Early detection of cardiac remodelling − Positron emission tomography (PET)- based molecular imaging for non-invasive detection of active myocardial fibrosis

• Applicant: Dr. Zohreh Varasteh
• Subject Area: Radiology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 495342067

Excessive cardiac fibrosis post-myocardial infarction is a major feature of myocardial remodelling and contributes importantly to the development and progression of heart failure. Therefore, the fibrotic process is an attractive target for therapeutic interventions. While preclinical development of potential anti-fibrotic approaches is far advanced, almost none has entered clinical validation, due to lack of sensitive and specific imaging technologies for assessing cardiac fibrosis progression or regression. In this regard, the detection of fibrotic processes has emerged as an important target for improving heart failure therapy. In the present project, I propose an early time-point imaging technique for visualization and quantification of collagen-secreting activated fibroblasts. A clinically relevant in vivo rat model, representative of the replacement fibrosis, as well as a therapeutic intervention will be employed. Non-invasive imaging of fibrotic processes would provide unique opportunities to study cardiac remodelling over time, to estimate the likelihood of post-infarction heart failure evolution, and permit a rapid clinical screening for potential anti-fibrotic therapies.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants