Large animal models for Huntington's disease research

Huntington'sdisease(HD)isahereditary neurodegenerative disorder for which there is currently no effectivetreatmentavailable.Consequently,the development of appropriate disease models is critical to thoroughly investigate disease progression.The genetic basis of HD involves the abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the huntingtin(HTT)gene,leading to the expansion of a polyglutamine repeat in the HTT protein.Mutant HTT carrying the expanded polyglutamine repeat undergoes misfolding and forms aggregates in the brain,which precipitate selective neuronal loss in specific brain regions.Animal models play an important role in elucidating the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as HD and in identifying potential therapeutic targets.Due to the marked species differences between rodents and larger animals,substantial efforts have been directed toward establishing large animal models for HD research.These models are pivotal for advancing the discovery of novel therapeutic targets,enhancing effective drug delivery methods,and improving treatment outcomes.We have explored the advantages of utilizing large animal models,particularly pigs,in previous reviews.Since then,however,significant progress has been made in developing more sophisticated animal models that faithfully replicate the typical pathology of HD.In the current review,we provide a comprehensive overview of large animal models of HD,incorporating recent findings regarding the establishment of HD knock-in(KI)pigs and their genetic therapy.We also explore the utilization of large animal models in HD research,with a focus on sheep,non-human primates(NHPs),and pigs.Our objective is to provide valuable insights into the application of these large animal models for the investigation and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Effects of mesenchymal stem cell on dopaminergic neurons,motor and memory functions in animal models of Parkinson's disease:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Parkinson’s disease is chara cterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars com pacta,and although restoring striatal dopamine levels may improve symptoms,no treatment can cure or reve rse the disease itself.Stem cell therapy has a regenerative effect and is being actively studied as a candidate for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.Mesenchymal stem cells are considered a promising option due to fewer ethical concerns,a lower risk of immune rejection,and a lower risk of teratogenicity.We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives on motor function,memory,and preservation of dopamine rgic neurons in a Parkinson’s disease animal model.We searched bibliographic databases(PubMed/MEDLINE,Embase,CENTRAL,Scopus,and Web of Science)to identify articles and included only pee r-reviewed in vivo interve ntional animal studies published in any language through J une 28,2023.The study utilized the random-effect model to estimate the 95%confidence intervals(CI)of the standard mean differences(SMD)between the treatment and control groups.We use the systematic review center for laboratory animal expe rimentation’s risk of bias tool and the collaborative approach to meta-analysis and review of animal studies checklist for study quality assessment.A total of 33studies with data from 840 Parkinson’s disease model animals were included in the meta-analysis.Treatment with mesenchymal stem cells significantly improved motor function as assessed by the amphetamine-induced rotational test.Among the stem cell types,the bone marrow MSCs with neurotrophic factor group showed la rgest effect size(SMD[95%CI]=-6.21[-9.50 to-2.93],P=0.0001,I^(2)=0.0%).The stem cell treatment group had significantly more tyrosine hydroxylase positive dopamine rgic neurons in the striatum([95%CI]=1.04[0.59 to 1.49],P=0.0001,I^(2)=65.1%)and substantia nigra(SMD[95%CI]=1.38[0.89 to 1.87],P=0.0001,I^(2)=75.3%),indicating a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons.Subgroup analysis of the amphetamine-induced rotation test showed a significant reduction only in the intracranial-striatum route(SMD[95%CI]=-2.59[-3.25 to-1.94],P=0.0001,I^(2)=74.4%).The memory test showed significant improvement only in the intravenous route(SMD[95%CI]=4.80[1.84 to 7.76],P=0.027,I^(2)=79.6%).Mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to positively impact motor function and memory function and protect dopaminergic neurons in preclinical models of Parkinson’s disease.Further research is required to determine the optimal stem cell types,modifications,transplanted cell numbe rs,and delivery methods for these protocols.

