In Vivo Determination of de Novo Lipogenesis in Rat Liver Using Localized 1H-[13C] Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Sharon M. Janssens¹, Klaas Nicolay¹, Jeanine J. Prompers¹

De novo lipogenesis is the primary pathway in which excess carbohydrates are being converted to fat in liver. The aim of this study was to develop a non-invasive method for the direct in vivo measurement of de novo lipogenesis in rat liver using localized 1H MRS with 13C editing. Before and after the oral administration of [U-13C6] glucose for 5 days, total and 13C-enriched intrahepatocellular lipid (IHCL) content were measured with 1H-[13C] MRS. After 5 days of [U-13C6] glucose administration, total as well as 13C-enriched IHCL was increased, the latter being the result of de novo lipogenesis.