Gadolinium Effects on Liposome Fluidity and Size Depend on the Headgroup and Side Chain Structure of Key Mammalian Brain Lipids (Dec 2023).

Article link: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/1/135

Journal: Molecules 2023 Dec 25

Authors and Affiliations:

Kianmehr Farzi 1,†,Travis Issler 1,†, Colin Unruh 2 and Elmar J. Prenner 1,*

1 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada

2 Fuel Innovation, Calgary, AB T2G 3K6, Canada*

†Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Abstract: “lanthanide metal gadolinium has been used in the healthcare industry as a paramagnetic contrast agent for years. Gadolinium deposition in brain tissue and kidneys has been reported following gadolinium-based contrast agent administration to patients undergoing MRI. This study demonstrates the detrimental effects of gadolinium exposure at the level of the cell membrane. Biophysical analysis using fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering illustrates differential interactions of gadolinium ions with key classes of brain membrane lipids, including phosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins, as well as brain polar extracts and biomimetic brain model membranes. Electrostatic attraction to negatively charged lipids like phosphatidylserine facilitates metal complexation but zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin interaction was also significant, leading to membrane rigidification and increases in liposome size. Effects were stronger for fully saturated over monounsaturated acyl chains. The metal targets key lipid classes of brain membranes and these biophysical changes could be very detrimental in biological membranes, suggesting that the potential negative impact of gadolinium contrast agents will require more scientific attention.”

Keywords: gadolinium; toxicity; membrane fluidity; liposome size; brain lipids; metal-lipid interactions

Commentary: Gadolinium has effects on brain lipids and the differential interactions.