Evaluation of bone remodeling with (18)F-fluoride and correlation with the glucose metabolism measured by (18)F-FDG in lumbar spine with time in an experimental nude rat model with osteoporosis using dynamic PET-CT.

Rats with osteoporosis were involved by combining ovariectomy (OVX) either with calcium and Vitamin D deficiency diet (Group D), or with glucocorticoid (dexamethasone) treatment (Group C). In the period of 1-12 months, dynamic PET-CT studies were performed in three groups of rats including Group D, Group C and the control Group K (sham-operated). Standardized uptake values (SUVs) were calculated, and a 2-tissue compartmental learning-machine model (calculation of K1-k4, VB and the plasma clearance of tracer to bone mineral (Ki) as well as a non-compartmental model based on the fractal dimension (FD) was used for quantitative analysis of both groups. The evaluation of PET data was performed over the lumbar spine. The correlation analysis revealed a significant linear correlation for certain dPET quantitative parameters and time up to 12 months after induction of osteoporosis. Based on the (18)F-Fluoride data, we noted a significant negative correlation for K1 (the fluoride/hydroxyl exchange) in the Group C and a significant positive correlation for k3, SUV (bone metabolism) and FD in the Group K. The evaluation of the (18)F-FDG data revealed a significant positive correlation for SUV (glucose metabolism) only in Group C. The correlation between the two tracers revealed significant results between K1 of (18)F-Fluoride and SUV of FDG in Group K as well as between FD of (18)F-Fluoride and FDG in Group D and C and between k3 of (18)F-Fluoride and SUV of FDG in Group C.