Naturally Occurring Endocrine Disorders in Non-Human Primates: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Literature concerning veterinary medicine of non-human primates is continuously updated, yet endocrine disorders remain underreported. While case or survey reports of individual endocrinopathies are available, a comprehensive review is not. An exhaustive literature search on this subject via widely used academic search systems, (e.g., Google Scholar, PubMed, BioOne complete and Web of Science), and peer-reviewed publications, proceedings, and newsletters was performed. Selected major endocrine entities will be described with emphasis on clinical signs, morphologic appearances, concomitant diseases, as well as available treatment options. Mostly, no clinical signs were noted and on gross pathology, the endocrine organs were unremarkable. An endocrine-related diagnosis was frequently made as an incidental finding after standard histopathological examination. During the review, the pancreas represented the most affected endocrine organ and diabetes mellitus represented the most clinically significant disorder. Currently, no standard procedure for diagnosing, monitoring, or treating endocrine disorders in non-human primates exists.

Oral metformin for type-2 diabetes mellitus treatment in a black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata)

“…This condition is often reported in obese and senile females, and, in addition to obesity, other risk factors are related, such as physical inactivity, hormones associated with stress, female reproductive hormones, and the use of progestogens (Araújo et al 2000). Feeding history associated to obesity, hyperglycemia, and glycosuria strongly suggests DM2 diagnosis in this particular case (Baker & de la Garza 2022). Even though the renal threshold that determines glycosuria in callitrichids is unknown, this parameter was useful to determine the diagnosis and discard stress-related hyperglycemia.…”

“…Before developing overt diabetes, NHPs have a period of obesity-associated insulin resistance that is initially met with compensatory insulin secretion. When a relative or absolute deficiency in pancreatic insulin production occurs, fasting glucose concentrations increase and diabetic signs become apparent (Wagner et al 2006, Baker & de la Garza 2022. In this way, promoting responsible guard of captive animals regarding maintenance of adequate nutritional and environmental requirements to keep eutrophic condition is mandatory.…”

“…In non-human primates (NHP), T2DM is often associated with obesity in captive animals (Araújo et al 2000, Ruivo 2017). symptoms are rarely observed, and the diagnosis is often random (Ruivo 2017, Baker & de la Garza 2022. Also, NHPs are sometimes considered models for T2DM studies (Wagner et al 2006).…”

A human antibody against pathologic IAPP aggregates protects beta cells in type 2 diabetes models

“…Finally, the magnitude of the therapeutic effects of our approach might be underestimated due to the rapid disease progression and high overexpression of IAPP. Future studies in more physiological models such as miniature pigs 18 , 64 or non-human primates 65 , 66 could therefore be of additional translational value.…”