Establishment of a diabetes susceptible family in the Bama minipig (BMP) by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) induction.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM), characterized by hyperglycemia, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. An appropriate DM animal model to explore the underlying mechanism of DM and develop new antidiabetic drugs is still desirable. Here, we aim to provide alternatives of DM animal models for medical researches.

Objective: To establish a diabetes susceptible family in the Bama minipig (BMP) by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) induction.

Methods: Male BMPs with hyperglycemia were selected from G1 and bred by the inbreeding strategy. After 5 generations, parameters such as fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour plasma glucose (2hPG), intravenous glucose-tolerance test (IVGTT), and insulin resistance were determined to evaluate susceptible family members.

Results: The male BMP 2907 (FPG = 6.1 mmol/L, IGVTT 2hPG = 11.9 mmol/L) with hyperglycemia was selected from G1 to generate the 2907 hyperglycemic family. With the number of breeding generations, average FPG levels in BMPs increased significantly (p < 0.05). G5 displayed the characteristics of elevated FPG, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and abnormal glucose tolerance (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: A diabetes susceptible family has been successfully established, which might be used for further inbreeding or induced to mimic the phenotype of diabetes.