Effects of Chronic Social Stress on Obesity in Male Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Bartolomucci Alessandro, Cabassi Aderville, Govoni Paolo, Ceresini Graziano, Cero Cheryl, Berra Daniela, Dadomo Harold, Franceschini Paolo, Dell'Omo Giacomo, Parmigiani Stefano, Palanza Paola
Primary Institution: Department of Evolutionary and Functional Biology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Hypothesis
Chronic psychosocial stress and individual housing affect metabolic functions and vulnerability to obesity in male mice.
Conclusion
The study shows that social status and housing conditions significantly influence metabolic functions and obesity risk in male mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Dominant mice showed a negative energy balance while subordinate mice had a positive energy balance under chronic stress.
- Hyperphagia was observed in both dominant and subordinate mice during stress.
- Individual housing resulted in reduced food intake and weight gain compared to group housing.
- Subordinate mice were more vulnerable to diet-induced obesity when exposed to a high-fat diet.
Takeaway
Mice that are stressed or isolated can gain weight differently, and being dominant or subordinate affects how much they eat and how their bodies store fat.
Methodology
The study involved male CD-1 mice subjected to chronic psychosocial stress and individual housing, with measurements of body weight, food intake, and metabolic parameters.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the specific strain of mice used and the controlled laboratory conditions that may not fully replicate natural environments.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on male mice, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to females or other species.
Participant Demographics
Adult male CD-1 mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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