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Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 22454

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Department of Physiology, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania
Interests: animal studies; atrial fibrillation; autonomic nervous system; cardiac arrhythmias; cardiac remodeling
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Dear Colleagues,

Preclinical studies have always represented, and will continue to represent, one of the pillars of medical progress. From William Harvey’s description of blood circulation to the elucidation of mechanisms that underly atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias, or heart failure, and to the development of heart transplantation, valve replacement, or coronary artery bypass grafting, all major medical breakthroughs have relied on studies performed in laboratory animals. Whether we are talking about the elucidation of physiological or pathophysiological mechanisms, the identification of new therapeutic targets, the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of new therapeutic strategies, or simply the organ and tissue resources that they represent, animals are indisputably an invaluable resource for progress in human medicine. Unfortunately, for numerous reasons, not all results obtained in animal studies end up being confirmed in humans. Choosing the right animal species, using the adequate model, and applying a rigorous methodology and statistical tests are therefore critical in animal experimentation.

For this Special Issue, we invite both original research articles and reviews that provide readers of IJMS with novel data regarding the most relevant animal models used in biomedical research.

Prof. Dr. Alina Scridon
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • animal experimentation
  • in vivo animal studies
  • interspecies differences
  • standardization of animal models
  • statistical analyses in animal studies

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 4891 KiB  
Article
BMAL1—Potential Player of Aberrant Stress Response in Q31L Mice Model of Affective Disorders: Pilot Results
by Kristina Smirnova, Tamara Amstislavskaya and Liudmila Smirnova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12468; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212468 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 967
Abstract
Dysregulation in the stress-response system as a result of genetical mutation can provoke the manifestation of affective disorders under stress conditions. Mutations in the human DISC1 gene is one of the main risk factors of affective disorders. It was known that DISC1 regulates [...] Read more.
Dysregulation in the stress-response system as a result of genetical mutation can provoke the manifestation of affective disorders under stress conditions. Mutations in the human DISC1 gene is one of the main risk factors of affective disorders. It was known that DISC1 regulates a large number of proteins including BMAL1, which is involved in the regulation of glucocorticoid synthesis in the adrenal glands and the sensitivity of glucocorticoid receptor target genes. Male mice with a point mutation Q31L in the Disc1 gene were exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS), after which the behavioral and physiological stress response assessed. To assess whether there were any changes in BMAL1 in key brain regions involved in the stress response, immunohistochemistry was applied. It was shown that the Q31L mice had an aberrant behavioral response, especially to the 2 weeks of CUS, which was expressed in unchanged motor activity, increased time of social interaction, and alterations in anxiety and fear-related behavior. Q31L males did not show an increase in blood corticosterone levels after CUS and a decrease in body weight. Immunohistochemical analysis in intact Q31L mice revealed a decrease in BMAL1 immunofluorescence in the CA1 hippocampal area and lateral habenula. Thus, the Q31L mutation of the Disc1 gene disrupts behavioral and physiological stress response and the BMAL1 dysregulation may underlie it, so this protein can act as a molecular target for the treatment of affective disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 5102 KiB  
Article
A Standardized Mouse Model for Wound Infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
by Jie Hou, Qian Wu, Rongrong Xiong, Pradeep K. Malakar, Yongheng Zhu, Yong Zhao and Zhaohuan Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111773 - 1 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1505
