Retrospective case-control study of hyperglycemia in group-housed, mature female cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

Abstract

Background: Captive cynomolgus macaques are prone to obesity, increasing their risk for developing hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Social rank may be a contributing risk factor predisposing macaques to adverse health events.

Methods: Using retrospective health records from 259 animals, a matched case-control study was conducted to assess risk factors for developing hyperglycemia in group-housed, adult females aged 10 or older. Univariable exact and conditional logistic regression models were used to analyze the data.

Result: The odds of developing hyperglycemia were significantly greater in animals with more frequent counts of injury. Similarly, subordinate animals had higher odds of developing hyperglycemia than affiliates.

Conclusions: Subordinate social status may increase the risk of hyperglycemia in mature female cynomolgus macaques. Opportunities for subordinates to alter feeding strategies are reduced in captivity. This may be associated with increased social stress around feeding, and for animals housed long-term could predispose them to obesity and hyperglycemia.