Rajneesh Chaudhary1,2, Ken R Walder3, Christoph E Hagemeyer4, Jagat R Kanwar3. 1. Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Monash AMREP building, Level 2, Walkway, via The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. raj.chaudhary@monash.edu. 2. School of Medicine, Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, School of Medicine, Deakin University - 75 Pigdons Rd, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia. raj.chaudhary@monash.edu. 3. School of Medicine, Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, School of Medicine, Deakin University - 75 Pigdons Rd, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia. 4. Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Monash AMREP building, Level 2, Walkway, via The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review specifically summarises and reports terrestrial mammals of the gerbil subfamily, known as Israeli sand rats or Psammomys obesus (P. obesus) as a diet-controlled, unique, polygenic rodent model for research in the areas of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The animal model closely mimics phenotypic and pathophysiological resemblance with human populations. RECENT FINDINGS: The physiological status and biochemical composition in P. obesus can be manipulated effectively by controlling its nutritional intake, making it a natural model for cardiovascular and diabetic research. Humans exhibit remarkable disparity in physiology and pathology, which are inter-dependent factors. However, variations in these factors in most animal models currently being used for cardiovascular/diabetes research are insignificant. Consequently, it is a necessity to identify and develop animal models exhibiting physiological variations mimicking human pathological conditions. We have compiled research developments conducted with this rodent model manifesting pathophysiology, closely mimicking that in human beings, thereby enabling better translation of novel therapeutic and diagnostic discoveries.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review specifically summarises and reports terrestrial mammals of the gerbil subfamily, known as Israeli sand rats or Psammomys obesus (P. obesus) as a diet-controlled, unique, polygenic rodent model for research in the areas of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The animal model closely mimics phenotypic and pathophysiological resemblance with human populations. RECENT FINDINGS: The physiological status and biochemical composition in P. obesus can be manipulated effectively by controlling its nutritional intake, making it a natural model for cardiovascular and diabetic research. Humans exhibit remarkable disparity in physiology and pathology, which are inter-dependent factors. However, variations in these factors in most animal models currently being used for cardiovascular/diabetes research are insignificant. Consequently, it is a necessity to identify and develop animal models exhibiting physiological variations mimicking human pathological conditions. We have compiled research developments conducted with this rodent model manifesting pathophysiology, closely mimicking that in human beings, thereby enabling better translation of novel therapeutic and diagnostic discoveries.
Authors: H E Gruber; R A Norris; M J Kern; G L Hoelscher; J A Ingram; N Zinchenko; E N Hanley Journal: Biotech Histochem Date: 2010-04-06 Impact factor: 1.718
Authors: Yu I Ragino; E V Kashtanova; A M Chernjavski; A M Volkov; Ya V Polonskaya; S Yu Tsimbal; N V Eremenko; M V Ivanova Journal: Bull Exp Biol Med Date: 2011-07 Impact factor: 0.804
Authors: Weiqing Zhang; Yung-Jen Chuang; Tianquan Jin; Richard Swanson; Yan Xiong; Lawrence Leung; Steven T Olson Journal: Cancer Res Date: 2006-05-15 Impact factor: 12.701