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly drug-resistant pathogen known to impair wound healing and provoke inflammatory responses, potentially leading to immune dysregulation. This study aimed to systematically investigate the immune response mechanisms mediated by cytokines following P. aeruginosa infection through the development of a [...] Read more.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly drug-resistant pathogen known to impair wound healing and provoke inflammatory responses, potentially leading to immune dysregulation. This study aimed to systematically investigate the immune response mechanisms mediated by cytokines following P. aeruginosa infection through the development of a standardized wound model. Kunming mice were selected as experimental subjects and given 8 mm diameter lesions on their backs and inoculated with standard strains PAO1 and PA14. The key parameters assessed included changes in body weight, wound redness and swelling, bacterial dynamics, protein content in wound tissues, immune responses, and pathological alterations. The results demonstrated that pathogen invasion significantly inhibited wound healing, with healing rates in the infected groups (87.5 ± 6.3% and 77.1 ± 3.6%) being notably lower than those in the uninfected control group. P. aeruginosa persisted in the wounds for up to 12 days, with bacterial loads decreasing from 8 log to 2 log. Additionally, there was a marked reduction in the protein content of the wound tissue and an increase in the expression levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β and TNF-α. The thickness of granulation tissue and the number of neovessels were significantly lower compared to the uninfected control group. This study establishes a standardized paradigm for creating a mouse model of P. aeruginosa infection in wounds, emphasizing the importance of appropriate mouse strains, uniform wound preparation methods, and moderate inoculation doses for reliable and accurate experimental results. These elements will facilitate the assessment of changes across six key indicators post-infection, providing a foundational data set and technical support for future mechanistic investigations of P. aeruginosa infection and the development of targeted antimicrobial strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 6024 KiB  
Article
High-Fructose Diet and Chronic Unpredictable Stress Modify Each Other’s Neurobehavioral Effects in Female Rats
by Sanja Kovačević, Željko Pavković, Jelena Brkljačić, Ivana Elaković, Danijela Vojnović Milutinović, Ana Djordjevic and Vesna Pešić
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11721; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111721 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1373
Abstract
A pervasive exposure to stressors and the consumption of fructose-containing beverages usually go hand-in-hand in everyday life. In contrast to their metabolic outcomes, their impact on the brain and behavior is still understudied. We examined the behavioral response to a novelty (open field [...] Read more.
A pervasive exposure to stressors and the consumption of fructose-containing beverages usually go hand-in-hand in everyday life. In contrast to their metabolic outcomes, their impact on the brain and behavior is still understudied. We examined the behavioral response to a novelty (open field test), the expression of biochemical indicators of neuronal activity (Egr1 and FosB/ΔFosB), the synaptic potentiation (CaMKIIα and pCaMKIIThr286), the synaptic plasticity (synaptophysin, PSD95, gephyrin, and drebrin), and the GABAergic system (parvalbumin and GAD67), along with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and AMPK, in the medial prefrontal cortex of female Wistar rats subjected to liquid fructose supplementation (F), chronic unpredictable stress (S), or both (SF) over 9 weeks. The only hallmark of the F group was an increased expression of pCaMKIIThr286, which was also observed in the S group, but not in the SF group. The SF group did not show hyperactivity, a decreased expression of FosB, or an increased expression of parvalbumin, as the S group did. The SF group, as with the S group, showed a decreased expression of the GR, although the basal level of corticosterone was unchanged. The SF group showed, as de novo marks, thigmotactic behavior, increased drebrin, and decreased gephyrin expression. These findings suggest that the long-term consumption of fructose, which itself has subtle neurobehavioral consequences, in combination with stress prevents some of its effects, but also contributes to novel outcomes not seen in single treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 3316 KiB  
Article
High-Fat Diet-Induced Blood–Brain Barrier Dysfunction: Impact on Allodynia and Motor Coordination in Rats
by Laura M. Ubaldo-Reyes, Estefania Espitia-Bautista, Antonio Barajas-Martínez, Ricardo Martínez-Tapia, Verónica Rodríguez-Mata, Roxana Noriega-Navarro, Rene Escalona, Jesús Castillo-Hernández, Armando Pérez-Torres and Luz Navarro
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(20), 11218; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252011218 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1474
Abstract
The associations among increased pain sensitivity, obesity, and systemic inflammation have not been described as related to BBB dysfunctions. To analyze the metabolic, behavioral, and inflammatory effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) and ultrastructural modifications in brain regions, we used an in vivo [...] Read more.
