Animal experimental study of IVIM in assessing obesity-related glomerulopathy

Motivation: Early symptoms of obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) are atypical and diagnosis depends on invasive kidney biopsy. Goal(s): This study assessed the potential of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) to detect renal injury induced by ORG and monitor renal function after weight loss therapy. Approach: IVIM were performed in high fat diet (HF) and standard diet (St) rats’ kidney before and after therapy. Results: Compared with St group, significant decreases in D, D*, f in kidney of HF group were observed, and D was the first to decrease. After therapy, D, D*, f and the renal function were increased simultaneously. Impact: Obesity with high metabolic demand leads to renal injury and obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG). Early symptoms of ORG are not obvious, which may increase the risk of chronic kidney diseases. Non-invasively detecting ORG-induced renal injury can prevent poor prognosis.