A review of the human vs. porcine female genital tract and associated immune system in the perspective of using minipigs as a model of human genital Chlamydia infection

International audienceAbstractSexually transmitted diseases constitute major health issues and their prevention and treatment continue to challenge the health care systems worldwide. Animal models are essential for a deeper understanding of the diseases and the development of safe and protective vaccines. Currently a good predictive non-rodent model is needed for the study of genital chlamydia in women. The pig has become an increasingly popular model for human diseases due to its close similarities to humans. The aim of this review is to compare the porcine and human female genital tract and associated immune system in the perspective of genital Chlamydia infection. The comparison of women and sows has shown that despite some gross anatomical differences, the structures and proportion of layers undergoing cyclic alterations are very similar. Reproductive hormonal cycles are closely related, only showing a slight difference in cycle length and source of luteolysing hormone. The epithelium and functional layers of the endometrium show similar cyclic changes. The immune system in pigs is very similar to that of humans, even though pigs have a higher percentage of CD4+/CD8+ double positive T cells. The genital immune system is also very similar in terms of the cyclic fluctuations in the mucosal antibody levels, but differs slightly regarding immune cell infiltration in the genital mucosa - predominantly due to the influx of neutrophils in the porcine endometrium during estrus. The vaginal flora in Göttingen Minipigs is not dominated by lactobacilli as in humans. The vaginal pH is around 7 in Göttingen Minipigs, compared to the more acidic vaginal pH around 3.5–5 in women. This review reveals important similarities between the human and porcine female reproductive tracts and proposes the pig as an advantageous supplementary model of human genital Chlamydia infection

Obesity and Diabetes: Pathophysiology of Obesity-Induced Hyperglycemia and Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance along with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is some of the complications of obesity. Insulin resistance occurs due to the increased discharge of fatty acids, lipids, and other advancing factors, by the adipose tissue, leading to a myriad of complications. Several other substances namely glycerol, enzymes, inflammatory factors, and hormones are also involved in the overall mechanism. At the point when resistance towards insulin occurs, along with abnormally functioning β-cells, the overall burden of the inability to control elevated glucose levels in the blood ensues. Anomalies in β-cell are thus more critical in the development of T2D and its related symptoms. This information is encouraging investigation of the molecular and hereditary basis of the ailment and new ways to deal with its management and avoidance