Integrated CrCEST MRI and Downfield MR Spectroscopy to Achieve Muscle Specific OXPHOS Measurement with Personalized Exercise Regimes

Motivation: CrCEST measurements are sensitive to the changes in muscle pH, which confound the measurement and interpretation of τCr. Our motivation was to develop a technique that removed acidic bias from CrCEST measurements to ensure OXPHOS measurement. Goal(s): Develop a personalized mild exercise technique that limits acidosis in the calf to ensure measurement of OXPHOS using CrCEST. Approach: To test the dependence of CrCEST recovery time on pH with different exercise regimes. Results: Carnosine 1HMRS can be used to quickly measure pH change induced by a prescribed exercise regime and can facilitate an unbiased measurement of personalized muscle group specific OXPHOS capacity with CrCEST. Impact: Carnosine 1HMRS can be used to quickly measure pH change induced by a prescribed exercise regime and can facilitate an unbiased measurement of personalized muscle group specific OXPHOS capacity with CrCEST.