Recent Application of Zebrafish Models in Atherosclerosis Research

Tang, Dandan; Geng, Fang; Yu, Chenggang; Zhang, Ruilin

doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.643697

Cited by 19 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 86 publications

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“…Literature spanning three decades has validated the zebrafish as an excellent model for researching human diseases and drug development. For instance, atherosclerotic disease in zebrafish using [ 18 F]FDG, which is the mainstay radioligand in PET imaging and consequently has been the most common radioligand used in imaging studies of atherosclerosis ( 25 , 26 ). As noted, PET/CT plays a pivotal role in therapeutics and radiotracer development, discovery or repurposing.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

PET/CT Technology in Adult Zebrafish: A Pilot Study Toward Live Longitudinal Imaging

et al. 2021

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Decades of research have confirmed the beneficial and advantageous use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model of human disease in biomedical studies. Not only are 71% of human genes shared with the zebrafish many of these genes are linked to human diseases. Currently, numerous transgenic and mutant genetic zebrafish lines are now widely available for use in research. Furthermore, zebrafish are relatively inexpensive to maintain compared to rodents. However, a limiting factor to fully utilising adult zebrafish in research is not the fish but the technological imaging tools available. In order to increase the utilisation of adult zebrafish, which are not naturally transparent, requires new imaging approaches. Therefore, this feasibility study: (1) presents an innovative designed PET/CT adult zebrafish imaging platform, capable of maintaining normal aquatic physiology during scanning; (2) assesses the practical aspects of adult zebrafish imaging; and (3) set basic procedural guidelines for zebrafish imaging during a PET/CT acquisition.Methods: With computer aided design (CAD) software an imaging platform was developed for 3D printing. A 3D printed zebrafish model was created from a CT acquisition of a zebrafish using the CAD software. This model and subsequently euthanised zebrafish were imaged post-injection using different concentrations of the radiotracer [18F]FDG with CT contrast.Results: PET/CT imaging was successful, revealing levels as low as 0.01 MBq could be detected in the fish. In the zebrafish imaging post-injection distribution of the radiotracer was observed away from the injection site as well as tissue uptake. Potential preliminary husbandry and welfare guidelines for the fish during and after PET/CT imaging were determined.Conclusion: Using PET/CT for adult zebrafish imaging as a viable non-invasive technological tool is feasible. Adult zebrafish PET/CT imaging has the potential to be a key imaging technique offering the possibilities of enhanced biomedical understanding and new translational data sets.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

PET/CT Technology in Adult Zebrafish: A Pilot Study Toward Live Longitudinal Imaging

et al. 2021

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“…On closer examination, however, the situation is somewhat different for the following reasons: (1) Establishing “lower” animal models of atherosclerosis is of great benefit, in particular with regard to large scale screening of potential therapeutic targets. For example, thanks to their unique properties (fertility, rapid development ex utero , transparency, lipid metabolism) zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) has become a promising animal model for vascular biology as well as screening and evaluation of drug therapy ( 49 ). Even before, it was stressed that Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster , and Danio rerio are useful candidates for the identification of new pharmaceutical targets for metabolic diseases ( 50 ).…”

Section: Atherosclerosismentioning

confidence: 99%

C-Reactive Protein: Friend or Foe? Phylogeny From Heavy Metals to Modified Lipoproteins and SARS-CoV-2

Torzewski

2022

Front. Cardiovasc. Med.

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Animal C-reactive protein (CRP) has a widespread existence throughout phylogeny implying that these proteins have essential functions mandatory to be preserved. About 500 million years of evolution teach us that there is a continuous interplay between emerging antigens and components of innate immunity. The most archaic physiological roles of CRP seem to be detoxication of heavy metals and other chemicals followed or accompanied by an acute phase response and host defense against bacterial, viral as well as parasitic infection. On the other hand, unusual antigens have emerged questioning the black-and-white perception of CRP as being invariably beneficial. Such antigens came along either as autoantigens like excessive tissue-stranded modified lipoprotein due to misdirected food intake linking CRP with atherosclerosis with an as yet open net effect, or as foreign antigens like SARS-CoV-2 inducing an uncontrolled CRP-mediated autoimmune response. The latter two examples impressingly demonstrate that a component of ancient immunity like CRP should not be considered under identical “beneficial” auspices throughout phylogeny but might effect quite the reverse as well.

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“…The zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) is an attractive experimental model that can offer new opportunities in the research fields due to a combination of interesting aspects and peculiar characteristics [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. The choice of zebrafish as a rather advantageous model over others is of considerable relevance because it is small robust fish, easy to maintain, and economical to breed [ 32 , 33 ].…”

Section: Obesity: Model Of Choicementioning

confidence: 99%

Zebrafish and Flavonoids: Adjuvants against Obesity

et al. 2021

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Obesity is a pathological condition, defined as an excessive accumulation of fat, primarily caused by an energy imbalance. The storage of excess energy in the form of triglycerides within the adipocyte leads to lipotoxicity and promotes the phenotypic switch in the M1/M2 macrophage. These changes induce the development of a chronic state of low-grade inflammation, subsequently generating obesity-related complications, commonly known as metabolic syndromes. Over the past decade, obesity has been studied in many animal models. However, due to its competitive aspects and unique characteristics, the use of zebrafish has begun to gain traction in experimental obesity research. To counteract obesity and its related comorbidities, several natural substances have been studied. One of those natural substances reported to have substantial biological effects on obesity are flavonoids. This review summarizes the results of studies that examined the effects of flavonoids on obesity and related diseases and the emergence of zebrafish as a model of diet-induced obesity.

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Recent Application of Zebrafish Models in Atherosclerosis Research

Cited by 19 publications

References 86 publications

PET/CT Technology in Adult Zebrafish: A Pilot Study Toward Live Longitudinal Imaging

PET/CT Technology in Adult Zebrafish: A Pilot Study Toward Live Longitudinal Imaging

C-Reactive Protein: Friend or Foe? Phylogeny From Heavy Metals to Modified Lipoproteins and SARS-CoV-2

Zebrafish and Flavonoids: Adjuvants against Obesity

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