Multiparametric MRI evaluation of early renal fibrosis and therapeutic effect of asiatic acid in an experimental rat model

Motivation: Noninvasive MRI techniques such as ASL, DKI and T1 imaging have not been adequately validated in detecting kidney injury and renal fibrosis. Goal(s): To prove that multiparameter MRI can evaluate the degree of renal fibrosis and the therapeutic effect of treatment. Approach: MRI, immunohistochemical, and pathological examinations were performed for the renal injury model group and the treatment group. Results: Multiparameter MRI can dynamically evaluate renal fibrosis and therapeutic efficacy of treatment. The method can detect changes in renal structure, function, internal molecular metabolism, and post-treatment efficacy in rats with renal fibrosis. Impact: Multiparametric MRI has the potential to noninvasively detect early microstructural changes in patients with CKD before a significant renal functional decline and can determine proof of activity for evaluating therapies.