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Background: The beneficial role of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) in weight control and maintaining glucose levels has led to the development of several multi-agonistic peptide drug candidates, targeting GIPR and glucagon like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) and/or the glucagon receptor (GCGR). The in vivo quantification of target occupancy by these drugs would accelerate the development of new drug candidates. The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel peptide (GIP1234), based on previously reported ligand DOTA-GIP-C803, modified with a fatty acid moiety to prolong its blood circulation. It would allow higher target tissue exposure and consequently improved peptide uptake as well as in vivo PET imaging and quantification of GIPR occupancy by novel drugs of interest. Method: A 40 amino acid residue peptide (GIP1234) was synthesized based on DOTA-GIP-C803, in turn based on the sequences of endogenous GIP and Exendin-4 with specific amino acid modifications to obtain GIPR selectivity. A palmitoyl fatty acid chain was furthermore added at Lys14 via a glutamic acid linker to prolong its blood circulation time by the interaction with albumin. GIP1234 was conjugated with a DOTA chelator at the C -terminal cysteine residue to achieve 68Ga radiolabeling. The resulting PET probe, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GIP1234 was evaluated for receptor binding specificity and selectivity using HEK293 cells transfected with human GIPR, GLP1R, or GCGR. Blocking experiments with tirzepatide (2 mu M) were conducted using huGIPR HEK293 cells to investigate binding specificity. Ex vivo and in vivo organ distribution of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GIP1234 was studied in rats and a pig in comparison to [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-C803-GIP. Binding of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GIP1234 to albumin was assessed in situ using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The stability was tested in formulation buffer and rat blood plasma. Results: [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GIP1234 was synthesized with non-decay corrected radiochemical yie, The last two authors contributed equally

Aims/hypothesis Compromised pancreatic sympathetic innervation has been suggested as a factor involved in both immune-mediated beta cell destruction and endocrine dysregulation of pancreatic islets. To further explore these intriguing findings, new techniques for in vivo assessment of pancreatic innervation are required. This is a retrospective study that aimed to investigate whether the noradrenaline (norepinephrine) analogue 11C-hydroxy ephedrine (11C-HED) could be used for quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the sympathetic innervation of the human pancreas. Methods In 25 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 64 individuals without diabetes, all of whom had previously undergone 11C-HED-PET/CT because of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (or suspicion thereof), the 11C-HED standardised uptake value (SUVmean), 11C-HED specific binding index (SBI), pancreatic functional volume (FV, in ml), functional neuronal volume (FNV, calculated as SUVmean × FV), specific binding index with functional volume (SBI FV, calculated as SBI × FV) and attenuation on CT (HU) were investigated in the entire pancreas, and additionally in six separate anatomical pancreatic regions. Results Generally, 11C-HED uptake in the pancreas was high, with marked individual variation, suggesting variability in sympathetic innervation. Moreover, pancreatic CT attenuation (HU) (p<0.001), 11C-HED SBI (p=0.0049) and SBI FV (p=0.0142) were lower in individuals with type 2 diabetes than in individuals without diabetes, whereas 11C-HED SUVmean (p=0.15), FV (p=0.73) and FNV (p=0.30) were similar. Conclusions/interpretation We demonstrate the feasibility of using 11C-HED-PET for non-invasive assessment of pancreatic sympathetic innervation in humans. These findings warrant further prospective evaluation, especially in individuals with theoretical defects in pancreatic sympathetic innervation, such as those with type 1 diabetes.

COVID-19 can cause life-threatening lung-inflammation that is suggested to be mediated by neutrophils, whose effector mechanisms in COVID-19 is inexplicit. The aim of the present work is to evaluate a novel PET tracer for neutrophil elastase in COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. METHODS: In this open-label, First-In-Man study, four patients with hypoxia due to COVID-19 and two healthy controls were investigated with positron emission tomography (PET) using the new selective and specific neutrophil elastase PET-tracer [11C]GW457427 and [15O]water for the visualization and quantification of NE and perfusion in the lungs, respectively. RESULTS: [11C]GW457427 accumulated selectively in lung areas with ground-glass opacities on computed tomography characteristic of COVID-19 suggesting high levels on NE in these areas. In the same areas perfusion was severely reduced in comparison to healthy lung tissue as measured with [15O]water. CONCLUSION: The data suggests that NE may be responsible for the severe lung inflammation in COVID-19 patients and that inhibition of NE could potentially reduce the acute inflammatory process and improve the condition., De två sista författarna delar sistaförfattarskapet

