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White and Brown Adipose Grafts: An Approach to Correct Reproductive, Metabolic, and Renal Deficits in Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) Obese Mice
Published on: September 9, 2025
BTBR Ob/Ob mutant mice model progressive diabetic nephropathy.
Kelly L Hudkins1, Warangkana Pichaiwong, Tomasz Wietecha
1Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN
|July 17, 2010
Summary
The BTBR ob/ob mouse model rapidly develops diabetic nephropathy (DN) features similar to advanced human disease. This robust model shows promise for testing new DN therapeutic interventions.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Diabetology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes.
- Existing mouse models often do not fully recapitulate advanced human DN.
- A need exists for better preclinical models to study DN.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the renal phenotype of the BTBR ob/ob mouse strain.
- To evaluate its suitability as a model for advanced human diabetic nephropathy.
Main Methods:
- Obese, diabetic BTBR ob/ob mice were studied over 22 weeks.
- Renal morphology, proteinuria, and key DN markers were assessed.
- Histopathological changes were compared to human DN.
Main Results:
- BTBR ob/ob mice rapidly developed progressive proteinuria.
- Glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial matrix expansion, and basement membrane thickening were observed.
- Lesions mimicking advanced human DN, including mesangial sclerosis and podocyte loss, were present.
Conclusions:
- BTBR ob/ob mice exhibit a comprehensive spectrum of diabetic nephropathy.
- This model closely mimics advanced human DN more quickly than other models.
- The BTBR ob/ob strain is a valuable tool for investigating DN therapies.
