In vivo diffusion assessment of intramyocellular lipid droplet size changes associated with high-fat diet induced obesity and streptozotocin induced diabetes

Abstract

Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) serves as the principal reservoir for storing cellular energy in muscles. Mounting evidence indicates that elevated IMCL in skeletal muscle is closely associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Our experimental results demonstrated that in vivo IMCL ADC can differentiate high fat diet induced obesity and STZ induced diabetes. In diabetic model, IMCL level increased but exhibited more restricted diffusion. In obesity model, the IMCL level increased but the droplet size didn't change. Diffusion measurements were largely in agreement with our histological observation. Such an MR approach may provide a new dimension in the study of intracellular lipogenesis and lipolysis, and lead to improved understanding and diagnosis in treatment and management of several prevalent metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes in both basic and clinical sciences. (Abstract by ISMRM)