The longitudinal alterations of the pancreatic β-cell and islet mass in the progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D) are still poorly understood. The objective of this study was to repeatedly assess the endocrine volume and the morphology of the pancreas for up to 24 months after T1D diagnosis (n = 16), by 11C-5-hydroxytryptophan (11C-5-HTP) positron emission tomography (PET) and MRI. Study participants were examined four times by PET/MRI: at recruitment and then after 6, 12, and 24 months. Clinical examinations and assessment of β-cell function by a mixed-meal tolerance test and fasting blood samples were performed in connection with the imaging examination. Pancreas volume has a tendency to decrease from 50.2 ± 10.3 mL at T1D debut to 42.2 ± 14.6 mL after 24 months (P < 0.098). Pancreas uptake of 11C-5-HTP (e.g., the volume of the endocrine pancreas) did not decrease from T1D diagnosis (0.23 ± 0.10 % of injected dose) to 24-month follow-up, 0.21 ± 0.14% of injected dose, and exhibited low interindividual changes. Pancreas perfusion was unchanged from diagnosis to 24-month follow-up. The pancreas uptake of 11C-5-HTP correlated with the long-term metabolic control as estimated by HbA1c (P < 0.05). Our findings argue against a major destruction of β-cell or islet mass in the 2-year period after diagnosis of T1D.

Targeting of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) is an emerging strategy in antidiabetic drug development. The aim of this study was to develop a positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand for the GIPR to enable the assessment of target distribution and drug target engagement in vivo. The GIPR-selective peptide S02-GIP was radiolabeled with Ga-68. The resulting PET tracer [Ga-68]S02-GIP-T4 was evaluated for affinity and specificity to human GIPR (huGIPR). The in vivo GIPR binding of [Ga-68]S02-GIP-T4 as well as the occupancy of a drug candidate with GIPR activity were assessed in nonhuman primates (NHPs) by PET. [Ga-68]S02-GIP-T4 bound with nanomolar affinity and high selectivity to huGIPR in overexpressing cells. In vivo, pancreatic binding in NHPs could be dose-dependently inhibited by coinjection of unlabeled S02-GIP-T4. Finally, subcutaneous pretreatment with a high dose of a drug candidate with GIPR activity led to a decreased pancreatic binding of [Ga-68]S02-GIP-T4, corresponding to a GIPR drug occupancy of almost 90%. [Ga-68]S02-GIP-T4 demonstrated a safe dosimetric profile, allowing for repeated studies in humans. In conclusion, [Ga-68]S02-GIP-T4 is a novel PET biomarker for safe, noninvasive, and quantitative assessment of GIPR target distribution and drug occupancy.

[11C]5-Hydroxy-tryptophan ([11C]5-HTP) is a Positron Emission Tomography marker for serotonergic biosynthesis and degradation, with use in imaging of neuroendocrine tumors and recently also the endocrine pancreas in diabetes. In order to further develop [11C]5-HTP as a quantitative in vivo tool for understanding the mechanisms of serotonin signaling in human pancreas, we aimed to develop a kinetic modeling approach sensitive for changes in serotonin biosynthesis, retention and degradation. Cynomolgus monkeys were examined by [11C]5-HTP PET/CT, either at baseline (n=9) or following intravenous pretreatment with 3 mg/kg carbidopa (Dopa Decarboxylase inhibitor, n=3) or 2 mg/kg clorgyline (Monoamine Oxidase-A inhibitor, n=5). The dynamic tissue uptake was analysed by a 2-tissue compartment model including an efflux mechanism from the second tissue compartment (2TC kloss), which theoretically reproduces the known processing of 5-HTP in neuroendocrine cells. The 2TC kloss model could accurately describe all three modes of tissue kinetics depending on the pretreatment regiment. Rate constant k3 (corresponding to DDC activity) and the macro-parameter Flux (Ki) was decreased (P<0.05) by carbidopa pretreatment, while k2 (corresponding to cellular washout of intact [11C]5-HTP) was increased (P<0.05). The efflux parameter kloss (corresponding to MAO-A activity) was decreased (P<0.05) by pretreatment of clorgyline, while the macro-parameter Flux/Efflux ratio (Ki/kloss) was increased (P<0.0001). We present a compartment model analysis method that can quantitatively assess in vivo pharmacological interactions with several of the key enzymatic steps of the serotonergic biosynthesis in pancreas.

