Animal Models of Human Pathology: Revision, Relevance and Refinements

Dear Colleagues,

Use of animal models of human pathology is accepted on the assumption that it benefits humans. However, recent publications have shown that research on animals faces serious challenges. The increasing number of potential targets, molecular pathways or treatment strategies, which have been recognized as promising in animal models, have failed when translated into human trials. We have reached the point where the clinical relevance of animal models needs urgent clarification.

Multiple methodological problems in animal research have already been exposed, such as poor experimental design, inadequate use of fundamental statistical principles (i.e., randomization, blinding, inadequate power, inadequate sample size, pseudo-replication, etc.), and nontransparent reporting, which results in low scientific validity and irreproducibility of results. However, research on animal models also requires comprehensive knowledge about the model, as well as an understanding of the complex pathogenesis of diseases, which involves both local and systemic effects in the body. Every animal model has its own characteristics, advantages, and limitations. There are factors specific to the disease or animal model that can influence not only the severity of the disease but also underlying mechanisms, and, when these factors are not taken into account, research may result in the discovery of new targets and disease pathways that are of no scientific or clinical value. There are also animal-model-specific factors that can seriously affect the results and lead to false conclusions and failed translation. Although overall animal health and welfare issues—such as animal clinical state, morbidity, mortality, humane endpoints and humane interventions, whole body necropsy findings, sampling principles, pathohistological diagnosis—are of vital importance in the interpretation of the molecular mechanisms or treatment strategies in an organism, this information is usually lacking or rarely properly addressed in animal model studies.

The purpose of this Special Issue is thus to promote submissions of high-quality papers of basic research using animal models to understand diseases and underlying mechanisms or to investigate new treatment strategies in various human diseases such as cancer, bowel diseases, kidney injury, Parkinson’s disease, etc. New approaches towards the use of animal models or refinements of particular animal models of human pathology are also welcome.

Dr. Martina Perše
Guest Editor

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