The associations among increased pain sensitivity, obesity, and systemic inflammation have not been described as related to BBB dysfunctions. To analyze the metabolic, behavioral, and inflammatory effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) and ultrastructural modifications in brain regions, we used an in vivo experimental model. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of two conditions, an ad libitum control group or an HFD (60%)-fed group, for eight weeks. At the end of the protocol, glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. Additionally, we analyzed the response to a normally innocuous mechanical stimulus and changes in motor coordination. At the end of the protocol, HFD-fed rats presented increased HOMA–IR and metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence. HFD-fed rats also developed an increased nociceptive response to mechanical stimuli and neurological injury, resulting in impaired motor function. Hypothalamus and cerebellum neurons from HFD-fed rats presented with nuclear swelling, an absence of nucleoli, and karyolysis. These results reveal that HFD consumption affects vital brain structures such as the cerebellum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. This, in turn, could be producing neuronal damage, impairing cellular communication, and consequently altering motricity and pain sensitivity. Although direct evidence of a causal link between BBB dysfunction and sensory-motor changes was not observed, understanding the association uncovered in this study could lead to targeted therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 2880 KiB  
Article
Development and Worsening of Hypertension with Age in Male Wistar Rats as a Physiological Model of Age-Related Hypertension: Correction of Hypertension with Taxifolin
by Elena A. Tukhovskaya, Alina M. Ismailova, Natalya A. Perepechenova, Gulsara A. Slashcheva, Victor A. Palikov, Yulia A. Palikova, Dmitry I. Rzhevsky, Vladimir A. Rykov, Nadezhda I. Novikova, Igor A. Dyachenko and Arkady N. Murashev
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(20), 11216; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252011216 - 18 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1275
Abstract
To preclinically study the effectiveness of new antihypertensive drugs, various animal hypertension models are used. However, most of them do not correspond to primary hypertension, which develops in people with age. We used male Wistar rats of 4, 10, 12 and 18 months [...] Read more.
To preclinically study the effectiveness of new antihypertensive drugs, various animal hypertension models are used. However, most of them do not correspond to primary hypertension, which develops in people with age. We used male Wistar rats of 4, 10, 12 and 18 months old. The animals were divided according to systolic blood pressure (SBP) into normotensive (SBP ≤ 114 mmHg) or hypertensive (SBP ≥ 115 mmHg). Within hypertensive animals, two cohorts were distinguished—with SBP below and above 125 mmHg. The animals received 100 µg/kg of taxifolin intraperitoneally for 7 days. A significant difference was shown between animals with SBP above and below 115 mmHg, as well as between cohorts of hypertensive animals with SBP above and below 125 mmHg within each age. The number of animals with elevated SBP increased with age both for clusters with an SBP above 115 mmHg and for cohorts with an SBP above 125 mmHg. Administration of taxifolin led to a significant decrease in the SBP only in hypertensive animals. A physiological model of age-related hypertension was obtained in male Wistar rats. It has been shown that hypertension develops and worsens with age. In preclinical studies, it should be taken into account that drugs may have different effects depending on the initial SBP of the animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 3262 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Role of Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptors in Vascular Function and Remodeling in a Hypercholesterolemic Mouse Model with Low-Density Lipoprotein–Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptor Double Knockout Animals
by Zsolt Vass, Kinga Shenker-Horváth, Bálint Bányai, Kinga Nóra Vető, Viktória Török, Janka Borbála Gém, György L. Nádasy, Kinga Bernadett Kovács, Eszter Mária Horváth, Zoltán Jakus, László Hunyady, Mária Szekeres and Gabriella Dörnyei
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9537; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179537 - 2 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1854
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia forms the background of several cardiovascular pathologies. LDL receptor-knockout (LDLR-KO) mice kept on a high-fat diet (HFD) develop high cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis (AS). Cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) induce vasodilation, although their role in cardiovascular pathologies is still controversial. [...] Read more.