CONTEXT: Saturated fat (SFA) versus polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) may promote non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by yet unclear mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if overeating SFA- and PUFA-enriched diets lead to differential liver fat accumulation in overweight and obese humans. DESIGN: Double-blind randomized trial (LIPOGAIN-2). Overfeeding SFA vs PUFA for 8 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of caloric restriction. SETTING: General community.Participants: n=61 overweight or obese men and women. INTERVENTION: Muffins high in either palm (SFA)- or sunflower oil (PUFA) were added to the habitual diet. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Lean tissue mass (not reported here). Secondary and exploratory outcomes included liver and ectopic fat depots. RESULTS: By design, body weight gain was similar in SFA (2.31±1.38 kg) and PUFA (2.01±1.90 kg) groups, P=0.50. SFA markedly induced liver fat content (50% relative increase) along with liver enzymes and atherogenic serum lipids. In contrast, despite similar weight gain, PUFA did not increase liver fat or liver enzymes or cause any adverse effects on blood lipids. SFA had no differential effect on the accumulation of visceral fat, pancreas fat or total body fat compared with PUFA. SFA consistently increased, while PUFA reduced circulating ceramides; changes that were moderately associated with liver fat changes and proposed markers of hepatic lipogenesis. The adverse metabolic effects of SFA were reversed by calorie restriction. CONCLUSIONS: Saturated fat markedly induces liver fat and serum ceramides whereas dietary polyunsaturated fat prevent liver fat accumulation, reduce ceramides and hyperlipidemia during excess energy intake and weight gain in overweight individuals.

AIMS: Perfusion of the pancreas and the islets of Langerhans is sensitive to physiological stimuli and is dysregulated in metabolic disease. Pancreatic perfusion can be assessed by both positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but the methods have not been directly compared or benchmarked against the gold-standard microsphere technique. METHODS: Pigs (n = 4) were examined by [15O]H2O PET and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI technique simultaneously using a hybrid PET/MRI scanner. The pancreatic perfusion was measured both at basal conditions and after intravenous (IV) administration of up to 0.5 g/kg glucose. RESULTS: Pancreatic perfusion increased by 35%, 157%, and 29% after IV 0.5 g/kg glucose compared to during basal conditions, as assessed by [15O]H2O PET, IVIM MRI, and microspheres, respectively. There was a correlation between pancreatic perfusion as assessed by [15O]H2O PET and IVIM MRI (r = 0.81, R2 = 0.65, p < 0.01). The absolute quantification of pancreatic perfusion (ml/min/g) by [15O]H2O PET was within a 15% error of margin of the microsphere technique. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic perfusion by [15O]H2O PET was in agreement with the microsphere technique assessment. The IVIM MRI method has the potential to replace [15O]H2O PET if the pancreatic perfusion is sufficiently large, but not when absolute quantitation is required.

The glucagon receptor (GCGR) is emerging as an important target in anti-diabetic therapy, especially as part of the pharmacology of dual glucagon-like peptide-1/glucagon (GLP-1/GCG) receptor agonists. However, currently, there are no suitable biomarkers that reliably demonstrate GCG receptor target engagement. Methods: Two potent GCG receptor peptide agonists, S01-GCG and S02-GCG, were labeled with positron emission tomography (PET) radionuclide gallium-68. The GCG receptor binding affinity and specificity of the resulting radiopharmaceuticals [68Ga]Ga-DO3A-S01-GCG and [68Ga]Ga-DO3A-S02-GCG were evaluated in HEK-293 cells overexpressing the human GCG receptor and on frozen hepatic sections from human, non-human primate, and rat. In in vivo biodistribution, binding specificity and dosimetry were assessed in rat. Results: [68Ga]Ga-DO3A-S01-GCG in particular demonstrated GCG receptor-mediated binding in cells and liver tissue with affinity in the nanomolar range required for imaging. [68Ga]Ga-DO3A-S01-GCG binding was not blocked by co-incubation of a GLP-1 agonist. In vivo binding in rat liver was GCG receptor specific with low non-specific binding throughout the body. Moreover, the extrapolated human effective doses, predicted from rat biodistribution data, allow for repeated PET imaging potentially also in combination with GLP-1R radiopharmaceuticals. Conclusion: [68Ga]Ga-DO3A-S01-GCG thus constitutes a first-in-class PET tracer targeting the GCG receptor, with suitable properties for clinical development. This tool has potential to provide direct quantitative evidence of GCG receptor occupancy in humans.

