EPR oximetry with Ox071 detects renal hypoxia in cisplatin-induced chronic kidney disease models

Motivation: EPR oximetry using Ox071 holds promise in detecting chemotherapy-induced chronic kidney injury by monitoring pO2 distribution. Goal(s): Using EPR, our study assessed the ability to discern pO2 variations between healthy kidneys and kidney injury models induced by intraperitoneal cisplatin treatment. Approach: To validate these changes, we performed longitudinal EPR-based pO2 imaging. Results: The analysis of EPR oximetry results consistently showed renal hypoxia two months after treatment, which aligns with kidney fibrosis confirmed by the ex vivo protein assay. Impact: Traditionally, EPR oximetry has concentrated on tumor hypoxia due to Ox063's limitations in well-oxygenated tissues. Using Ox071, a deuterated analog, this research broadens the application of oximetry to kidneys, where hypoxic changes serve as a critical indicator of fibrosis.