Elizabeth Wang Rose Hills
Evaluating the 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) Chelator as a Gadolinium Decorporation Agent
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), consisting of a chelating agent and gadolinium metal (Gd(III)), have been used to enhance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast for the last 30 years, with over 300 million procedures to date. Because of the electronic magnetic moment of the gadolinium and nearby water molecules, gadolinium can be imaged accurately when exposed to strong electromagnetic fields like those created by MRI machines, improving the image clarity of the bodys structures. Accurate diagnosis scans allow for the detection of inflammation, tumors, blood vessels, and blood supply, all of which are crucial in detecting life threatening illnesses. Unfortunately, recent studies suggest that the in vivo instability of GBCAs has led to the dissociation of Gd(III) from their chelated complexes. In addition to accumulating in patients bone and brain tissue, free Gd(III) damages kidneys and compromises renal functions. With a more stable Gd(III)-chelate complex, the free Gd(III) could be reduced, lowering the Gd(III) deposition in the body. In this study, we will be evaluating the efficacy of the ligand 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) at removing residual Gd deposited from various Gd(III) chelating agents used in todays clinical formulations.
Message To Sponsor
Thank you Rose Hills for sponsoring my research this summer! By dedicating myself to research full-time, I was able to take charge of a project and gain skills in regard to project explanation, sample processing, data analysis, data presentation, and mentoring. I went from instantly asking others "why is this the way it is" to mulling over questions on my own first before asking others. This kind of independence is a lifelong skill that has helped me grow as a scholar as well as a person. My confidence in performing research has increased significantly with this summer research because I have a deliverable to show for it -- and it's all because of SURF and your funding! Thank you!