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Optimization of Preclinical Rodent Research Models of Human Shock: Part 2 Trauma, Burn, and the Gut Microbiome
Christine Rodhouse1,2, Whitman Bertram Wiggins1,2, Zoe Michael3
1Sepsis and Critical Illness Research Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida.
Abstract:
Rodent models are critical tools in the study of trauma and burn injury, giving mechanistic insights into the unique pathophysiological response and the systemic complications that follow. These models allow researchers to control injury patterns, longitudinally assess immune and metabolic responses, and evaluate therapeutic strategies in ways that are not feasible in human subjects. In this second part of our review, we examine how experimental trauma and burn models have evolved to better replicate the clinical trajectory of critically ill patients, with emphasis on polytrauma, burn injury, and translational relevance. We also highlight the role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of shock within sepsis, trauma, and burn and review how rodent models have been used to investigate dysbiosis and test microbiome-targeted interventions. Although interspecies differences pose translational challenges, ongoing refinements in model selection, injury models, microbiome characterization, and reverse-translational approaches continue to expand the utility of rodent models, allowing researchers to discover vital insights into the complex pathophysiology of these critically ill patients and potential therapeutic targets that guide further investigation.
Insights
Rodent models provide crucial insights into trauma and burn injury, aiding the development of new therapies. Refinements in these models enhance their relevance for critically ill patients, including microbiome research.
Area of Science:
- Trauma and Burn Injury Research
- Translational Medicine
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Rodent models are essential for understanding trauma and burn injury pathophysiology.
- These models allow controlled investigations of immune and metabolic responses.
- They facilitate the evaluation of therapeutic strategies not feasible in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of experimental trauma and burn models.
- To emphasize polytrauma, burn injury, and translational relevance.
- To highlight the role of the gut microbiome in shock and sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental trauma and burn models in rodents.
- Analysis of rodent models for studying gut dysbiosis and microbiome interventions.
- Examination of translational relevance and reverse-translational approaches.
Main Results:
- Experimental models increasingly replicate the clinical trajectory of critically ill patients.
- Rodent models are instrumental in investigating the gut microbiome's role in shock, sepsis, trauma, and burns.
- These models are used to test microbiome-targeted interventions.
Conclusions:
- Ongoing refinements improve the utility of rodent models for critically ill patients.
- Rodent models offer vital insights into complex pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets.
- Despite translational challenges, advancements expand the discovery potential in trauma and burn research.
