Projects & Grants
| MRI Biomarkers in Monitoring Glial Cells Activation in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis | |
|---|---|
| Project Id | |
| Main solver | MUDr. Ondřej Pelíšek |
| Period | 1/2025 - 12/2025 |
| Provider | Specifický VŠ výzkum |
| State | solved |
| Anotation | Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Activation of glial cells (particularly microglia and astrocytes) plays a key role in the pathophysiology of MS. Activated microglia contribute to disease progression by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and toxic molecules that exacerbate demyelination and damage axons. However, they can also serve a protective function by phagocytosing debris from damaged myelin and supporting regeneration. Excessive activation of astrocytes promotes an inflammatory microenvironment, hinders remyelination, and contributes to the formation of gliotic scars. Oligodendrocytes are often damaged in MS, leading to demyelination and limiting the regenerative capacity of the CNS. Currently used immunomodulatory drugs influence the activation of these cells only indirectly, by affecting the peripheral immune response. Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) is a promising advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that allows non-invasive quantification of iron accumulation in the brain associated with microglial activation and chronic inflammation. With QSM, it is possible to map the distribution and amount of iron in active and chronic lesions, which can help better understand the pathophysiology of the disease and assess the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches. Another promising MRI technique is advanced diffusion methods such as Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI). This advanced diffusion method uses a three-compartment biophysical model of tissue, including intracellular, extracellular, and cerebrospinal fluid compartments in a single voxel. It allows the estimation and quantification of neurite (axon and dendrite) orientation and structure, providing valuable information on both the physiology and pathophysiology of pathological processes (e.g., tumors, focal cortical dysplasia, strokes). The main parameters |
