title: Gender-associated differences in metabolic syndrome-related parameters in Göttingen minipigs.
abstract: Gender-associated differences in pathophysiology and treatment of disease are an evolving area in human medicine that should be addressed in animal models. The aim of this study was to characterize gender differences in metabolic parameters of Göttingen minipigs and to determine which gender has the metabolic profile that is most appropriate as a model for human metabolic syndrome. Blood samples were collected from fasted, lean male and female Göttingen minipigs at 8 wk and 8 mo of age. Samples were analyzed for glucose, fructosamine, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), free fatty acids, leptin, testosterone, and 17beta-estradiol. Insulin sensitivity and beta cell function were estimated by homeostasis model assessment and degree of obesity by measuring the abdominal circumference. Male minipigs had higher concentrations of both testosterone and estradiol. Female minipigs had a larger abdominal circumference and higher concentrations of C-peptide, insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-c and leptin but a lower concentration of free fatty acids and lower HDL-c:total cholesterol ratio. Compared with male minipigs, female minipigs were more insulin-resistant and had a higher beta-cell function. No gender-associated differences were found in any of the other investigated parameters. In conclusion, female minipigs were more obese and insulin-resistant and had a more atherogenic plasma profile than did their male counterparts and therefore may be better models for metabolic syndrome. Their high concentrations of both testosterone and estradiol may protect male minipigs from obesity and metabolic disturbances.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark. BQC@novonordisk.com
authors.forename: Berit Oestergaard
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Christoffersen
authors.forename: Nanna
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Grand
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Golozoubova
authors.forename: Ove
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Svendsen
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Raun
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001724:Birth Weight; D050218:Body Fat Distribution; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D012737:Sex Factors; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D005947:Glucose