Deuterium MRS for in vivo measurement of lipogenesis in the liver

Motivation: The need for a technique to measure de novo lipid synthesis (DNL) directly in the liver instead of relying on a plasma-based assay. Goal(s): Acquire proof-of-principle data in liver to show feasibility in vivo, and provide initial validation of the DNL estimate. Approach: Preclinical study in vivo in rats, with a dietary challenge known to increase DNL. Compare the in vivo-based estimates of liver DNL with calculations of DNL based on 1H and 2H NMR data acquired in extracted lipids from excised liver tissue. Results: The 2H lipid level measured in vivo correlated with the ex vivo estimates of hepatic DNL. Impact: The initial observations in vivo in a rat model provide a basis for this approach to be translated and develop noninvasive, quantitative measurements of hepatic DNL in humans.