Mapping energy metabolism in human muscle and brain using MRI
High-resolution Phosphocreatine and Creatine Mapping of Human Muscle and Brain
This study is testing a new way to use MRI scans to see and measure energy levels in muscles and the brain without needing any special dyes, which could help us understand how our cells use energy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc. Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT04234880 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop a noninvasive method for quantifying and imaging energy metabolism in human muscle and brain using clinical MRI scanners. The focus is on phosphocreatine (PCr), a key energy metabolite that can be selectively imaged without the use of contrast agents. By utilizing chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI, the study seeks to enhance the sensitivity of detecting PCr and quantify its concentration, which is crucial for understanding cellular energy homeostasis. The approach is designed to provide clinically acceptable spatial resolution and scan time, addressing a significant gap in current diagnostic capabilities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18 and older with no history of significant cardiovascular or metabolic diseases.
Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, or orthopedic diseases, as well as those with contraindications to MRI, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this method could provide a routine diagnostic tool for assessing energy metabolism in various diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach is innovative, similar studies utilizing advanced MRI techniques for metabolic imaging have shown promise, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Subject must be at least 18 years of age Subject must be willing and able to undergo verbal and written informed consent Healthy subjects will have no history of cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, claudication or difficulty walking. Exclusion Criteria: 1.) Unable to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of participation and give meaningful consent, 2.) Contraindications to MRI such (eg implanted metallic objects) 3.) Significant cardiovascular (heart failure, significant coronary artery disease, infiltrative or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, constrictive pericarditis), pulmonary or musculoskeletal or orthopedic disease that significantly limit exercise capacity 4.) Weight greater than 350 lbs (inability to fit in the MRI), 5.) Cognitive or speech impairments that would limit completion of questionnaires or fatigue reporting. 6) Subjects with rest pain, critical limb ischemia will be excluded for the study. 7) Pregnant women
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- F. M. Kirby Center and Johns Hopkins University Medical School — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jiadi Xu, Ph.D.
- Email: xuj@kennedykrieger.org
- Phone: 4105980920
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.