Hypercholesterolemia forms the background of several cardiovascular pathologies. LDL receptor-knockout (LDLR-KO) mice kept on a high-fat diet (HFD) develop high cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis (AS). Cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) induce vasodilation, although their role in cardiovascular pathologies is still controversial. We aimed to reveal the effects of CB1Rs on vascular function and remodeling in hypercholesterolemic AS-prone LDLR-KO mice. Experiments were performed on a newly established LDLR and CB1R double-knockout (KO) mouse model, in which KO and wild-type (WT) mice were kept on an HFD or a control diet (CD) for 5 months. The vascular functions of abdominal aorta rings were tested with wire myography. The vasorelaxation effects of acetylcholine (Ach, 1 nM–1 µM) were obtained after phenylephrine precontraction, which was repeated with inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX), Nω-nitro-L-arginine (LNA), and indomethacin (INDO), respectively. Blood pressure was measured with the tail-cuff method. Immunostaining of endothelial NOS (eNOS) was carried out. An HFD significantly elevated the cholesterol levels in the LDLR-KO mice more than in the corresponding WT mice (mean values: 1039 ± 162 mg/dL vs. 91 ± 18 mg/dL), and they were not influenced by the presence of the CB1R gene. However, with the defect of the CB1R gene, damage to the Ach relaxation ability was moderated. The blood pressure was higher in the LDLR-KO mice compared to their WT counterparts (systolic/diastolic values: 110/84 ± 5.8/6.8 vs. 102/80 ± 3.3/2.5 mmHg), which was significantly elevated with an HFD (118/96 ± 1.9/2 vs. 100/77 ± 3.4/3.1 mmHg, p < 0.05) but attenuated in the CB1R-KO HFD mice. The expression of eNOS was depressed in the HFD WT mice compared to those on the CD, but it was augmented if CB1R was knocked out. This newly established double-knockout mouse model provides a tool for studying the involvement of CB1Rs in the development of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Our results indicate that knocking out the CB1R gene significantly attenuates vascular damage in hypercholesterolemic mice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 6257 KiB  
Article
The mRNA and microRNA Landscape of the Blastema Niche in Regenerating Newt Limbs
by Qi Zhang and Bin Lu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9225; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179225 - 25 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1439
Abstract
Newts are excellent vertebrate models for investigating tissue regeneration due to their remarkable regenerative capabilities. To investigate the mRNA and microRNAs (miRNAs) profiles within the blastema niche of regenerating newt limbs, we amputated the limbs of Chinese fire belly newts (Cynops orientalis [...] Read more.
Newts are excellent vertebrate models for investigating tissue regeneration due to their remarkable regenerative capabilities. To investigate the mRNA and microRNAs (miRNAs) profiles within the blastema niche of regenerating newt limbs, we amputated the limbs of Chinese fire belly newts (Cynops orientalis) and conducted comprehensive analyses of the transcriptome and microRNA profiles at five distinct time points post-amputation (0 hours, 1 day, 5 days 10 days and 20 days). We identified 24 significantly differentially expressed (DE) genes and 20 significantly DE miRNAs. Utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, we identified four genes likely to playing crucial roles in the early stages of limb regeneration: Cemip, Rhou, Gpd2 and Pcna. Moreover, mRNA–miRNA integration analysis uncovered seven human miRNAs (miR-19b-1, miR-19b-2, miR-21-5p, miR-127-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-194-5p, and miR-210-5p) may regulate the expression of these four key genes. The temporal expression patterns of these key genes and miRNAs further validated the robustness of the identified mRNA-miRNA landscape. Our study successfully identified candidate key genes and elucidated a portion of the genetic regulatory mechanisms involved in newt limb regeneration. These findings offer valuable insights for further exploration of the intricate processes of tissue regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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6 pages, 602 KiB  
Communication
Copper Overload Increased Rat Striatal Levels of Both Dopamine and Its Main Metabolite Homovanillic Acid in Extracellular Fluid
by Antón Cruces-Sande, Pablo Garrido-Gil, Germán Sierra-Paredes, Néstor Vázquez-Agra, Álvaro Hermida-Ameijeiras, Antonio Pose-Reino, Estefanía Méndez-Álvarez and Ramón Soto-Otero
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8309; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158309 - 30 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1279
Abstract
Copper is a trace element whose electronic configuration provides it with essential structural and catalytic functions. However, in excess, both its high protein affinity and redox-catalyzing properties can lead to hazardous consequences. In addition to promoting oxidative stress, copper is gaining interest for [...] Read more.
