[18F]THK-5351

Background and objects： Neuroinflammation is an active process detectable in the earliest stages of the neurodegeneration pathway. On the other hand, significant neuroinflammation, such as reactive astrocytosis, can also be observed after cerebral ischemic injury. [18F]THK5351 can monitor the neuroinflammatory process due to its high affinity to astrogliosis, and [18F]PMPBB3 is the novel tau protein radiotracer without significant off-target binding to MAO-B. The investigators hypothesize that the neuroinflammation after acute stroke may induce the tau protein accumulation. In the current proposal, our aims are to 1) explore the interaction between neuroinflammation and tau protein accumulation in acute stroke patients by applying both the [18F]PMPBB3 and [18F]THK5351 PET images and 2) determine their influence on the longterm stroke outcome and cognitive performance.
Method： The prospective project plans to recruit 2 groups of participants: one is patients with first-ever acute stroke (Group A, n=50), and the other is healthy people as the control group (Group B, n=30). Within 3 weeks of stroke, [18F]THK5351 and [18F]PMPBB3 PET will be done for imaging cerebral neuroinflammation and tau protein distribution. Brain MRI for obtaining structural and functional information will be done within 3 weeks and 3 months after stroke. Clinical and cognitive outcome will be evaluated at week 3 and months 3 and 12. In addition, APOE genotyping and carotid ultrasound will be performed as well. By obtaining the neuroimaging information, such as severity of white matter change and infarction, cortical and hippocampal atrophy, and SUVRs of [18F]THK5351 and [18F]PMPBB3 PET, the study will be able to investigate the complex interaction between neuroinflammation and tau protein accumulation after stroke, and also evaluate their influence on structural changes, stroke outcome and cognitive performance. Group comparisons will be performed using the Chi-square test, independent t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and multiple linear regression, where appropriate.
Anticipation： In this project, the investigators will be able to identify the distribution patterns of neuroinflammation and tau protein accumulation after actue stroke. Secondly, the investigators expect that the presence of neuroinflammation and tau protein accumulation will interfere with the functional connectivity. Finally, the investigators expect that the extent of neuroinflammation and tau protein is correlated with stroke outcome and post-stroke cognitive impairment.