Genome-edited rabbits:Unleashing the potential of a promising experimental animal model across diverse diseases

Animal models are extensively used in all aspects of biomedical research,with substantial contributions to our understanding of diseases,the development of pharmaceuticals,and the exploration of gene functions.The field of genome modification in rabbits has progressed slowly.However,recent advancements,particularly in CRISPR/Cas9-related technologies,have catalyzed the successful development of various genome-edited rabbit models to mimic diverse diseases,including cardiovascular disorders,immunodeficiencies,agingrelated ailments,neurological diseases,and ophthalmic pathologies.These models hold great promise in advancing biomedical research due to their closer physiological and biochemical resemblance to humans compared to mice.This review aims to summarize the novel gene-editing approaches currently available for rabbits and present the applications and prospects of such models in biomedicine,underscoring their impact and future potential in translational medicine.

Rifaximin on epigenetics and autophagy in animal model of hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease

BACKGROUND Prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is increasing,especially in patients with metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease(MASLD).AIM To investigate rifaximin(RIF)effects on epigenetic/autophagy markers in animals.METHODS Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned(n=8,each)and treated from 5-16 wk:Control[standard diet,water plus gavage with vehicle(Veh)],HCC[high-fat choline deficient diet(HFCD),diethylnitrosamine(DEN)in drinking water and Veh gavage],and RIF[HFCD,DEN and RIF(50 mg/kg/d)gavage].Gene expression of epigenetic/autophagy markers and circulating miRNAs were obtained.RESULTS All HCC and RIF animals developed metabolic-dysfunction associated steatohepatitis fibrosis,and cirrhosis,but three RIF-group did not develop HCC.Comparing animals who developed HCC with those who did not,miR-122,miR-34a,tubulin alpha-1c(Tuba-1c),metalloproteinases-2(Mmp2),and metalloproteinases-9(Mmp9)were significantly higher in the HCC-group.The opposite occurred with Becn1,coactivator associated arginine methyltransferase-1(Carm1),enhancer of zeste homolog-2(Ezh2),autophagy-related factor LC3A/B(Map1 Lc3b),and p62/sequestosome-1(p62/SQSTM1)-protein.Comparing with controls,Map1 Lc3b,Becn1 and Ezh2 were lower in HCC and RIF-groups(P<0.05).Carm1 was lower in HCC compared to RIF(P<0.05).Hepatic expression of Mmp9 was higher in HCC in relation to the control;the opposite was observed for p62/Sqstm1(P<0.05).Expression of p62/SQSTM1 protein was lower in the RIF-group compared to the control(P=0.024).There was no difference among groups for Tuba-1c,Aldolase-B,alpha-fetoprotein,and Mmp2(P>0.05).miR-122 was higher in HCC,and miR-34a in RIF compared to controls(P<0.05).miR-26b was lower in HCC compared to RIF,and the inverse was observed for miR-224(P<0.05).There was no difference among groups regarding miR-33a,miR-143,miR-155,miR-375 and miR-21(P>0.05).CONCLUSION RIF might have a possible beneficial effect on preventing/delaying liver carcinogenesis through epigenetic modulation in a rat model of MASLD-HCC.

Cellular interplay to 3D in vitro microphysiological disease model:cell patterning microbiota-gut-brain axis

The microbiota-gut-brain axis(MGBA)has emerged as a key prospect in the bidirectional communication between two major organ systems:the brain and the gut.Homeostasis between the two organ systems allows the body to function without disease,whereas dysbiosis has long-standing evidence of etiopathological conditions.The most common communication paths are the microbial release of metabolites,soluble neurotransmitters,and immune cells.However,each pathway is intertwined with a complex one.With the emergence of in vitro models and the popularity of three-dimensional(3D)cultures and Transwells,engineering has become easier for the scientific understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.This paper briefly retraces the possible communication pathways between the gut microbiome and the brain.It further elaborates on three major diseases:autism spectrum disorder,Parkinson’s disease,and Alzheimer’s disease,which are prevalent in children and the elderly.These diseases also decrease patients’quality of life.Hence,understanding them more deeply with respect to current advances in in vitro modeling is crucial for understanding the diseases.Remodeling of MGBA in the laboratory uses many molecular technologies and biomaterial advances.Spheroids and organoids provide a more realistic picture of the cell and tissue structure than monolayers.Combining them with the Transwell system offers the advantage of compartmentalizing the two systems(apical and basal)while allowing physical and chemical cues between them.Cutting-edge technologies,such as bioprinting and microfluidic chips,might be the future of in vitro modeling,as they provide dynamicity.

