Animal models in the study of metabolic syndrome

Abstract

The term metabolic syndrome refers to a series of risk factors that lead to a metabolic imbalance. There are various causes in the development of metabolic syndrome, among the most prevalent are excessive calorie intake and low physical activity. The resulting imbalance between energy intake and expenditure leads to weigh gain in the form of adipose tissue, which is tightly linked to multiple metabolic anomalies. Metabolic syndrome and its consequences are a public health concern worldwide. Although epidemiologic studies provide ample information regarding the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, ethical and methodological concerns make research on animal models necessary. The choice of a particular model requires the careful analysis of the variables or phenomenon to be studied, as multiple animal models of metabolic syndrome are currently available.  This review covers general elements of metabolic syndrome. In addition, we discuss basic aspects of the most common murine models, taking into account models induced by high-sugar diets, high-fat diets and genetic models. Particularly for high-fat diet models, other aspects are considered, such as the percentage of kcal from fat, the type of fatty acids included in the diet, as well as multigenerational effects.