The application of in utero magnetic resonance imaging in the study of the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of the developmental origins of health and disease

Abstract

Observing fetal development in utero is vital to further the understanding of later-life diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a tool for obtaining a wealth of information about fetal growth, development, and programming not previously available using other methods. This review provides an overview of MRI techniques used to investigate the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. These methods add to the understanding of the developing fetus by examining fetal growth and organ development, adipose tissue and body composition, fetal oximetry, placental microstructure, diffusion, perfusion, flow, and metabolism. MRI assessment of fetal growth, organ development, metabolism, and the amount of fetal adipose tissue could give early indicators of abnormal fetal development. Noninvasive fetal oximetry can accurately measure placental and fetal oxygenation, which improves current knowledge on placental function. Additionally, measuring deficiencies in the placenta’s transport of nutrients and oxygen is critical for optimizing treatment. Overall, the detailed structural and functional information provided by MRI is valuable in guiding future investigations of DOHaD.

From Molecules to Imaging: Assessment of Placental Hypoxia Biomarkers in Placental Insufficiency Syndromes

“…These biomarkers can be used to assess disease progression, monitor treatment response, and aid in diagnosis. In pregnancy, direct and dynamic measures of placental function are possible through non-invasive imaging techniques such as MRI and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) [ 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Non-invasive imaging offers a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying biological processes that drive placental disease development and progression during multiple gestational phases. Fortunately, recent advances in imaging technologies such as photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have shown great promise in detecting and monitoring placental hypoxia [ 11 , 12 ]. These imaging techniques have the potential to complement molecular biomarkers, offering a more thorough understanding of placental function throughout gestation.…”

Numerical Computation of NMR Magnetization for Various Tissues in the Human Body Using Oringinpro

“…Apart from NMR spectroscopy there is also Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging which is also abbreviated as MRI. MRI is an imaging technique used in medicine for investigating the physiology and anatomy of the human body for health and disease (Giza et al, 2021). The instrument used for MRI is called MRI scanner which make use of radio waves and magnetic fields to produce the images of the human body.…”

Themed issue on the DOHaD workshop on Fetal, Placental and Pediatric Imaging

“…Giza et al review the range of non-invasive MRI tools that are now available to image the fetus in utero, and can provide specific structural and functional insights into fetal organ and adipose tissue development, lipid accumulation in tissues, fetal and placental oxygenation, placental microstructure, diffusion, perfusion and blood flow and metabolite concentrations 5 . These techniques can provide information on fetal and placental perturbations that can increase the cardiometabolic risk in the offspring.…”