Non-Human Primates as Models for Diabetes Research: A Skeptic Outlook

Apart from numerous parallels, human beings have different evolutionary, physiological and biochemical features when compared to non-human primates. This has particular relevance to our nutrition patterns, stress (and the relevant coping mechanisms) and energy metabolism. These differences make a case for Homo sapiens to be a distinct species with unusual categories of diseases for which non-human primates may not supplement as true model organisms. The comparatively larger human brain proportionate size and consequently higher energy demands, bipedal locomotion (ensuing immature brain development at birth), unique craniofacial and dental structures with increased quality, availability and bioavailability of food, distinct stress biochemistry and endocrinology with disparate adrenal and thyroid sizes to other primates predispose us to many disorders not found in other non-human primates. One of the most important of these syndromes is diabetes type-1. Since we know that autoimmune diabetes does not occur in non-human primates we may, at the outset, think that a true physiological and biochemical model of this disease in them may have important shortcomings. This paper discusses relevant physiological differences between Homo sapiens and other non-human primates lending enough support to the view that non-human primates may not substantiate as diabetes models for research. This paper puts forth imperative arguments centered upon differences between humans and other non-human primates in the light of brain size, body composition, evolutionary development, stress biochemistry, and energy metabolism.  Finally, the discussion suggests that relevant factors should be taken into consideration when studying diabetes in these animal models. JMS 2018;21(1):61-67