Diet-Induced Rabbit Models for the Study of Metabolic Syndrome

In recent years, obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have become more prevalent owing to increased unhealthy habits and sedentary lifestyles, becoming public health problems. Experimental studies have allowed us to explore the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiological processes related to MetS. Several research protocols can be carried out with minimal staff, maintenance, and resources in animals such as rabbits. High-fat diets enriched with other components, mainly cholesterol and sugars, result in the rapid development of hypercholesterolemia and vascular alterations as a response to dietary manipulation. Furthermore, other experimental models, including transgenic rabbits with altered expression of specific genes, have been used to decrease the duration of experimental studies and increase the response to diet