In Vivo Measurement of Regional Brain Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) by 31P MR Spectroscopic Imaging at 1.5 T

Motivation: Our incentive is to validate the clinical translation of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) indices as biomarkers in aging and neurodegenerative diseases in clinically accessible 1.5T MR scanners. Goal(s): We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of the noninvasive assessment of the NAD indices in the human brain using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at 1.5 T. Approach: We used advanced data processing, including principal component analysis, and performed simulations to support quantifying the brain NAD indices using low magnetic fields. Results: Our results demonstrate that total NAD is reliably measured under our conditions, making it a potential metabolic biomarker for aging and neurodegeneration. Impact: Brain nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in aging and neurodegeneration. Its noninvasive measurement by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging on highly accessible 1.5T clinical scanners will facilitate its biomarker development and treatment utility.