Copper is a trace element whose electronic configuration provides it with essential structural and catalytic functions. However, in excess, both its high protein affinity and redox-catalyzing properties can lead to hazardous consequences. In addition to promoting oxidative stress, copper is gaining interest for its effects on neurotransmission through modulation of GABAergic and glutamatergic receptors and interaction with the dopamine reuptake transporter. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of copper overexposure on the levels of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin, or their main metabolites in rat’s striatum extracellular fluid. Copper was injected intraperitoneally using our previously developed model, which ensured striatal overconcentration (2 mg CuCl2/kg for 30 days). Subsequently, extracellular fluid was collected by microdialysis on days 0, 15, and 30. Dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and noradrenaline (NA) levels were then determined by HPLC coupled with electrochemical detection. We observed a significant increase in the basal levels of DA and HVA after 15 days of treatment (310% and 351%), which was maintained after 30 days (358% and 402%), with no significant changes in the concentrations of 5-HIAA, DOPAC, and NA. Copper overload led to a marked increase in synaptic DA concentration, which could contribute to the psychoneurological alterations and the increased oxidative toxicity observed in Wilson’s disease and other copper dysregulation states. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 5670 KiB  
Article
Age-Related Retinal Layer Thickness Changes Measured by OCT in APPNL-F/NL-F Mice: Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease
by Lidia Sánchez-Puebla, Rosa de Hoz, Elena Salobrar-García, Alberto Arias-Vázquez, María González-Jiménez, Ana I. Ramírez, José A. Fernández-Albarral, José A. Matamoros, Lorena Elvira-Hurtado, Takaomi C. Saido, Takashi Saito, Carmen Nieto Vaquero, María I. Cuartero, María A. Moro, Juan J. Salazar, Inés López-Cuenca and José M. Ramírez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8221; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158221 - 27 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1900
Abstract
In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), transgenic mouse models have established links between abnormalities in the retina and those in the brain. APPNL-F/NL-F is a murine, humanized AD model that replicates several pathological features observed in patients with AD. Research has focused on obtaining [...] Read more.
In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), transgenic mouse models have established links between abnormalities in the retina and those in the brain. APPNL-F/NL-F is a murine, humanized AD model that replicates several pathological features observed in patients with AD. Research has focused on obtaining quantitative parameters from optical coherence tomography (OCT) in AD. The aim of this study was to analyze, in a transversal case-control study using manual retinal segmentation via SD-OCT, the changes occurring in the retinal layers of the APPNL/F-NF/L AD model in comparison to C57BL/6J mice (WT) at 6, 9, 12, 15, 17, and 20 months of age. The analysis focused on retinal thickness in RNFL-GCL, IPL, INL, OPL, and ONL based on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) sectors. Both APPNL-F/NL-F-model and WT animals exhibited thickness changes at the time points studied. While WT showed significant changes in INL, OPL, and ONL, the AD model showed changes in all retinal layers analyzed. The APPNL-F/NL-F displayed significant thickness variations in the analyzed layers except for the IPL compared to related WT. These thickness changes closely resembled those found in humans during preclinical stages, as well as during mild and moderate AD stages, making this AD model behave more similarly to the disease in humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 2690 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Different Doses of Canthaxanthin in the Diet of Laying Hens on Egg Quality, Physical Characteristics, Metabolic Mechanism, and Offspring Health
by Junnan Zhang, Zhiqiong Mao, Jiangxia Zheng, Congjiao Sun and Guiyun Xu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7154; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137154 - 28 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1322
Abstract
Currently, there is a dearth of in-depth analysis and research on the impact of canthaxanthin on the production performance, egg quality, physical characteristics, and offspring health of laying hens. Furthermore, the metabolic mechanism of cantharidin in the body remains unclear. Therefore, to solve [...] Read more.