Immunobiology of COVID-19: Mechanistic and therapeutic insights from animal models

The distribution of the immune system throughout the body complicates in vitro assessments of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)immunobiology,often resulting in a lack of reproducibility when extrapolated to the whole organism.Consequently,developing animal models is imperative for a comprehensive understanding of the pathology and immunology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection.This review summarizes current progress related to COVID-19 animal models,including non-human primates(NHPs),mice,and hamsters,with a focus on their roles in exploring the mechanisms of immunopathology,immune protection,and long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection,as well as their application in immunoprevention and immunotherapy of SARS-CoV-2 infection.Differences among these animal models and their specific applications are also highlighted,as no single model can fully encapsulate all aspects of COVID-19.To effectively address the challenges posed by COVID-19,it is essential to select appropriate animal models that can accurately replicate both fatal and non-fatal infections with varying courses and severities.Optimizing animal model libraries and associated research tools is key to resolving the global COVID-19 pandemic,serving as a robust resource for future emerging infectious diseases.

Genetically modified pigs:Emerging animal models for hereditary hearing loss

Hereditary hearing loss(HHL),a genetic disorder that impairs auditory function,significantly affects quality of life and incurs substantial economic losses for society.To investigate the underlying causes of HHL and evaluate therapeutic outcomes,appropriate animal models are necessary.Pigs have been extensively used as valuable large animal models in biomedical research.In this review,we highlight the advantages of pig models in terms of ear anatomy,inner ear morphology,and electrophysiological characteristics,as well as recent advancements in the development of distinct genetically modified porcine models of hearing loss.Additionally,we discuss the prospects,challenges,and recommendations regarding the use pig models in HHL research.Overall,this review provides insights and perspectives for future studies on HHL using porcine models.

Neurophysiological, histological, and behavioral characterization of animal models of distraction spinal cord injury: a systematic review

Distraction spinal cord injury is caused by some degree of distraction or longitudinal tension on the spinal cord and commonly occurs in patients who undergo corrective operation for severe spinal deformity.With the increased degree and duration of distraction,spinal cord injuries become more serious in terms of their neurophysiology,histology,and behavior.Very few studies have been published on the specific characteristics of distraction spinal cord injury.In this study,we systematically review 22 related studies involving animal models of distraction spinal cord injury,focusing particularly on the neurophysiological,histological,and behavioral characteristics of this disease.In addition,we summarize the mechanisms underlying primary and secondary injuries caused by distraction spinal cord injury and clarify the effects of different degrees and durations of distraction on the primary injuries associated with spinal cord injury.We provide new concepts for the establishment of a model of distraction spinal cord injury and related basic research,and provide reference guidelines for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Knee osteoarthritis:A review of animal models and intervention of traditional Chinese medicine

