Quantification of the Thigh Skeletal Muscle Creatine Content in Asymptomatic Individuals and Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Motivation: Creatine chemical exchange saturation transfer (CrCEST) is a valuable tool to investigate muscle energy metabolism. However, its association with body composition remains unclear. Goal(s): To investigate the relationship between CrCEST signals with body composition in thigh skeletal muscles of asymptomatic individuals. Approach: CEST and mDIXON imaging were performed to measure skeletal muscle Cr, fat fraction (FF), and T2* values. Results: CrCEST exhibited significantly in the right semimembranosus muscle among different gender and body mass index groups. In the right vastus medialis, creatine levels also differed based on exercise intensity. CrCEST in the right biceps femoris exhibited a slight negative correlation with FF values. Impact: Thigh muscle creatine levels vary among people and are affected by exercise intensity. Lower creatine levels are linked to more muscle fat fraction, indicating a possible link to fat metabolism and energy production, as well as oxidative stress management.