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db/+ Mice as an alternate model in antidiabetic drug discovery research
Akhilesh Kumar Tamrakar1, Amar Bahadur Singh, Arvind Kumar Srivastava
1Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
Background And Aims:
The db/+ mice, which represent the heterozygous counterpart of diabetic db/db mice, are carriers of the mutated gene of the leptin receptor but do not become diabetic at any stage during their lifespan. These mice are being used only for the production of db/db mice. Attempts were made to develop these mice as an alternate in vivo model for antidiabetic drug screening.
Methods:
Diabetes was induced by injecting streptozotocin, and establishment of diabetic condition was confirmed by measuring blood glucose level, insulin level, body weight, lipid profile, and activity of the key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism.
Results:
Animals showed the characteristics of diabetes throughout the study period and also showed the beneficial effect of the treatment of the gold standard antidiabetic drug metformin that validates these mice as a screening model.
Conclusions:
Results showed that streptozotocin-treated db/+ mice can be used as an alternate model in antidiabetic drug discovery research.
Insights
Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in db/+ mice offers a new in vivo model for antidiabetic drug discovery. This validated model effectively screens potential treatments for diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Metabolic Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Db/+ mice are heterozygous carriers of the leptin receptor gene mutation.
- These mice do not develop diabetes spontaneously but are used for breeding db/db mice.
- Research explored their potential as an alternative in vivo model for antidiabetic drug screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate streptozotocin-induced diabetic db/+ mice as a novel in vivo model for antidiabetic drug screening.
- To validate the utility of this model in assessing the efficacy of antidiabetic agents.
Main Methods:
- Diabetes was induced in db/+ mice using streptozotocin injections.
- Diabetic state confirmation involved monitoring blood glucose, insulin levels, body weight, and lipid profiles.
- Activity of key carbohydrate metabolism enzymes was assessed.
Main Results:
- Induced diabetic db/+ mice exhibited consistent diabetic characteristics throughout the study.
- Treatment with metformin, a standard antidiabetic drug, demonstrated beneficial effects.
- These findings support the model's validity for drug screening.
Conclusions:
- Streptozotocin-treated db/+ mice represent a viable alternative model for antidiabetic drug discovery.
- This model aids in the screening and development of new therapeutic strategies for diabetes.
