High-Fat & High-Carbohydrate (HFHC) Diet induced Obesity Modeling & Pharmacodynamics Service

Creative Biolabs offers a variety of advanced, well-established animal models for assessing the efficacy of anti-obesity therapies. These models help provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of obesity and the potential therapeutic outcomes of different interventions.

Introduction

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation, leading to various health complications such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The global prevalence of obesity has risen dramatically over the past few decades, making it a major public health concern. It is often caused by an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, with factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and genetic predisposition playing critical roles in its development. Obesity is not only associated with metabolic dysfunction but also chronic inflammation, which contributes to insulin resistance (IR) and other related comorbidities.

Disease Models and Applications

The High-Fat & High-Carbohydrate Diet-Induced Obesity Model is one of the most commonly used animal models for studying obesity and metabolic disorders. In this model, animals are fed a diet rich in both fats and carbohydrates over extended periods (e.g., 8 to 12 weeks) to induce weight gain and metabolic alterations. This model mimics human obesity as it leads to an increase in body fat, insulin resistance, and inflammatory responses in adipose tissues and the liver, similar to what is observed in obese humans. One of the key advantages of this model is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, while its primary limitation is that it may not fully replicate all the genetic and environmental factors associated with human obesity. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable tool for understanding the molecular mechanisms of obesity and for evaluating potential therapeutic agents aimed at managing or reversing the condition.

• Animals: Mouse, Dog, NHPs.
• Simulates: The High-Fat & High-Carbohydrate Diet-Induced Obesity Model simulates obesity-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The model replicates the metabolic and inflammatory processes commonly observed in these conditions, providing a solid foundation for understanding obesity's systemic effects.
• Evaluates Drugs: This model is particularly useful for evaluating a range of drug classes targeting obesity and its complications. Drugs assessed may include anti-obesity agents, insulin sensitizers, anti-inflammatory drugs, lipid-lowering agents, and therapies for managing comorbidities like hypertension and dyslipidemia. The model allows for the assessment of drug efficacy in reducing body weight, improving insulin sensitivity, and ameliorating associated liver damage.

Measurements

We offer a variety of measurements for evaluating drug efficacy in the High-Fat & High-Carbohydrate Diet-Induced Obesity Model, utilizing advanced techniques, including but not limited to:

• General Observations: Body weight, food intake, activity levels, mortality rate, and abdominal circumference.
• Immunohistochemistry: Infiltration of immune cells (e.g., T-cells, macrophages) in adipose and hepatic tissues.
• Cytokine Profiling (e.g., ELISA): Expression levels of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β.
• Metabolic Profiling: Glucose tolerance tests, insulin sensitivity assays, and lipid profiles.
• Hematology and Serum Biomarkers: Liver enzymes, cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver function markers.
• Gene/Protein Expression Profiling: RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis for key markers related to adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and inflammation.

Our expert team will assist in experimental design, model selection, and data analysis, ensuring a tailored approach that maximizes the accuracy and relevance of the results.

Related Services

In addition to the High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity model, other methods can also be used to induce obesity in animal models. These include genetic models, chemical-induced models, and endocrine manipulation approaches.

• High-Fat Diet induced Obesity Model
• Cafeteria Diet induced Obesity Model
• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) induced Obesity Model
• ob/ob Obesity Mouse Model

Advantages

• Expertise and Experience: A highly experienced team with deep knowledge in drug efficacy evaluation and animal model development.
• Customized Services: Tailored solutions to meet your specific research needs, from model selection to data analysis.
• High-Quality Models: We provide a wide range of well-established, reliable disease models that are reproducible and scientifically validated.
• Comprehensive Support: Full support throughout the entire project, from experimental design to results interpretation.
• Advanced Technologies: State-of-the-art technologies for precise measurements and detailed data analysis.
• Quick Turnaround: Efficient project execution and timely delivery of results to meet your research deadlines.

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FAQs

1. Q: What types of animal models do you offer for obesity research?

   A: We offer a range of obesity models, including High-Fat & High-Carbohydrate Diet-Induced Obesity, monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced obesity, and genetic models like ob/ob mice. Each model simulates different aspects of obesity and metabolic diseases.

2. Q: How long does the High-Fat & High-Carbohydrate Diet-Induced Obesity Model last?

   A: Typically, the model is conducted over 8 to 12 weeks, but we can adjust the duration based on your specific research objectives.

3. Q: Can the obesity model be used to evaluate other metabolic diseases?

   A: Yes, the High-Fat & High-Carbohydrate Diet-Induced Obesity Model is also suitable for studying related metabolic diseases, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

4. Q: What are the main benefits of using your models for drug evaluation?

   A: Our models provide a reliable and reproducible platform for assessing the efficacy of anti-obesity drugs, metabolic regulators, and therapies targeting obesity-related comorbidities. They are supported by advanced technologies for precise measurements, including gene/protein profiling, immunohistochemistry, and metabolic assays.

5. Q: How can I collaborate with your team on a project?

   A: Simply reach out to us with your project details. Our team will assist you with model selection, experimental design, and data interpretation to ensure your study meets the highest standards.

Published Data

Fig. 1 Offspring metabolic phenotype following maternal high-fat–high-carbohydrate diet-induced obesity.¹

This article examined offspring growth (Figure 1A), body composition (Figure 1B), and glucose tolerance (Figure 1C, D), finding no differences based on sex or diet. The growth of both male and female offspring was tracked weekly until postnatal day 21 (Figure 1A). Body composition, including fat-free mass and fat mass (Figure 1B), was measured, along with glucose tolerance testing (Figure 1C, D), conducted post-weaning on offspring born to control (CON) and high-fat-high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet-fed dams. The results revealed no significant differences in offspring growth (Figure 1A), adiposity (Figure 1B), or glucose tolerance (Figure 1D) between those born to control versus HFHC diet dams.

Reference

1. Kulhanek, Debra et al. "Maternal High-Fat-High-Carbohydrate Diet-Induced Obesity Is Associated with Increased Appetite in Peripubertal Male but Not Female C57Bl/6J Mice." Nutrients vol. 12,10 2919. 24 Sep. 2020, DOI:10.3390/nu12102919. Distributed under an Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.

For Research Use Only.