Currently, there is a dearth of in-depth analysis and research on the impact of canthaxanthin on the production performance, egg quality, physical characteristics, and offspring health of laying hens. Furthermore, the metabolic mechanism of cantharidin in the body remains unclear. Therefore, to solve the above issues in detail, our study was conducted with a control group (C group), a low-dose canthaxanthin group (L group), and a high-dose canthaxanthin group (H group), each fed for a period of 40 days. Production performance was monitored during the experiment, in which L and H groups showed a significant increase in ADFI. Eggs were collected for quality analysis, revealing no significant differences in qualities except for yolk color (YC). The YC of the C group almost did not change, ranging from 6.08 to 6.20; however, the trend in YC change in other groups showed an initial intense increase, followed by a decrease, and eventually reached dynamic equilibrium. By detecting the content of canthaxanthin in the yolk, the YC change trend was found to be correlated with canthaxanthin levels in the yolk. The content of unsaturated fatty acid increased slightly in L and H groups. Following the incubation period, the physical characteristics and blood biochemical indices of chicks were evaluated. It was observed that the shank color of chicks in the L and H groups was significantly higher than that in the C group at birth. However, by the 35th day, there were no significant differences in shank color among the three groups. Further investigation into the metabolic mechanism involving canthaxanthin revealed that the substance underwent incomplete metabolism upon entering the body, resulting in its accumulation as well as metabolic by-product accumulation in the yolk. In summary, this study highlighted the importance of understanding canthaxanthin’s role in production performance, egg quality, and offspring health, providing valuable insights for breeders to optimize feeding strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 3628 KiB  
Article
Antidepressant-like Effects of Chinese Quince (Chaenomeles sinensis) Fruit Based on In Vivo and Molecular Docking Studies
by Dong Wook Lim, Guijae Yoo, Yun Tai Kim and Changho Lee
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 5838; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115838 - 27 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1245
Abstract
In this study, we examined the potential antidepressant-like effects of Chinese quince fruit extract (Chaenomeles sinensis fruit extract, CSFE) in an in vivo model induced by repeated injection of corticosterone (CORT)-induced depression. HPLC analysis determined that chlorogenic acid (CGA), neo-chlorogenic acid (neo-CGA), [...] Read more.
In this study, we examined the potential antidepressant-like effects of Chinese quince fruit extract (Chaenomeles sinensis fruit extract, CSFE) in an in vivo model induced by repeated injection of corticosterone (CORT)-induced depression. HPLC analysis determined that chlorogenic acid (CGA), neo-chlorogenic acid (neo-CGA), and rutin (RT) compounds were major constituents in CSFE. Male ICR mice (5 weeks old) were orally administered various doses (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) of CSFE and selegiline (10 mg/kg), a monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor, as a positive control following daily intraperitoneal injections of CORT (40 mg/kg) for 21 days. In our results, mice treated with CSFE exhibited significant improvements in depressive-like behaviors induced by CORT. This was evidenced by reduced immobility times in the tail suspension test and forced swim test, as well as increased step-through latency times in the passive avoidance test. Indeed, mice treated with CSFE also exhibited a significant decrease in anxiety-like behaviors as measured by the elevated plus maze test. Moreover, molecular docking analysis indicated that CGA and neo-CGA from CSFE had stronger binding to the active site of MAO-B. Our results indicate that CSFE has potential antidepressant effects in a mouse model of repeated injections of CORT-induced depression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 1600 KiB  
Article
The Influence of a High-Cholesterol Diet and Forced Training on Lipid Metabolism and Intestinal Microbiota in Male Wistar Rats
by Yuliya S. Sidorova, Nikita A. Petrov, Yuliya M. Markova, Alexey I. Kolobanov and Sergey N. Zorin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5383; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105383 - 15 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1887
Abstract
Adequate experimental animal models play an important role in an objective assessment of the effectiveness of medicines and functional foods enriched with biologically active substances. The aim of our study was a comparative assessment of the effect of consumption of 1 or 2% [...] Read more.