Background:Knee osteoarthritis(KOA)characterized by degeneration of knee cartilage and subsequent bone hyperplasia is a prevalent joint condition primarily affecting aging adults.The pathophysiology of KOA remains poorly understood,as it involves complex mechanisms that result in the same outcome.Consequently,researchers are interested in studying KOA and require appropriate animal models for basic research.Chinese herbal compounds,which consist of multiple herbs with diverse pharmacological properties,possess characteristics such as multicomponent,multipathway,and multitarget effects.The potential benefits in the treatment of KOA continue to attract attention.Purpose:This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages,limitations,and specific considerations in selecting different species and methods for KOA animal models.This will help researchers make informed decisions when choosing an animal model.Methods:Online academic databases(e.g.,PubMed,Google Scholar,Web of Science,and CNKI)were searched using the search terms“knee osteoarthritis,”“animal models,”“traditional Chinese medicine,”and their combinations,primarily including KOA studies published from 2010 to 2023.Results:Based on literature retrieval,this review provides a comprehensive overview of the methods of establishing KOA animal models;introduces the current status of advantages and disadvantages of various animal models,including mice,rats,rabbits,dogs,and sheep/goats;and presents the current status of methods used to establish KOA animal models.Conclusion:This study provides a review of the animal models used in recent KOA research,discusses the common modeling methods,and emphasizes the role of traditional Chinese medicine compounds in the treatment of KOA.

Optimizing diabetic kidney disease animal models:Insights from a meta-analytic approach

Diabetic kidney disease(DKD)is a prevalent complication of diabetes,often leading to end-stage renal disease.Animal models have been widely used to study the pathogenesis of DKD and evaluate potential therapies.However,current animal models often fail to fully capture the pathological characteristics of renal injury observed in clinical patients with DKD.Additionally,modeling DKD is often a time-consuming,costly,and labor-intensive process.The current review aims to summarize modeling strategies in the establishment of DKD animal models by utilizing meta-analysis related methods and to aid in the optimization of these models for future research.A total of 1215 articles were retrieved with the keywords of“diabetic kidney disease”and“animal experiment”in the past 10 years.Following screening,84 articles were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis.Review manager 5.4.1 was employed to analyze the changes in blood glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin,total cholesterol,triglyceride,serum creatinine,blood urea nitrogen,and urinary albumin excretion rate in each model.Renal lesions shown in different models that were not suitable to be included in the metaanalysis were also extensively discussed.The above analysis suggested that combining various stimuli or introducing additional renal injuries to current models would be a promising avenue to overcome existing challenges and limitations.In conclusion,our review article provides an in-depth analysis of the limitations in current DKD animal models and proposes strategies for improving the accuracy and reliability of these models that will inspire future research efforts in the DKD research field.

How can we establish animal models of HIV-associated lymphoma?

Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection is strongly associated with a height-ened incidence of lymphomas.To mirror the natural course of human HIV infection,animal models have been developed.These models serve as valuable tools to inves-tigate disease pathobiology,assess antiretroviral and immunomodulatory drugs,ex-plore viral reservoirs,and develop eradication strategies.However,there are currently no validated in vivo models of HIV-associated lymphoma(HAL),hampering progress in this crucial domain,and scant attention has been given to developing animal models dedicated to studying HAL,despite their pivotal role in advancing knowledge.This re-view provides a comprehensive overview of the existing animal models of HAL,which may enhance our understanding of the underlying pathogenesis and approaches for malignancies linked to HIV infection.

Preliminary exploration of animal models of congenital choledochal cysts

BACKGROUND Various animal models have been used to explore the pathogenesis of choledochal cysts(CCs),but with little convincing results.Current surgical techniques can achieve satisfactory outcomes for treatment of CCs.Consequently,recent studies have focused more on clinical issues rather than basic research.Therefore,we need appropriate animal models to further basic research.AIM To establish an appropriate animal model that may contribute to the investigation of the pathogenesis of CCs.METHODS Eighty-four specific pathogen-free female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to a surgical group,sham surgical group,or control group.A rat model of CC was established by partial ligation of the bile duct.The reliability of the model was confirmed by measurements of serum biochemical indices,morpho-logy of common bile ducts of the rats as well as molecular biology experiments in rat and human tissues.RESULTS Dilation classified as mild(diameter,≥1 mm to<3 mm),moderate(≥3 mm to<10 mm),and severe(≥10 mm)was observed in 17,17,and 2 rats in the surgical group,respectively,while no dilation was observed in the control and sham surgical groups.Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotrans-ferase,total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,and total bile acids were significantly elevated in the surgical group as compared to the control group 7 d after surgery,while direct bilirubin,total bilirubin,and gamma-glutamyltransferase were further increased 14 d after surgery.Most of the biochemical indices gradually decreased to normal ranges 28 d after surgery.The protein expression trend of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in rat model was consistent with the human CC tissues.CONCLUSION The model of partial ligation of the bile duct of juvenile rats could morphologically simulate the cystic or fusiform CC,which may contribute to investigating the pathogenesis of CC.

