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The Influence of Genetic Background and Housing Conditions on Spontaneous Obesity in Captive-Bred Rhesus Monkeys
Zandisiwe Emilia Magwebu1, Charon de Villiers1, Chesa Gift Chauke1
1Primate Unit and Delft Animal Centre (PUDAC), South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
Background:
The nonhuman primate (NHP) captive-bred colony of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) maintained at the Primate Unit and Delft Animal Centre has shown a prevalence of spontaneous obesity.
Methods And Methods:
Eight females were selected based on their body composition measurements. The study evaluated the impact of different environmental housing conditions and monitored biochemical parameters. This was followed by molecular screening for obesity-related genes.
Results:
Statistically significant changes (p ≤ 0.05) were observed for body weight, abdominal circumference, and abdominal skinfold thickness, which remained higher in the obese group. Significant differences in the relative mRNA gene expression were also observed for leptin and circulating tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα).
Conclusion:
Based on these findings, the observed significant differences are likely attributable to the two distinct environmental housing conditions. Furthermore, this study identifies HbA1c, leptin, and TNFα as potential obesity biomarkers in this rhesus colony, offering valuable insight into mechanisms of human obesity.
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