The Importance of Animal Models in Biomedical Research: Current Insights and Applications

Domínguez-Oliva, Adriana; Hernández-Ávalos, Ismael; Martı́nez-Burnes, Julio; Olmos-Hernández, Adriana; Verduzco-Mendoza, Antonio; Mota-Rojas, Daniel

doi:10.3390/ani13071223

Cited by 72 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 167 publications

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“…However, there are significant considerations to make when contemplating the use of pets for experimental purposes ( 77 ). Historically, the use of animals in research, particularly companion animals, has not been widely accepted by the public; indeed, there is increasing pressure for researchers to reduce animal usage ( 78 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of the skin microbiome in normal and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma affected cats and dogs

Bromfield,

Zaugg,

Straw

et al. 2024

mSphere

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Human cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and actinic keratoses (AK) display microbial dysbiosis with an enrichment of staphylococcal species, which have been implicated in AK and SCC progression. SCCs are common in both felines and canines and are often diagnosed at late stages leading to high disease morbidity and mortality rates. Although recent studies support the involvement of the skin microbiome in AK and SCC progression in humans, there is no knowledge of this in companion animals. Here, we provide microbiome data for SCC in cats and dogs using culture-independent molecular profiling and show a significant decrease in microbial alpha diversity on SCC lesions compared to normal skin ( P ≤ 0.05). Similar to human skin cancer, SCC samples had an elevated abundance of staphylococci relative to normal skin—50% (6/12) had >50% staphylococci, as did 16% (4/25) of perilesional samples. Analysis of Staphylococcus at the species level revealed an enrichment of the pathogenic species Staphylococcus felis in cat SCC samples, a higher prevalence of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in dogs, and a higher abundance of Staphylococcus aureus compared to normal skin in both companion animals. Additionally, a comparison of previously published human SCC and perilesional samples against the present pet samples revealed that Staphylococcus was the most prevalent genera across human and companion animals for both sample types. Similarities between the microbial profile of human and cat/dog SCC lesions should facilitate future skin cancer research. IMPORTANCE The progression of precancerous actinic keratosis lesions (AK) to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is poorly understood in humans and companion animals, despite causing a significant burden of disease. Recent studies have revealed that the microbiota may play a significant role in disease progression. Staphylococcus aureus has been found in high abundance on AK and SCC lesions, where it secretes DNA-damaging toxins, which could potentiate tumorigenesis. Currently, a suitable animal model to investigate this relationship is lacking. Thus, we examined the microbiome of cutaneous SCC in pets, revealing similarities to humans, with increased staphylococci and reduced commensals on SCC lesions and peri-lesional skin compared to normal skin. Two genera that were in abundance in SCC samples have also been found in human oral SCC lesions. These findings suggest the potential suitability of pets as a model for studying microbiome-related skin cancer progression.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of the skin microbiome in normal and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma affected cats and dogs

Bromfield,

Zaugg,

Straw

et al. 2024

mSphere

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“…We have included both animal and human studies in this review because it is crucial for the evaluation of interventions [ 44 – 47 ]. Animal studies provide valuable insights into mechanisms, efficacy, and safety, serving as a bridge between basic research and clinical applications [ 48 , 49 ]. They offer predictive value by exploring intervention effects before testing them in humans [ 49 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unraveling the therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol in Alzheimer’s disease: an umbrella review of systematic evidence

Azargoonjahromi,

Abutalebian

2024

Nutr Metab (Lond)

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Context Resveratrol (RV), a natural compound found in grapes, berries, and peanuts, has been extensively studied for its potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). RV has shown promise in inhibiting the formation of beta-amyloid plaques (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), protecting against neuronal damage and oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, promoting neuroprotection, and improving the function of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, conflicting results have been reported, necessitating a comprehensive umbrella review of systematic reviews to provide an unbiased conclusion on the therapeutic effectiveness of RV in AD. Objective The objective of this study was to systematically synthesize and evaluate systematic and meta-analysis reviews investigating the role of RV in AD using data from both human and animal studies. Data sources and extraction Of the 34 systematic and meta-analysis reviews examining the association between RV and AD that were collected, six were included in this study based on specific selection criteria. To identify pertinent studies, a comprehensive search was conducted in English-language peer-reviewed journals without any restrictions on the publication date until October 15, 2023. The search was carried out across multiple databases, including Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, utilizing appropriate terms relevant to the specific research field. The AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS tools were also used to evaluate the quality and risk of bias of the included systematic reviews, respectively. Two researchers independently extracted and analyzed the data, resolving any discrepancies through consensus. Of note, the study adhered to the PRIOR checklist. Data analysis This umbrella review presented robust evidence supporting the positive impacts of RV in AD, irrespective of the specific mechanisms involved. It indeed indicated that all six systematic and meta-analysis reviews unanimously concluded that the consumption of RV can be effective in the treatment of AD. Conclusion RV exhibits promising potential for benefiting individuals with AD through various mechanisms. It has been observed to enhance cognitive function, reduce Aβ accumulation, provide neuroprotection, protect the BBB, support mitochondrial function, facilitate synaptic plasticity, stabilize tau proteins, mitigate oxidative stress, and reduce neuroinflammation commonly associated with AD. Graphical abstract

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“…23 NHPs are specifically employed to study high-priority diseases, including both endemic and pandemic outbreaks driven by diverse viruses (Figure 2). [24][25][26][27][28] To date, a diverse array of NHP species are being utilized for virus research, encompassing rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), african green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus/aethiops), pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina/Macaca leonina), baboons (Papio hamadryas/Papio anubis), and common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). 19,26,29,30 2.1 | Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) model…”

Section: Utiliz Ati On Of Nhp Model S In Vir Al Outb Re Ak Re S E Archmentioning

confidence: 99%

Utilizing non‐human primate models to combat recent COVID‐19/SARS‐CoV‐2 and viral infectious disease outbreaks

Kwon

2023

J of Medical Primatology

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In recent times, global viral outbreaks and diseases, such as COVID‐19 (SARS‐CoV‐2), Zika (ZIKV), monkeypox (MPOX), Ebola (EBOV), and Marburg (MARV), have been extensively documented. Swiftly deciphering the mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis and devising vaccines or therapeutic interventions to curtail these outbreaks stand as paramount imperatives. Amidst these endeavors, animal models emerge as pivotal tools. Among these models, non‐human primates (NHPs) hold a position of particular importance. Their proximity in evolutionary lineage and physiological resemblances to humans render them a primary model for comprehending human viral infections. This review encapsulates the pivotal role of various NHP species—such as rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), african green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus/aethiops), pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina/Macaca leonina), baboons (Papio hamadryas/Papio anubis), and common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)—in investigations pertaining to the abovementioned viral outbreaks. These NHP models play a pivotal role in illuminating key aspects of disease dynamics, facilitating the development of effective countermeasures, and contributing significantly to our overall understanding of viral pathogenesis.

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The Importance of Animal Models in Biomedical Research: Current Insights and Applications

Cited by 72 publications

References 167 publications

Characterization of the skin microbiome in normal and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma affected cats and dogs

Characterization of the skin microbiome in normal and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma affected cats and dogs

Unraveling the therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol in Alzheimer’s disease: an umbrella review of systematic evidence

Utilizing non‐human primate models to combat recent COVID‐19/SARS‐CoV‐2 and viral infectious disease outbreaks

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