Diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy imaging and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy using fluorescence-magnetic resonance dual-modal molecular probes.

Diabetic nephropathy is a severe microvascular consequence of diabetes mellitus, marked by an insidious progression and considerable challenges in early detection, which highlights the urgent need for sensitive and non-invasive diagnostic approaches. In response to these challenges, this study presents a novel dual-modal molecular probe, designated HY, which is engineered to selectively target superoxide anion (O2•-) and combines the strengths of fluorescence imaging and magnetic resonance imaging. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the probe's selectivity, structural robustness, and biocompatibility. The probe enabled in situ visualization and quantitative tracking of O2•- fluctuations in live models of diabetic nephropathy. These results establish HY as a highly sensitive and innovative platform for the real-time monitoring of superoxide anion activity. Altogether, this work provides critical mechanistic insights into diabetes-driven organ injury and paves the way for the creation of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.