CEST MRI detects antiretroviral therapy-induced metabolomic alterations in brains of a rodent model

Motivation: The neurotoxicity of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs has been reported to affect neurocognition. Goal(s): In this study, we tried to link CEST results of ARVs and metabolites to elucidate the effects of ARVs on metabolic alterations. Approach: Mice administrated with TDF/3TC/DTG were scanned using CEST MRI to detect 3TC (at 1 and 2 ppm) and TDF (at 3 ppm). Metabolites were also measured using CEST MRI. Results: Results showed that when used in combination, MRI is not sensitive to the CEST contrasts of 3TC and TDF. Glutamate, creatine and NOE were affected by TLD indicating the toxicity of TLD. Impact: The study showed the potential to use CEST MRI to elucidate the effects of antiretroviral drugs on the neuropathologic outcomes by testing the association of MRI measurements of ARVs and metabolic imaging results.