[Expression status of diabetes-associated genes in middle and aged cynomolgus monkeys].

A total of 138 middle and aged cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) (above 10 years) were classified into three groups based on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values, specifically low FPG, normal FPG, and high FPG group. Total cholesterol (TCHO), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected in blood by automatic biochemical analyzer. The mRNA expressions of 37 diabetes-associated genes were analyzed with Real-time PCR in monocytes isolated from monkey peripheral blood. No significant correlation between the four serum lipid indictors HDL-C, LDL-C, TCHO, TG and FPG (P>0.05) were found. However, the expressions of ACE, ACLY, PRKCB1, SLC2A4, SNAP23, VAPA, IGF2BP2, and IFNG were significantly enhanced when FPG increased (P<0.05).

[Correlation between cardiovascular risk factors and the expression of cardiovascular disease related genes in cynomolgus monkeys].

The correlation between cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease related genes plays an important role in early-warning risk and early diagnosis. Thirty middle-aged male crab-eating macaques were fed a moderately atherogenic diet (0.053 mg cholesterol/kJ and 40% of calories as saturated fat) for twelve months. According to cardiovascular risk factors, we selected low-risk and high-risk crab-eating macaques, then analyzed the expression of 113 cardiovascular related genes by real-time PCR. A total of 65 genes were detected in peripheral blood leukocytes by real-time PCR. Sixteen up-regulated genes and nineteen down-regulated genes were detected in low-risk and high-risk crab-eating macaques compared to normal crab-eating macaques (P<0.05), in addition to fifteen genes that showed unique expression patterns (P<0.05). We also detected 42 genes in human peripheral blood leukocytes. The expression patterns of 22 genes were consistent between human and crab-eating macaques. These results narrowed the scope of genes for further research.

[Differential expression of six obesity-related genes with different disease phases of T2DM in cynomolgus monkey].

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease with a strong genetic component that is very prevalent in the world. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of a set of six obesity-related genes with the different disease phases of T2DM in a model using middle or aged cynomogus monkeys. A total of 25 male monkeys were used and fed with high-fat diet (15% lard). The disease development and progression of T2DM were monitored through the levels of plasma glucose and lipid. The mRNA expression of 6 genes was evaluated using real-time PCR on monocyte isolated from monkey peripheral blood. The 2-hour plasma glucose levels followed oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were (11.06+/-6.05) mmol/L and (13.12+/-2.89) mmol/L respectively (P<0.01), and the fasting plasma glucose level was (7.58+/-1.56) mmol/L (vs controls, P<0.01), indicating that we developed successful the models of pre-diabetic and diabetic disease in the cynomolgus monkey. Of the six tested genes, CDKN2B, IGF2BP2, and FTO genes were significantly up-regulated with disease progression in T2DM. We found that the expression of IGF2BP2 and FTO increased 65.92 and 4.30 folds in the developed T2DM. We conclude that the genes of CDKN2B, IGF2BP2, and FTO can be used as early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in type 2 diabetes.