Real-time assessment of in vivo postprandial lipid storage in rat liver using H-[C] MRS

Introduction Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are associated with elevated liver lipid (intrahepatocellular lipid, IHCL) content [1]. It remains to be established whether this is attributed to an increase in lipid uptake, a decrease in lipid oxidation, or an imbalance between lipid uptake and mobilisation. In current research, C labeled lipids are often used in arterio-venous balance experiments and in vitro studies to elucidate the dynamics of lipid uptake and oxidation. These measurements provide rather indirect measures of lipid handling. Moreover, in vitro setups are not adequately reflecting the in vivo situation. To identify the exact origin of abnormal lipid handling in insulin resistant tissue, direct in vivo measurements of lipid dynamics are essential. In this study, we measured for the first time postprandial lipid storage in rat liver in vivo using H-[C] magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and C labeled lipids as tracers.