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Age-Associated Pathology in Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta)
1Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA hsimmons@primate.wisc.edu.
Abstract:
The rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is one of the most extensively used nonhuman primate models for human diseases. This article presents a literature review focusing on major organ systems and age-associated conditions in humans and primates, combined with information from the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center Electronic Health Record database to highlight and contrast age-associated lesions in geriatric rhesus macaques with younger cohorts. Rhesus macaques are excellent models for age-associated conditions, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, endometriosis, visual accommodation, hypertension, osteoporosis, and amyloidosis. Adenocarcinoma of the large intestine (ileocecocolic junction, cecum, and colon) is the most common spontaneous neoplasm in the rhesus macaque. A combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies is required to truly define mechanisms of maturation, aging, and the pathology of age-associated conditions in macaques and thus humans. The rhesus macaque is and will continue to be an appropriate and valuable model for investigation of the mechanisms and treatment of age-associated diseases.
Insights
Rhesus macaques are valuable models for studying human aging and diseases. Geriatric macaques exhibit age-associated lesions comparable to humans, aiding research into conditions like diabetes and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Comparative Medicine
- Primatology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are widely utilized nonhuman primate models for human disease research.
- Understanding age-associated conditions in macaques offers insights into human aging processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review age-associated conditions in humans and rhesus macaques.
- To compare geriatric macaque lesions with younger cohorts using health record data.
- To evaluate the rhesus macaque as a model for aging research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of age-associated conditions in humans and primates.
- Analysis of data from the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center Electronic Health Record database.
- Comparison of age-associated lesions in geriatric versus younger rhesus macaques.
Main Results:
- Rhesus macaques develop age-associated conditions similar to humans, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension, and osteoporosis.
- Adenocarcinoma of the large intestine is the most frequent spontaneous neoplasm in rhesus macaques.
- Geriatric macaques show distinct age-associated lesions compared to younger individuals.
Conclusions:
- Rhesus macaques are appropriate and valuable models for investigating age-associated diseases and potential treatments.
- Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies are crucial for understanding aging mechanisms in macaques and humans.
- Continued use of rhesus macaques will advance research into human aging and related pathologies.
