amit Patwa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Chemistry, Navrachana University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna Plaas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - D Rick Sumner
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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7
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Bhattarai A, Lok JGT, Sun H, Vardhanabhuti V. Computed Tomography of Cartilage: An Exploration of Novel Cationic Bismuth Contrast Agent. Ann Biomed Eng 2022; 51:977-986. [PMID: 36446911 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-03110-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis of minor cartilage injuries with delayed contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is challenging as poor diffusion and toxicity issues limit the usage of common CT contrast agents. Hence, the design of safe contrast agents with physiochemical properties suitable for fast, deep cartilage imaging is imminent. Herein, a novel cationic bismuth contrast agent (Bi-DOTAPXD) based on dodecane tetraacetic acid (DOTA) was synthesized and examined for CECT of cartilage. The complex was designed to improve diagnosis by utilising a net-positive charge for enhanced permeability through cartilage, inherent low-toxicity and high X-ray attenuation of bismuth. Osteochondral plugs (n = 12), excised from visually intact porcine articular cartilage were immersed in Bi-DOTAPXD (8 mg/mL) and Gd-DOTAPXD (10 mg/mL) contrast agents and scanned with a high-resolution microcomputed tomography scanner at multiple time-points. The mean Bi-DOTAPXD and Gd-DOTAPXD partitions at 45-min time-point were 85.7 ± 35.1 and 69.8 ± 30.2%, and the partitions correlated with the histopathological analysis of cartilage proteoglycan (PG) content (r) at 0.657 and 0.632, respectively. The time diffusion constants (τ) for Bi-DOTAPXD and Gd-DOTA were 121 and 159 min, respectively. Diffusion Bi-DOTAPXD and Gd-DOTAPXD reflected inter-sample variation in cartilage PG content. Cationic Bi-DOTAPXD may have the potential as a CT agent for the diagnosis of cartilage.
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A Cationic Contrast Agent in X-ray Imaging of Articular Cartilage: Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Diffusion and Attenuation Properties. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092111. [PMID: 36140512 PMCID: PMC9497730 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was the preliminary assessment of a new cationic contrast agent, the CA4+, via the analysis of spatial distribution in cartilage of ex vivo bovine samples, at micrometer and millimeter scale. Osteochondral plugs (n = 18) extracted from bovine stifle joints (n = 2) were immersed in CA4+ solution up to 26 h. Planar images were acquired at different time points, using a microCT apparatus. The CA4+ distribution in cartilage and saturation time were evaluated. Tibial plates from bovine stifle joints (n = 3) were imaged with CT, before and after 24 h-CA4+ bath immersion, at different concentrations. Afterward, potential CA4+ washout from cartilage was investigated. From microCT acquisitions, the CA4+ distribution differentiated into three distinct layers inside the cartilage, reflecting the spatial distribution of proteoglycans. After 24 h of diffusion, the iodine concentration reached in cartilage was approximately seven times that of the CA4+ bath. The resulting saturation time was 1.9 ± 0.9 h and 2.6 ± 2.9 h for femoral and tibial samples, respectively. Analysis of clinical CT acquisitions confirmed overall contrast enhancement of cartilage after 24 h immersion, observed for each CA4+ concentration. Distinct contrast enhancement was reached in different cartilage regions, depending on tissue’s local features. Incomplete but remarkable washout of cartilage was observed. CA4+ significantly improved cartilage visualization and its qualitative analysis.
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Acetabular margin changes in feline hip joints - Implications for radiologic diagnosis and development of osteoarthritis. Res Vet Sci 2021; 137:243-251. [PMID: 34049111 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The development and early morphological features of feline hip osteoarthritis (OA) are largely unknown. Tears in the acetabular labrum and at the chondrolabral transition zone are suggested to be important in the pathogenesis of human hip OA, but in cats such lesions have not been described. We investigated associations between computed tomography (CT)-detected joint changes and microscopic articular cartilage lesions, the distribution of detected changes, and histologically evaluated the acetabular margin (AM) in hip joints from 20 cats. Histologic evaluation was undertaken on at least one joint from each cat. CT-detected joint changes and articular cartilage lesions were graded and the histological appearance of CT-detected osteophytes evaluated. The majority of CT-detected lesions and cartilage lesions were mild. Whole-joint CT scores and AM osteophyte CT scores showed moderate to strong correlation with cartilage scores. The odds were higher for presence of CT-detected osteophytes in craniodorsal, cranial, cranioventral, ventral and dorsal AM regions. Peripheral acetabular regions showed higher cartilage lesion grades than central regions. Tears, seen as fissures/clefts, in labral and perilabral tissues were common. CT-detected AM osteophytes morphologically presented as pointed sclerotic bone, spur-shaped bone or rounded chondro-osteophytes. The results suggest that CT is a valuable tool for diagnosing early feline hip OA. CT-detected osteophytes showed variable histologic morphologies, which may implicate different disease mechanisms and/or disease stages. Tears in the AM could represent an early event in feline hip OA and this warrants further investigation.