[(11)C]5-hydroxy-tryptophan ([(11)C]5-HTP) PET of the pancreas has been shown to be a surrogate imaging biomarker of pancreatic islet mass. The change in islet mass in different stages of type 2 diabetes (T2D) as measured by non-invasive imaging is currently unknown. Here, we describe a cross-sectional study where subjects at different stages of T2D development with expected stratification of pancreatic islet mass were examined in relation to non-diabetic individuals. The primary outcome was the [(11)C]5-HTP uptake and retention in pancreas, as a surrogate marker for the endogenous islet mass.We found that metabolic testing indicated a progressive loss of beta cell function, but that this was not mirrored by a decrease in [(11)C]5-HTP tracer accumulation in the pancreas. This provides evidence of retained islet mass despite decreased beta cell function. The results herein indicates that beta cell dedifferentiation, and not necessarily endocrine cell loss, constitute a major cause of beta cell failure in T2D., De 2 första författarna delar förstaförfattarskapet.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to investigate pancreatic perfusion and its response to a glucose load in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus compared with non-diabetic ('healthy') individuals. METHODS: Eight individuals with longstanding type 1 diabetes and ten sex-, age- and BMI-matched healthy controls underwent dynamic positron emission tomography scanning with (15)O-labelled water before and after intravenous administration of glucose. Perfusion in the pancreas was measured. Portal and arterial hepatic perfusion were recorded as references. RESULTS: Under fasting conditions, total pancreatic perfusion was on average 23% lower in the individuals with diabetes compared with healthy individuals. Glucose increased total pancreatic and portal hepatic blood perfusion in healthy individuals by 48% and 38%, respectively. In individuals with diabetes there was no significant increase in either total pancreatic or portal hepatic perfusion. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Individuals with type 1 diabetes have reduced basal pancreatic perfusion and a severely impaired pancreatic and splanchnic perfusion response to intravenous glucose stimulation., De 2 sista författarna delar sistaförfattarskapet

AIMS: To address questions regarding onset and progression of types 1 and 2 diabetes (T1D/T2D), surrogate imaging biomarkers for beta cell function and mass are needed. Here, we assess the potential of GPR44 as a surrogate marker for beta cells, in a direct comparison with clinically used biomarker VMAT2. METHODS: GPR44 surface availability was assessed by flow cytometry of human beta cells. RNA transcription levels in different pancreas compartments were evaluated. The density of GPR44 receptor in endocrine and exocrine tissues was assessed by the radiolabeled GPR44 ligand [(3)H]AZD 3825. A direct comparison with the established beta cell marker VMAT2 was performed by radiolabeled [(3)H]DTBZ. RESULTS: GPR44 was available on the cell surface, and pancreatic RNA levels were restricted to the islets of Langerhans. [(3)H]AZD 3825 had nanomolar affinity for GPR44 in human islets and EndoC-βH1 beta cells, and the specific binding to human beta cells was close to 50 times higher than in exocrine preparations. The endocrine-to-exocrine binding ratio was approximately 10 times higher for [(3)H]AZD 3825 than for [(3)H]DTBZ. CONCLUSION: GPR44 is a highly beta cell-specific target, which potentially offers improved imaging contrast between the human beta cell and the exocrine pancreas.

There currently exists no imaging methodology to monitor viable islet mass following clinical intraportal islet transplantation. We investigated the potential of the endocrine positron emission tomography (PET) marker [(11)C]5-hydroxy-tryptophan ([(11)C]5-HTP) for this purpose. In a preclinical proof of concept study, the ex vivo and in vivo [(11)C]5-HTP signal was compared to the number of islets transplanted in rats. In a clinical study, human subjects with an intraportal islet graft (n=8) performed two [(11)C]5-HTP PET and MRI examinations 8 months apart. The tracer concentration in the liver as a whole, or in defined hotspots was correlated to measurements of islet graft function. In rat, hepatic uptake of [(11)C]5-HTP correlated with number of transplanted islets. In human subjects, uptake in hepatic hotspots showed a correlation with metabolic assessments of islet function. Change in hotspot SUV predicted loss of graft function in one subject whereas hotspot SUV was unchanged in subjects with stable graft function. The endocrine marker [(11)C]5-HTP thus show correlation between hepatic uptake and transplanted islet function, and show promise as a tool for non-invasive detection of viable islets. The evaluation procedure described herein can be used as benchmark for novel agents targeting intraportally transplanted islets.

