Animal models of obesity and diabetes mellitus

Area of Science:

• Metabolic disorders
• Pharmacology
• Translational research

Background:

• Over one-third of the global population is overweight or obese, increasing type 2 diabetes mellitus risk.
• Urgent need for safer and more potent therapeutics to combat the rising pandemic of obesity and diabetes.
• Animal models are crucial for discovering, validating, and optimizing novel therapeutics for human use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review currently available animal models for obesity and diabetes.
• To highlight the advantages and limitations of each model.
• To guide researchers in selecting appropriate models and drawing accurate conclusions for bench-to-bedside translation.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of established animal models for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
• Analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
• Consolidation of key information for researchers.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of various animal models used in obesity and diabetes research.
• Identification of specific advantages and limitations for each model.
• Emphasis on critical considerations for model selection and interpretation of results.

Conclusions:

• Careful selection and appropriate use of animal models are essential for effective therapeutic development.
• Understanding model-specific advantages, limitations, and caveats improves the reliability of research findings.
• This review provides a critical resource for advancing obesity and diabetes research and drug discovery.