Leveraging the Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO) Rat Model for Translational Metabolic Research
Ace Therapeutics is a preclinical research partner committed to advancing obesity and metabolic disorder studies. Our expertise centers on the Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO) Rat Model, a robust platform for evaluating therapeutic candidates targeting diet-induced metabolic dysfunction. By integrating physiologically relevant models with advanced analytical capabilities, we generate actionable preclinical data to support your drug discovery pipeline.
The DIO Rat Model has emerged as a valuable asset in preclinical obesity research due to its ability to mimic several key aspects of human metabolic dysfunction. By inducing metabolic alterations through a carefully controlled high-calorie dietary regimen, the model replicates features such as weight gain, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation. In this model, rats are subjected to a diet designed to induce metabolic dysfunction over a defined period. The physiological responses observed closely parallel human metabolic disturbances associated with obesity. This similarity makes the DIO Rat Model a critical tool in understanding the underlying mechanisms of metabolic dysfunction and in assessing the potential efficacy of candidate compounds.
Fig.1. Establishment and characterization of a model of diet-induced obesity (DIO) for EV isolation. (Camino, T., et al. 2022)
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The scientific community has increasingly recognized the DIO Rat Model for its reliability in mimicking human metabolic dysfunction. In our studies, typical observations include:
| Parameter | Descriptions |
| Weight Gain | Rats exhibit an increase of approximately 25–35% in body weight from baseline. |
| Adiposity | There is a marked 2–3 fold increase in fat mass, as confirmed by imaging techniques and detailed post-study analyses. |
| Glucose Tolerance | The model demonstrates impaired glucose tolerance relative to control groups, indicative of the onset of insulin resistance. |
| Serum Lipid Levels | Elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides are common, reflecting the dyslipidemia seen in metabolic syndrome. |
| Inflammatory Markers | An increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines underscores the presence of a systemic inflammatory response. |
While these observations provide a strong validation of the model, it is important to note that experimental outcomes may vary depending on specific study protocols and conditions.
The insights derived from the DIO Rat Model have significant implications for obesity drug development. Our services support the evaluation of a range of therapeutic strategies.
Choosing Ace Therapeutics means partnering with a team that is committed to scientific rigor and customized study design.
What is the DIO Rat Model?
The Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction (DIO) Rat Model is a preclinical tool that uses a high-calorie dietary regimen to induce metabolic changes in rats. This model is designed to simulate key aspects of human obesity-related metabolic dysfunction, including weight gain, impaired glucose tolerance, altered lipid profiles, and systemic inflammation.
How is the DIO Rat Model established?
Our approach involves formulating a nutritionally balanced, high-calorie diet that reproducibly induces metabolic alterations over a defined period. The protocol is carefully designed to mirror dietary factors that contribute to obesity, allowing us to monitor changes in body composition, energy expenditure, and metabolic markers throughout the study.
What metabolic endpoints are typically assessed?
Studies using the DIO Rat Model include a broad range of endpoints. These may encompass measurements of body weight, adiposity, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiling. In addition, we perform detailed histological evaluations and assess inflammatory markers, such as TNF-α and IL-6, to capture a comprehensive picture of metabolic dysfunction.
What distinguishes the DIO Rat Model from other obesity models?
Unlike product-based models, our DIO Rat Model service is designed to generate detailed insights through customized study designs. The rat model is particularly beneficial due to its physiological characteristics, which allow for extensive tissue sampling and longitudinal analyses. This makes it a valuable tool for examining dose-dependent responses and for integrating metabolic, inflammatory, and organ-specific endpoints into the overall evaluation.
Can study designs be customized to meet specific research needs?
Absolutely. At Ace Therapeutics, we work closely with our clients to tailor study protocols based on individual research objectives. Whether the focus is on prophylactic interventions or therapeutic applications, our flexible approach enables adjustments in diet formulation, dosing schedules, and endpoint selection to best address the scientific questions at hand.
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Ace Therapeutics is a preclinical research leader specializing in obesity and metabolic disorders, offering validated models and advanced analytics to accelerate anti-obesity drug development. With a decade of expertise, we deliver end-to-end solutions, empowering biopharma innovators to transform therapies from concept to preclinical success.