Non-Invasive Monitoring Of Metabolite Levels Using Novel And Adapted MR Spectroscopy Techniques

This Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) funded project and the linked European project aim

* to improve magnetic resonance (MR) methods, specifically MR spectroscopy and metabolic imaging (making them more sensitive and accurate - also less dependent on motion), * to extend them (making previously unobservable metabolites visible) and also * to make them more stable (suitable for routine clinical use).

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is closely related to the widely used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both methods are based on the same physical effect and are performed on the same equipment. However, while MRI mainly images the anatomy inside the body, MRS gives us information about the metabolism of the tissue. The main goal of this study is to develop and improve methods of MRS to better measure the concentrations of endogenous substances without actual intervention. MRS methodology development is performed in 4 steps:

1. A new method is developed and optimized theoretically and in sample preparations (solutions of chemicals). 2. The new methodology is evaluated in single healthy volunteers and optimized step by step for the conditions of use in the human body. 3. The methodology in evaluated in small groups of healthy volunteers (measurement accuracy and range of variation in healthy volunteers). 4. Feasibility is studied in different situations with possibly different metabolic situations (e.g. awake versus asleep or before and after muscular exertion).

For this purpose, about 100 subjects will be measured for different subprojects. Thus, among other things, one determines the measurement accuracy and also normal values in healthy subjects for the assessment of diseases in future studies.