Psammomys obesus : a Natural Diet-Controlled Model for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review specifically summarises and reports terrestrial mammals of the gerbil subfamily, known as Israeli sand rats orPsammomys 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 FindingsThe physiological status and biochemical composition inP.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.SummaryWe 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.
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research