Zebra Fish Model - Can It be used to Unlock the Research Insights of Obesity in Humans? Let’s Review

Genetic roots of human ailments were studied by using various laboratory methods. Animal models are required to define genetic mutations involved in manifestation of symptoms in patients. Obesity is a clinical condition characterized by subclinical inflammation due to the predominance of adipokines, often causing tissue damage and if not treated with adequate care can even lead to organ damage. The microarray investigation has demonstrated a specific gene pattern that was similar to human non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in diet-induced obesity zebrafish model. It is now well documented that there is an eighty percent resemblance with human genome, with complete sequencing of zebrafish genome as indication ropes the theory of positive association amid increased lipid content in food items, obesogenic pathways, abnormal regulation and weight gain and the development of cardiovascular diseases and hence findings in zebrafish could be extrapolated to human beings. Zebrafish model is now being preferred over other commonly used animal models because of its cost effectiveness and good genetic compatibility when compared with human species as evident from success of various translational research with zebrafish on disorders of nervous system in humans.