-
Translational Neurodegeneration Jul 2023Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. More than 200 years after its first clinical... (Review)
Review
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. More than 200 years after its first clinical description, PD remains a serious affliction that affects a growing proportion of the population. Prevailing treatments only alleviate symptoms; there is still neither a cure that targets the neurodegenerative processes nor therapies that modify the course of the disease. Over the past decades, several animal models have been developed to study PD. Although no model precisely recapitulates the pathology, they still provide valuable information that contributes to our understanding of the disease and the limitations of our treatment options. This review comprehensively summarizes the different animal models available for Parkinson's research, with a focus on those induced by drugs, neurotoxins, pesticides, genetic alterations, α-synuclein inoculation, and viral vector injections. We highlight their characteristics and ability to reproduce PD-like phenotypes. It is essential to realize that the strengths and weaknesses of each model and the induction technique at our disposal are determined by the research question being asked. Our review, therefore, seeks to better aid researchers by ensuring a concrete discernment of classical and novel animal models in PD research.
Topics: Animals; Parkinson Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Neurotoxins; Mutation
PubMed: 37468944
DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00368-8 -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy May 2023Incidence of premature ovarian failure (POF) is higher with the increase of the pace of life. The etiology of POF is very complex, which is closely related to genes,... (Review)
Review
Incidence of premature ovarian failure (POF) is higher with the increase of the pace of life. The etiology of POF is very complex, which is closely related to genes, immune diseases, drugs, surgery, and psychological factors. Ideal animal models and evaluation indexes are essential for drug development and mechanism research. In our review, we firstly summarize the modeling methods of different POF animal models and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Recently, stem cells are widely studied for tumor treatment and tissue repair with low immunogenicity, high homing ability, high ability to divide and self-renew. Hence, we secondly reviewed recently published data on transplantation of stem cells in the POF animal model and analyzed the possible mechanism of their function. With the further insights of immunological and gene therapy, the combination of stem cells with other therapies should be actively explored to promote the treatment of POF in the future. Our article may provide guidance and insight for POF animal model selection and new drug development.
Topics: Female; Humans; Animals; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency; Disease Models, Animal; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 37202808
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03333-4 -
International Journal of Urology :... Jun 2020Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a debilitating condition of unknown etiology characterized by persistent pelvic pain with lower urinary tract symptoms and... (Review)
Review
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a debilitating condition of unknown etiology characterized by persistent pelvic pain with lower urinary tract symptoms and comprises a wide variety of potentially clinically useful phenotypes with different possible etiologies. Current clinicopathological and genomic evidence suggests that interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome should be categorized by the presence or absence of Hunner lesions, rather than by clinical phenotyping based on symptomatology. The Hunner lesion subtype is a distinct inflammatory disease with proven bladder etiology characterized by epithelial denudation and enhanced immune responses frequently accompanied by clonal expansion of infiltrating B cells, with potential engagement of infection. Meanwhile, the non-Hunner lesion subtype is a non-inflammatory disorder with little evidence of bladder etiology. It is potentially associated with urothelial malfunction and neurophysiological dysfunction, and frequently presents with somatic and/or psychological symptoms, that commonly result in central nervous sensitization. Animal models of autoimmune cystitis and neurogenic sensitization might serve as disease models for the Hunner lesion and non-Hunner lesion subtypes, respectively. Here, we revisit the taxonomy of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome according to current research, and discuss its potential pathophysiology and representative animal models. Categorization of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome based on cystoscopy is mandatory to design optimized treatment and research strategies for each subtype. A tailored approach that specifically targets the characteristic inflammation and epithelial denudation for the Hunner lesion subtype, or the urothelial malfunction, sensitized/altered nervous system and psychosocial problems for the non-Hunner lesion subtype, is essential for better clinical management and research progress in this complex condition.
Topics: Animals; Cystitis, Interstitial; Cystoscopy; Models, Animal; Pelvic Pain
PubMed: 32246572
DOI: 10.1111/iju.14229 -
Current Opinion in Virology Jun 2021Since its first detection in December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread worldwide, resulting in over 79.2 million... (Review)
Review
Since its first detection in December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread worldwide, resulting in over 79.2 million documented cases in one year. Lack of pre-existing immunity against this newly emerging virus has pushed the urgent development of anti-viral therapeutics and vaccines to reduce the spread of the virus and alleviate disease. Appropriate animal models recapitulating the pathogenesis of and host responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans have and will continue to accelerate this development process. Several animal models including mice, hamsters, ferrets, and non-human primates have been evaluated and actively applied in preclinical studies. However, since each animal model has unique features, it is necessary to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each according to the goals of the study. Here, we summarize the key features, strengths and weaknesses of animal models for SARS-CoV-2, focusing on their application in anti-viral therapeutic and vaccine development.
