Mouse models of the metabolic syndrome

Abstract

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by obesity concomitant with other metabolic abnormalities such as hypertriglyceridemia, reduced high-density lipoprotein levels, elevated blood pressure and raised fasting glucose levels. The precise definition of MetS, the relationships of its metabolic features, and what initiates it, are debated. However, obesity is on the rise worldwide, and its association with these metabolic symptoms increases the risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease (among many other diseases). Research needs to determine the mechanisms by which obesity and MetS increase the risk of disease. In light of this growing epidemic, it is imperative to develop animal models of MetS. These models will help determine the pathophysiological basis for MetS and how MetS increases the risk for other diseases. Among the various animal models available to study MetS, mice are the most commonly used for several reasons. First, there are several spontaneously occurring obese mouse strains that have been used for decades and that are very well characterized. Second, high-fat feeding studies require only months to induce MetS. Third, it is relatively easy to study the effects of single genes by developing transgenic or gene knockouts to determine the influence of a gene on MetS. For these reasons, this review will focus on the benefits and caveats of the most common mouse models of MetS. It is our hope that the reader will be able to use this review as a guide for the selection of mouse models for their own studies.

Post-weaning high-fat diet accelerates kidney injury, but not hypertension programmed by maternal diabetes

“…However, the observations of obesity-induced hypertension in animals are varied (32). For instance, Kennedy et al (32) recently reviewed blood pressure responses in obese mouse models such as Lep ob/ob , LepR db/db , and HFD-induced obesity; responses of blood pressure include an increase, decrease, or no change, largely depending on strain, sex, age, environment, and the method of measuring BP.…”

“…However, the observations of obesity-induced hypertension in animals are varied (32). For instance, Kennedy et al (32) recently reviewed blood pressure responses in obese mouse models such as Lep ob/ob , LepR db/db , and HFD-induced obesity; responses of blood pressure include an increase, decrease, or no change, largely depending on strain, sex, age, environment, and the method of measuring BP. In this study, we did not observe an impact from HFD on the development of hypertension in either Con-HF or Dia-HF mice; our results are similar to reported observations in 5 out of 6 nephrectomized rats fed with HFD (33) and obese ZSF1 rats (34).…”

Effects of liraglutide and sibutramine on food intake, palatability, body weight and glucose tolerance in the gubra DIO-rats

“…Hence, the availability of animal models that predictably reflect human obesity syndrome is important. Although the genetic models of obesity (eg, the ob/ob and db/db mice, Zucker fa/fa rats, Agouti mice, and MC4 knockout mice) have contributed significantly to our understanding of the molecular physiology of food intake and energy homeostasis [3,4] , the fact that human obesity is a complex interplay between environment (food, exercise) and genetics (multiple genes) [5,6] requires animal models that reflect this complexity.…”

Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Noni (Morinda Citrifolia L.) on Blood Pressure in Ovariectomized Rats Fed With High-Fat Diet

“…39 Previous studies observed that the intake of cholesterol-rich food develops obesity and several cardiovascular complications in various animal models. 40,41 These high cholesterol diets induced damage to the endothelium of large arteries and heart causing hypertension and subsequently, producing atherosclerosis resulting in coronary heart disease. 42 In the present study, it is shown that there is no difference in the systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure in the Ovx group.…”