Utility of a simplified [F] sodium fluoride PET imaging method to quantify bone metabolic flux for a wide range of clinical applications.

We review the rationale, methodology, and clinical utility of quantitative [F] sodium fluoride ([F]NaF) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging to measure bone metabolic flux (K, also known as bone plasma clearance), a measurement indicative of the local rate of bone formation at the chosen region of interest. We review the bone remodelling cycle and explain what aspects of bone remodelling are addressed by [F]NaF PET-CT. We explain how the technique works, what measurements are involved, and what makes [F]NaF PET-CT a useful tool for the study of bone remodelling.

A systematic evaluation of five different image-derived input functions for the clinical implementation of F-NaF bone PET/CT in patients with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the use of varying input parameters on resulting bone plasma clearance ( ) and other kinetic modelling parameters in a group of patients with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD).

Methods: Raw PET/CT data and blood data were systematically analyzed using five different VOIs for the input functions in the left ventricle and in the thoracic aorta. Standardized VOIs were placed in four thoracic vertebrae and the results pooled and averaged.

The effect of orally administered nitrate on renal function and blood pressure in a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study in healthy subjects.

Background: Several studies have shown inorganic nitrate/nitrite to reduce blood pressure in both healthy subjects and hypertensive patients. An effect presumably caused through bioconversion to nitric oxide. However, studies on inorganic nitrate/nitrite have shown inconsistent results on renal functions such as GFR and sodium excretion.

The Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Vascular Calcification in CKD: A Randomized Clinical Trial (MAGiCAL-CKD).

Significance Statement: Magnesium prevents vascular calcification in animals with CKD. In addition, lower serum magnesium is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular events in CKD. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, the authors investigated the effects of magnesium supplementation versus placebo on vascular calcification in patients with predialysis CKD.