Multi-Omics Analysis to Generate Hypotheses for Mild Health Problems in Monkeys

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Metabolomics
• Microbiomics

Background:

• Mild sickness and lethargy in captive monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) are difficult to diagnose definitively.
• Fecal analysis offers a non-invasive method to assess the health of these animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between stool water content and multi-omics data in cynomolgus monkeys.
• To identify potential biomarkers for monitoring monkey health using objective stool parameters.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative analysis of stool water content as a key phenotype.
• Integration of metabolomics, lipidomics, metallomics, and intestinal microbiota data.
• Assessment of food intake, stool, urine, and plasma samples.

Main Results:

• Metabolomics indicated a strong correlation between stool water content and lipid-related metabolites.
• Lipidomic analysis highlighted saturated and oxidized fatty acids; metallomics identified selenium's role.
• Intestinal microbiota analysis revealed associations between specific bacterial species and stool water content.

Conclusions:

• Multi-omics data suggest a link between stool water content and potential health issues in monkeys.
• Redox imbalance is hypothesized as a contributing factor to minor health problems.
• Further research is needed to confirm findings and explore alternative hypotheses.