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Impact of Cordyceps sinensis on coronary computed tomography angiography image quality and renal function in a beagle model of renal impairment

Summary

This study tested whether a traditional mushroom supplement called Cordyceps sinensis could protect kidney function in dogs undergoing heart imaging tests that use contrast dye. Researchers found that dogs receiving Cordyceps sinensis combined with lower doses of contrast dye maintained good image quality while showing better kidney function afterward compared to controls receiving conventional contrast doses without the supplement. Advanced imaging techniques confirmed that Cordyceps sinensis helped protect kidney tissue from damage caused by the contrast material.

Background

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is widely used for diagnosing coronary artery disease but poses risks of renal injury from contrast medium in patients with renal insufficiency. Cordyceps sinensis is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with reported renal protective properties. This study investigates whether Cordyceps sinensis can mitigate contrast-induced renal injury while maintaining diagnostic image quality.

Objective

To investigate the protective effects of Cordyceps sinensis against renal injury induced by low-dose contrast medium in CCTA imaging and to evaluate its efficacy using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques including IVIM and BOLD imaging.

Results

All groups achieved diagnostic image quality meeting international coronary artery standards (CT values >250 HU). Groups receiving Cordyceps sinensis with low-dose contrast showed significant improvements in renal function parameters, increased IVIM values, and decreased BOLD R2* values. Groups receiving conventional-dose contrast without Cordyceps sinensis showed deterioration in renal function with decreased IVIM and increased R2* values. Strong correlations were found between MRI parameters and laboratory renal function markers.

Conclusion

Heart rate-dependent personalized low-dose contrast CCTA maintains diagnostic image quality while reducing renal injury risk. Cordyceps sinensis demonstrates protective effects on renal function. The combination of IVIM and BOLD functional MRI provides a reliable, non-invasive approach to assess renal protection and represents a promising tool for clinical application in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing CCTA.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Pharmacology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39944630, PMC: PMC11813939
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