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Xu C, Li Z, Akakuru OU, Pan C, Zou R, Zheng J, Wu A. Maltodextrin-Conjugated Gd-Based MRI Contrast Agents for Specific Diagnosis of Bacterial Infections. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:3762-3772. [PMID: 35006806 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c01246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial infections are one of the most serious health risks worldwide, and their rapid diagnosis remains a major challenge in clinic. To enhance the relaxivity and bacterial specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, here, a kind of gadolinium-based nanoparticles (NPs) of impressive biocompatibility is constructed as a contrast agent for maltodextrin-mediated bacteria-targeted diagnosis. To realize this, positively charged ultrasmall gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3, 2-3 nm) NPs are embedded in mesoporous silica NPs (MSN) with pore size around 6.38 nm. The resulting Gd2O3@MSN exhibits enhanced r1 value and T1-weighted MRI performance. Interestingly, upon conjugation of Gd2O3@MSN with maltodextrin to produce Gd2O3@MSN-Malt NPs, a remarkable decrease in internalization by osteosarcoma cells, alongside an increased adsorption toward E. coli and S. aureus, is achieved. It is therefore conceivable that the bacteria-targeted Gd2O3@MSN-Malt might be a promising MRI contrast agent for effective discrimination of bacterial infections from tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xu
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices & Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, People's Republic of China.,Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315010, People's Republic of China.,Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zihou Li
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices & Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, People's Republic of China
| | - Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices & Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunshu Pan
- Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315010, People's Republic of China.,Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruifen Zou
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices & Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Zheng
- Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315010, People's Republic of China
| | - Aiguo Wu
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices & Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, People's Republic of China
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11
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Bhattarai A, Mäkelä JTA, Pouran B, Kröger H, Weinans H, Grinstaff MW, Töyräs J, Turunen MJ. Effects of human articular cartilage constituents on simultaneous diffusion of cationic and nonionic contrast agents. J Orthop Res 2021; 39:771-779. [PMID: 32767676 PMCID: PMC8048551 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is an emerging diagnostic technique for osteoarthritis. However, the effects of increased water content, as well as decreased collagen and proteoglycan concentrations due to cartilage degeneration, on the diffusion of cationic and nonionic agents, are not fully understood. We hypothesize that for a cationic agent, these variations increase the diffusion rate while decreasing partition, whereas, for a nonionic agent, these changes increase both the rate of diffusion and partition. Thus, we examine the diffusion of cationic and nonionic contrast agents within degraded tissue in time- and depth-dependent manners. Osteochondral plugs (N = 15, d = 8 mm) were extracted from human cadaver knee joints, immersed in a mixture of cationic CA4+ and nonionic gadoteridol contrast agents, and imaged at multiple time-points, using the dual-contrast method. Water content, and collagen and proteoglycan concentrations were determined using lyophilization, infrared spectroscopy, and digital densitometry, respectively. Superficial to mid (0%-60% depth) cartilage CA4+ partitions correlated with water content (R < -0.521, P < .05), whereas in deeper (40%-100%) cartilage, CA4+ correlated only with proteoglycans (R > 0.671, P < .01). Gadoteridol partition correlated inversely with collagen concentration (0%-100%, R < -0.514, P < .05). Cartilage degeneration substantially increased the time for CA4+ compared with healthy tissue (248 ± 171 vs 175 ± 95 minute) to reach the bone-cartilage interface, whereas for gadoteridol the time (111 ± 63 vs 179 ± 163 minute) decreased. The work clarifies the diffusion mechanisms of two different contrast agents and presents depth and time-dependent effects resulting from articular cartilage constituents. The results will inform the development of new contrast agents and optimal timing between agent administration and joint imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhisek Bhattarai
- Department of Applied PhysicsUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
- Diagnostic Imaging CenterKuopio University HospitalKuopioFinland
| | | | - Behdad Pouran
- Department of OrthopaedicsUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Heikki Kröger
- Department of Orthopedics, Traumatology and Hand SurgeryKuopio University HospitalKuopioFinland
| | - Harrie Weinans
- Department of OrthopaedicsUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime, and Materials EngineeringDelft University of Technology (TU Delft)DelftThe Netherlands
| | - Mark W. Grinstaff
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and MedicineBoston UniversityBostonMassachusetts
| | - Juha Töyräs
- Department of Applied PhysicsUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
- Diagnostic Imaging CenterKuopio University HospitalKuopioFinland
- School of Information Technology and Electrical EngineeringThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Mikael J. Turunen
- Department of Applied PhysicsUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
- SIB LabsUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
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12
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Oliveira Silva M, Gregory JL, Ansari N, Stok KS. Molecular Signaling Interactions and Transport at the Osteochondral Interface: A Review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:750. [PMID: 32974333 PMCID: PMC7466715 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Articular joints are comprised of different tissues, including cartilage and bone, with distinctive structural and mechanical properties. Joint homeostasis depends on mechanical and biological integrity of these components and signaling exchanges between them. Chondrocytes and osteocytes actively sense, integrate, and convert mechanical forces into biochemical signals in cartilage and bone, respectively. The osteochondral interface between the bone and cartilage allows these tissues to communicate with each other and exchange signaling and nutritional molecules, and by that ensure an integrated response to mechanical stimuli. It is currently not well known how molecules are transported between these tissues. Measuring molecular transport in vivo is highly desirable for tracking cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis progression. Since transport of contrast agents, which are used for joint imaging, also depend on diffusion through the cartilage extracellular matrix, contrast agent enhanced imaging may provide a high resolution, non-invasive method for investigating molecular transport in the osteochondral unit. Only a few techniques have been developed to track molecular transport at the osteochondral interface, and there appear opportunities for development in this field. This review will describe current knowledge of the molecular interactions and transport in the osteochondral interface and discuss the potential of using contrast agents for investigating molecular transport and structural changes of the joint.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kathryn S. Stok
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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