Adequate experimental animal models play an important role in an objective assessment of the effectiveness of medicines and functional foods enriched with biologically active substances. The aim of our study was a comparative assessment of the effect of consumption of 1 or 2% cholesterol with and without regular (two times a week), moderate running exercise on the main biomarkers of lipid and cholesterol metabolism, as well as the intestinal microbiota of male Wistar rats. In experimental rats, a response of 39 indicators (body weight, food consumption, serum biomarkers, liver composition, and changes in intestinal microbiota) was revealed. Total serum cholesterol level increased 1.8 times in animals consuming cholesterol with a simultaneous increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2 times) and decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.3 times) levels compared to the control animals. These animals had 1.3 times increased liver weight, almost 5 times increased triglycerides level, and more than 6 times increased cholesterol content. There was a tendency towards a decrease in triglycerides levels against the background of running exercise. The consumption of cholesterol led to a predominance of the Bacteroides family, due to a decrease in F. prausnitzii (1.2 times) and bifidobacteria (1.3 times), as well as an increase in Escherichia family (1.2 times). The running exercise did not lead to the complete normalization of microbiota. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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17 pages, 1609 KiB  
Review
Tail Tales: What We Have Learned About Regeneration from Xenopus Laevis Tadpoles
by Jessica Lara, Camilla Mastela, Magda Abd, Lenore Pitstick and Rosa Ventrella
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11597; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111597 - 29 Oct 2024
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Abstract
This review explores the regenerative capacity of Xenopus laevis, focusing on tail regeneration, as a model to uncover cellular, molecular, and developmental mechanisms underlying tissue repair. X. laevis tadpoles provide unique insights into regenerative biology due to their regeneration-competent and -incompetent stages [...] Read more.
This review explores the regenerative capacity of Xenopus laevis, focusing on tail regeneration, as a model to uncover cellular, molecular, and developmental mechanisms underlying tissue repair. X. laevis tadpoles provide unique insights into regenerative biology due to their regeneration-competent and -incompetent stages and ability to regrow complex structures in the tail, including the spinal cord, muscle, and skin, after amputation. The review delves into the roles of key signaling pathways, such as those involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) and signaling molecules like BMPs and FGFs, in orchestrating cellular responses during regeneration. It also examines how mechanotransduction, epigenetic regulation, and metabolic shifts influence tissue restoration. Comparisons of regenerative capacity with other species shed light on the evolutionary loss of regenerative abilities and underscore X. laevis as an invaluable model for understanding the constraints of tissue repair in higher organisms. This comprehensive review synthesizes recent findings, suggesting future directions for exploring regeneration mechanisms, with potential implications for advancing regenerative medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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26 pages, 1260 KiB  
Review
Methodological Approaches to Experimental Evaluation of Neuroprotective Action of Potential Drugs
by Igor Belenichev, Nina Bukhtiyarova, Victor Ryzhenko, Lyudmyla Makyeyeva, Oksana Morozova, Valentyn Oksenych and Oleksandr Kamyshnyi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10475; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910475 - 28 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1630
Abstract
The authors propose a novel approach to a comprehensive evaluation of neuroprotective effects using both in vitro and in vivo methods. This approach allows for the initial screening of numerous newly synthesized chemical compounds and substances from plant and animal sources while saving [...] Read more.
The authors propose a novel approach to a comprehensive evaluation of neuroprotective effects using both in vitro and in vivo methods. This approach allows for the initial screening of numerous newly synthesized chemical compounds and substances from plant and animal sources while saving animal life by reducing the number of animals used in research. In vitro techniques, including mitochondrial suspensions and neuronal cell cultures, enable the assessment of neuroprotective activity, which can be challenging in intact organisms. The preliminary methods help outline the neuroprotection mechanism depending on the neurodestruction agent. The authors have validated a model of acute cerebrovascular accident, which simulates key cerebrovascular phenomena such as reduced cerebral blood flow, energy deficit, glutamate–calcium excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and early gene expression. A significant advantage of this model is its ability to reproduce the clinical picture of cerebral ischemia: impaired motor activity; signs of neurological deficits (paresis, paralysis, etc.); as well as disturbances in attention, learning, and memory. Crucial to this approach is the selection of biochemical, molecular, and cellular markers to evaluate nerve tissue damage and characterize potential neuroprotective agents. Additionally, a comprehensive set of molecular, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical methods is proposed for evaluating neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of potential pharmaceutical compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Models in Biomedical Research, 2nd Edition)
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