Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
Modeling and Evaluation of Murine Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Model
Published on: November 29, 2024
A novel mouse model of diabetes mellitus using unilateral nephrectomy
Kyung-Mee Park1, Kamal Hany Hussein1, Hyun-Sook Nam1
1School of Veterinary Medicine and Stem Cell Institute, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its complications are prominent public health issues. Many experimental models of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced and high-fat diet (HF)-induced DM have been used to study this disease. Studies have indicated that unilateral nephrectomy (UN) accelerates the development of diabetic nephropathy. We hypothesized that UN stimulates HF and STZ combination-induced DM in mice. Seventy-two female C57BL/6J mice were divided into four treatment groups: HF; HF + STZ120 (HF and STZ, 120 mg/kg); UN + HF + STZ120 (UN, HF and STZ, 120 mg/kg); and HF + STZ200 (HF and STZ, 200 mg/kg). Onset of DM, survival rate, blood pressure, urine glucose level, and pancreatic histology were investigated. Additionally, renal function was evaluated in the UN + HF + STZ120 group after STZ injection. DM was induced in the UN + HF + STZ120 and HF + STZ200 groups within one week. The UN + HF + STZ120 group had lower mortality than the HF + STZ200 group and greater pancreatic destruction than the HF and HF + STZ120 groups. Two weeks after STZ injection, blood pressure was not significantly different among the groups. Nephrotoxicity associated with the combination of UN and STZ was not observed. In conclusion, the combination of these three techniques--UN, HF and STZ induced DM rapidly and effectively.
Insights
Unilateral nephrectomy (UN) combined with high-fat diet (HF) and streptozotocin (STZ) rapidly induces diabetes mellitus (DM) in mice. This model shows faster DM onset and greater pancreatic damage with lower mortality than other methods.
Area of Science:
- * Endocrinology and Metabolism
- * Nephrology
- * Experimental Pathology
Background:
- * Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern with significant morbidity and mortality.
- * Existing models like streptozotocin (STZ)-induced and high-fat diet (HF)-induced DM are crucial for research.
- * Unilateral nephrectomy (UN) is known to accelerate diabetic nephropathy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate if unilateral nephrectomy (UN) enhances the induction of diabetes mellitus (DM) using a combination of high-fat diet (HF) and streptozotocin (STZ).
- * To evaluate the efficacy of this combined model in terms of DM onset, survival rates, and pancreatic histology.
Main Methods:
- * Seventy-two female C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: HF, HF+STZ (120 mg/kg), UN+HF+STZ (120 mg/kg), and HF+STZ (200 mg/kg).
- * Parameters assessed included DM onset, survival rate, blood pressure, urine glucose, and pancreatic histology.
- * Renal function was specifically evaluated in the UN+HF+STZ group post-STZ injection.
Main Results:
- * Diabetes mellitus (DM) was rapidly induced within one week in the UN+HF+STZ and HF+STZ (200 mg/kg) groups.
- * The UN+HF+STZ group exhibited lower mortality compared to the HF+STZ (200 mg/kg) group.
- * Greater pancreatic destruction was observed in the UN+HF+STZ group than in the HF and HF+STZ (120 mg/kg) groups, with no significant nephrotoxicity from UN and STZ.
Conclusions:
- * The combination of unilateral nephrectomy (UN), high-fat diet (HF), and streptozotocin (STZ) provides a rapid and effective model for inducing diabetes mellitus (DM) in mice.
- * This triple-combination approach accelerates DM onset and increases pancreatic damage, offering a valuable tool for studying diabetic complications.
- * The model demonstrates potential for research into diabetic nephropathy and related pathologies.