Topics: Animals; Antiviral Agents; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 33906125
DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.03.009 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Respiratory infections cause tremendous morbidity and mortality worldwide. Amongst these diseases, tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial illness caused by which often affects... (Review)
Review
Respiratory infections cause tremendous morbidity and mortality worldwide. Amongst these diseases, tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial illness caused by which often affects the lung, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), stand out as major drivers of epidemics of global concern. Despite their unrelated etiology and distinct pathology, these infections affect the same vital organ and share immunopathogenesis traits and an imperative demand to model the diseases at their various progression stages and localizations. Due to the clinical spectrum and heterogeneity of both diseases experimental infections were pursued in a variety of animal models. We summarize mammalian models employed in TB and COVID-19 experimental investigations, highlighting the diversity of rodent models and species peculiarities for each infection. We discuss the utility of non-human primates for translational research and emphasize on the benefits of non-conventional experimental models such as livestock. We epitomize advances facilitated by animal models with regard to understanding disease pathophysiology and immune responses. Finally, we highlight research areas necessitating optimized models and advocate that research of pulmonary infectious diseases could benefit from cross-fertilization between studies of apparently unrelated diseases, such as TB and COVID-19.
Topics: Animals; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Tuberculosis; Respiratory Tract Infections; Models, Animal; Mammals
PubMed: 37638020
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1223260 -
Cells Nov 2023Keratoconus (KC) is characterized by localized, central thinning and cone-like protrusion of the cornea. Its precise etiology remains undetermined, although both genetic... (Review)
Review
Keratoconus (KC) is characterized by localized, central thinning and cone-like protrusion of the cornea. Its precise etiology remains undetermined, although both genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to disease susceptibility. Due to KC's complex nature, there is currently no ideal animal model to represent both the corneal phenotype and underlying pathophysiology. Attempts to establish a KC model have involved mice, rats, and rabbits, with some additional novel animals suggested. Genetic animal models have only been attempted in mice. Similarly, spontaneously occurring animal models for KC have only been discovered in mice. Models generated using chemical or environmental treatments have been attempted in mice, rats, and rabbits. Among several methods used to induce KC in animals, ultraviolet radiation exposure and treatment with collagenase are some of the most prevalent. There is a clear need for an experimental model animal to elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind the development and progression of keratoconus. An appropriate animal model could also aid in the development of treatments to slow or arrest the disorder.
Topics: Rabbits; Animals; Mice; Rats; Keratoconus; Ultraviolet Rays; Cornea; Models, Animal; Phenotype
PubMed: 38067109
DOI: 10.3390/cells12232681 -
Muscle & Nerve Jun 2020
Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Genotype; Mice; Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 32160334
DOI: 10.1002/mus.26861 -
Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience Sep 2017In recent years, animal models in psychiatric research have been criticized for their limited translational value to the clinical situation. Failures in clinical trials... (Review)
Review
In recent years, animal models in psychiatric research have been criticized for their limited translational value to the clinical situation. Failures in clinical trials have thus often been attributed to the lack of predictive power of preclinical animal models. Here, I argue that animal models of voluntary drug intake-under nonoperant and operant conditions-and addiction models based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders are crucial and informative tools for the identification of pathological mechanisms, target identification, and drug development. These models provide excellent face validity, and it is assumed that the neurochemical and neuroanatomical substrates involved in drug-intake behavior are similar in laboratory rodents and humans. Consequently, animal models of drug consumption and addiction provide predictive validity. This predictive power is best illustrated in alcohol research, in which three approved medications-acamprosate, naltrexone, and nalmefene-were developed by means of animal models and then successfully translated into the clinical situation.
Topics: Animals; Behavior, Addictive; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 29302222
DOI: 10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.3/rspanagel -
Animal Models and Experimental Medicine Oct 2022Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the most consequential pandemic of this... (Review)
Review
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the most consequential pandemic of this century, threatening human health and public safety. SARS-CoV-2 has been continuously evolving through mutation of its genome and variants of concern have emerged. The World Health Organization R&D Blueprint plan convened a range of expert groups to develop animal models for COVID-19, a core requirement for the prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The animal model construction techniques developed during the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV pandemics were rapidly deployed and applied in the establishment of COVID-19 animal models. To date, a large number of animal models for COVID-19, including mice, hamsters, minks and nonhuman primates, have been established. Infectious diseases produce unique manifestations according to the characteristics of the pathogen and modes of infection. Here we classified animal model resources around the infection route of SARS-CoV-2, and summarized the characteristics of the animal models constructed via transnasal, localized, and simulated transmission routes of infection.
Topics: Cricetinae; Animals; Humans; Mice; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus; Models, Animal
PubMed: 36301011
DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12278 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2022Channelopathies are a large group of systemic disorders whose pathogenesis is associated with dysfunctional ion channels. Aberrant transmembrane transport of K, Na, Ca... (Review)
Review
Channelopathies are a large group of systemic disorders whose pathogenesis is associated with dysfunctional ion channels. Aberrant transmembrane transport of K, Na, Ca and Cl by these channels in the brain induces central nervous system (CNS) channelopathies, most commonly including epilepsy, but also migraine, as well as various movement and psychiatric disorders. Animal models are a useful tool for studying pathogenesis of a wide range of brain disorders, including channelopathies. Complementing multiple well-established rodent models, the zebrafish () has become a popular translational model organism for neurobiology, psychopharmacology and toxicology research, and for probing mechanisms underlying CNS pathogenesis. Here, we discuss current prospects and challenges of developing genetic, pharmacological and other experimental models of major CNS channelopathies based on zebrafish.
Topics: Animals; Zebrafish; Channelopathies; Disease Models, Animal; Epilepsy; Brain
PubMed: 36430455
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213979