[(68)Ga]-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Exendin-4 has been shown to be a promising imaging candidate for targeting glucagon like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R). In the light of radiotheranostics and personalized medicine the (177)Lu-labelled analogue is of paramount interest. In this study we have investigated the organ distribution of [(177)Lu]-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Exendin-4 in rat and calculated human dosimetry parameters in order to estimate the maximal acceptable administered radioactivity, and thus potential applicability of [(177)Lu]-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Exendin-4 for internal radiotherapy of insulinomas. Nine male and nine female Lewis rats were injected with [(177)Lu]-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Exendin-4 for ex vivo organ distribution study at nine time points. The estimation of human organ/total body absorbed and total effective doses was performed using Organ Level Internal Dose Assessment Code software (OLINDA/EXM 1.1). Six more rats (male: n = 3; female: n = 3) were scanned by single photon emission tomography and computed tomography (SPECT-CT). The renal function and potential cell dysfunction were monitored by creatinine ISTAT and glucose levels. The fine uptake structure of kidney and pancreas was investigated by ex vivo autoradiography. Blood clearance and washout from most of the organs was fast. The kidney was the dose-limiting organ with absorbed dose of 5.88 and 6.04 mGy/MBq, respectively for female and male. Pancreatic beta cells demonstrated radioactivity accumulation. Renal function and beta cell function remained unaffected by radiation. The absorbed dose of [(177)Lu]-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Exendin-4 to kidneys may limit the clinical application of the agent. However, hypothetically, kidney protection and peptidase inhibition may allow reduction of kidney absorbed dose and amplification of tumour absorbed doses.

Introduction: Glucokinase (GK) is potentially a target for imaging of islets of Langerhans. Here we report the radiosynthesis and preclinical evaluation of the GK activator, [C-11]AZ12504948, for in vivo imaging of GK. Methods: [C-11]AZ12504948 was synthesized by O-methylation of the precursor, AZ125555620, using carbon-11 methyl iodide ([C-11]CH3I).Preclinical evaluation was performed by autoradiography (ARC) of human tissues and PET/CT studies in pig and non-human primate. Result: [C-11]AZ12504948 was produced in reproducible good radiochemical yield in 28-30 min. Radiochemical purity of the formulated product was >98% for up to 2 h with specific radioactivities 855 +/- 209 GBq/mu mol (n = 8). The preclinical evaluation showed some specificity for GK in liver, but not in pancreas. Conclusion:[C-11]AZ12504948 images GK in liver, but the low specificity impedes the visualization of GK in pancreas. Improved target specificity is required for further progress using PET probes based on this class of GK activators.

Quantitative PET imaging with [(68)Ga]Ga-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Exendin-4 has potential use in diabetes and cancer. However, the radiation dose to the kidneys has been a concern for the possibility of repeated imaging studies in humans. Therefore, we investigated the dosimetry of [(68)Ga]Ga-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Exendin-4 based on the biodistribution data in rats, pigs, non-human primates (NHP) and a human.Organ distribution of [(68)Ga]Ga-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Exendin-4 in rats (Male Lewis; n=12; 30, 60, and 80 min) was measured ex vivo. The dynamic uptake of [(68)Ga]Ga-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Exendin-4 in the abdomen was assessed by PET/CT scanning of pigs (male; n = 4, 0-60 min), NHP (Female; cynomolgus; n=3; 0-90 min), and human (female; n=1; 0-40, 100, 120 min).The organ distribution data in each species were extrapolated to those of a human, assuming similar distribution between the species. Residence times were assessed by trapezoidal approximation of the kinetic data. Organ doses (mGy/MBq) and the whole body effective dose (mSv/MBq), was extrapolated by using the OLINDA/EXM 1.1 software. The extrapolated human whole body effective dose was 0.017 ± 0.004 (rats), 0.014 ± 0.004 (pigs), 0.017 ± 0.004 (NHP), and 0.016 (human) mSv/MBq. The absorbed dose to the kidneys was limiting:0.33 ± 0.06 (rats), 0.28±0.05 (pigs), 0.65 ± 0.11 (NHP), and 0.28 (human) mGy/MBq, which corresponded to the maximum yearly administered amounts of 455 (rat), 536 (pig), 231 (NHP), and 536 (human) MBq before reaching the yearly kidney limiting dose of 150 mGy. More than 200 MBq of [(68)Ga]Ga-DO3A-VS-Cys(40)-Exendin-4 can be administered yearly in a human, allowing for repeated (2-4 times) scanning. This potentially enables longitudinal clinical PET imaging studies of the GLP-1R in the pancreas, transplanted islets, or insulinoma.