Fundus photography,fluorescein angiography,optical coherence tomography and electroretinography of preclinical animal models of ocular diseases

The eye is an immune-privileged and sensory organ in humans and animals.Anatomical,physiological,and pathobiological features share significant similarities across divergent species(1).Each compartment of the eye has a unique structure and function.The anterior and posterior compartments of the eye contain endothelium(cornea),epithelium(cornea,ciliary body,iris),muscle(ciliary body),vitreous and neuronal(retina)tissues,which make the eye suitable to evaluate efficacy and safety of tissue specific drugs(2).

Advances in viral encephalitis:Viral transmission,host immunity,and experimental animal models

Viral infections have led to many public health crises and pandemics in the last few centuries.Neurotropic virus infection-induced viral encephalitis(VE),especially the symptomatic inflammation of the meninges and brain parenchyma,has attracted growing attention due to its high mortality and disability rates.Understanding the infectious routes of neurotropic viruses and the mechanism underlying the host immune response is critical to reduce viral spread and improve antiviral therapy outcomes.In this review,we summarize the common categories of neurotropic viruses,viral transmission routes in the body,host immune responses,and experimental animal models used for VE study to gain a deeper understanding of recent progress in the pathogenic and immunological mechanisms under neurotropic viral infection.This review should provide valuable resources and perspectives on how to cope with pandemic infections.

Large animal models of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury:Where are we now?

Large animal models of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion are critical for evaluation of the efficacy of cardioprotective interventions prior to clinical translation.Nonetheless,current cardioprotective strategies/interventions formulated in preclinical cardiovascular research are often limited to small animal models,which are not transferable or reproducible in large animal models due to different factors such as:(i)complex and varied features of human ischemic cardiac disease(ICD),which are challenging to mimic in animal models,(ii)significant differences in surgical techniques applied,and(iii)differences in cardiovascular anatomy and physiology between small versus large animals.This article highlights the advantages and disadvantages of different large animal models of preclinical cardiac ischemic reperfusion injury(IRI),as well as the different methods used to induce and assess IRI,and the obstacles faced in using large animals for translational research in the settings of cardiac IR.

Humanization for neurological disease modeling:A roadmap to increase the potential of Drosophila model systems

Neuroscience and neurology research is dominated by experimentation with rodents.Around 75%of neurology disease-associated genes have orthologs in Drosophila mel-anogaster,the fruit fly amenable to complex neurological and behavioral investiga-tions.However,non-vertebrate models including Drosophila have so far been unable to significantly replace mice and rats in this field of studies.One reason for this situ-ation is the predominance of gene overexpression(and gene loss-of-function)meth-odologies used when establishing a Drosophila model of a given neurological disease,a strategy that does not recapitulate accurately enough the genetic disease condi-tions.I argue here the need for a systematic humanization approach,whereby the Drosophila orthologs of human disease genes are replaced with the human sequences.This approach will identify the list of diseases and the underlying genes that can be adequately modeled in the fruit fly.I discuss the neurological disease genes to which this systematic humanization approach should be applied and provide an example of such an application,and consider its importance for subsequent disease modeling and drug discovery in Drosophila.I argue that this paradigm will not only advance our un-derstanding of the molecular etiology of a number of neurological disorders,but will also gradually enable researchers to reduce experimentation using rodent models of multiple neurological diseases and eventually replace these models.

