Guidelines for Diet-Induced Models of Cardiometabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) encompasses a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, including obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Animal models are widely used to study CMS, with diet-induced models being the most physiologically relevant. Inconsistencies in dietary composition, feeding duration, and macronutrient content across studies hinder reproducibility and translational value. We provide standardized guidelines for the preparation and use of diets in experimental models of CMS. Advantages and limitations of different diet-induced models are compared to genetic and pharmacological approaches, emphasizing replicability to human metabolic dysregulation. Key considerations include macronutrient composition, fat source selection, feeding duration, strain susceptibility, and sex differences. Additionally, we outline essential husbandry practices, including environmental factors, bedding material, and enrichment conditions, which can affect metabolic outcomes. Standardization is crucial for enhancing experimental reproducibility and facilitating cross-study comparisons. These guidelines serve as a framework for researchers to optimize dietary interventions in CMS models, improving the predictive value of preclinical findings for translational applications to aid in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.