Editorial
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Aug 14, 2006; 12(30): 4773-4783
Published online Aug 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i30.4773
Current and future applications of in vitro magnetic resonance spectroscopy in hepatobiliary disease
I Jane Cox, Amar Sharif, Jeremy FL Cobbold, Howard C Thomas, Simon D Taylor-Robinson
I Jane Cox, Imaging Sciences Department, Division of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 OHS, United Kingdom
Amar Sharif, Jeremy FL Cobbold, Howard C Thomas, Simon D Taylor-Robinson, Department of Medicine, Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary’s Campus, London W2, United Kingdom
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Supported by the Hammersmith Hospital Trustees Research Committee, the Medical Research Council, JEOL (UK) Ltd., Philips Medical Systems and the Higher Education Funding Council for England
Correspondence to: Dr. SD Taylor-Robinson, Reader in Medicine, Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom. s.taylor-robinson@imperial.ac.uk
Telephone: +44-20-83833266 Fax: +44-20-87493436
Received: January 11, 2006
Revised: February 25, 2006
Accepted: March 10, 2006
Published online: August 14, 2006
Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy allows the study of cellular biochemistry and metabolism, both in the whole body in vivo and at higher magnetic field strengths in vitro. Since the technique is non-invasive and non-selective, magnetic resonance spectroscopy methodologies have been widely applied in biochemistry and medicine. In vitro magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies of cells, body fluids and tissues have been used in medical biochemistry to investigate pathophysiological processes and more recently, the technique has been used by physicians to determine disease abnormalities in vivo. This highlighted topic illustrates the potential of in vitro magnetic resonance spectroscopy in studying the hepatobiliary system. The role of in vitro proton and phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the study of malignant and non-malignant liver disease and bile composition studies are discussed, particularly with reference to correlative in vivo whole-body magnetic resonance spectroscopy applications. In summary, magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques can provide non-invasive biochemical information on disease severity and pointers to underlying pathophysiological processes. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy holds potential promise as a screening tool for disease biomarkers, as well as assessing therapeutic response.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Liver; Hepatobiliary disease; Membrane metabolism