The generation and properties of human cortical organoids as a disease model for malformations of cortical development

As three-dimensional“organ-like”aggregates,human cortical organoids have emerged as powerful models for studying human brain evolution and brain disorders with unique advantages of humanspecificity,fidelity and manipulation.Human cortical organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells can elaborately replicate many of the key properties of human cortical development at the molecular,cellular,structural,and functional levels,including the anatomy,functional neural network,and interaction among different brain regions,thus facilitating the discovery of brain development and evolution.In addition to studying the neuro-electrophysiological features of brain cortex development,human cortical organoids have been widely used to mimic the pathophysiological features of cortical-related disease,especially in mimicking malformations of cortical development,thus revealing pathological mechanism and identifying effective drugs.In this review,we provide an overview of the generation of human cortical organoids and the properties of recapitulated cortical development and further outline their applications in modeling malformations of cortical development including pathological phenotype,underlying mechanisms and rescue strategies.

Study of establishing disease-syndrome combined with animal model for immune thrombocytopenic purpura without additional conditions

Objective:To explore the feasibility of establishing the disease-syndrome combined animal model for immune thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP)without additional conditions.Methods:Three batches of data related to the ITP model mice obtained by replication at different time were analyzed,and whether the APS-injected model mice replicated through the passive immune modeling method could simulate the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of human ITP was evaluated according to the differentiation criteria for diseasesyndrome combined model.Results:The APS-injected replicated ITP model mice possessed the following traits:(1)Compared with the normal group,the platelet count was significantly decreased,and coagulation time was significantly increased in the model group(P<.01).(2)Compared with the normal group,the medullary thrombocytogenous megakaryocytes were significantly decreased(P<.05,.01,.001).(3)The APS-injected sites and other parts of the model mice had spontaneous hemorrhage.(4)Behavioral changing signs were observed 1 week after the modeling(i.e.low activity,delayed activity,poor appetite,skin petechia/hemorrhage and spontaneous hemorrhage at the injected sites or other parts),and were getting more and more severe.Conclusion:According to the syndrome differentiation criteria for disease-syndrome combined model of ITP,the APS-injected animal model of ITP replicated through the passive immune modeling method without additional conditions possesses the characteristics of disease-syndrome combined model.It provides an ideal tool for the development of traditional Chinese medicine pharmacology experiment.

Regenerative Medicine in Orthopaedics: Microsurgery Achievements for Translational Animal Model

Purpose: Despite many scientific advances, Regenerative Medicine is still in the preclinical stages in many areas. In this article, we intend to discuss the role of microsurgery in the bench-to-bedside transition of such primary findings. Method: By searching the papers related to the history of Regenerative Medicine (RM) and the news of Tissue Engineering (TE) in orthopedics in Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, we accessed a complete archive of various topics related to this field. Result: We first assessed the history and achievements of regenerative medicine, then we realized the importance of translational medical sciences and the role of animal models in this incipient phenomenon. Finally, after mastering the capabilities of microsurgery and the useful contribution of this technique to the advancement of clinical applications of regenerative medicine in various branches such as skin, skeletal system, nerves, and blood vessels, we decided to express the gist of our studies through this article. Conclusion: Considering the widespread use of small animals in regenerative medicine projects and the inevitable role of microsurgery in performing the best intervention on these animal models, the significant progress of regenerative medicine clinical application requires special attention to microsurgery in associated research.

Call for papers of the special issue on Animal Models and Infectious Diseases

Primates and animal models are major areas of coverage for Zoological Research （ZR）. Over the past few years, ZR has released a series of special issues/topics addressing various aspects of these areas, e.g., ge- netics, immunology, and physiology neuroscience. A special issue for 2017 focusing on ＂Animal Models of Infectious Diseases＂ is under preparation and, so far, includes original research articles and reviews on filo- viruses and coxsackievirus involving guinea pigs, mice, and other species. Further to this, ZR would like to extend a very warm invitation to all peer researchers in the field to submit outstanding work to the journal on this special issue.