Metabolic disease models – Diet-induced Obesity DIO Mouse Model

Study the efficacy of your novel anti-obesity therapeutics using the DIO mouse model  

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DIO Mouse Model Characteristics

The diet-induced obesity DIO mouse model represents a physiological approach to studying efficacy of novel compounds against obesity and related metabolic disorders in a preclinical research setting. Maintaining C57BL/6N mice on a Western-style high-fat diet (HFD) comprising 60% fat content, the DIO mouse model develops many hallmarks of metabolic disease such as obesity, insulin sensitivity, elevated fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance. Additionally, using various behavioral phenotyping protocols, at InnoSer we have demonstrated that HF-fed mice show substantial reduction in general activity, nest building capacity as well as memory performance (e.g., during behavioral tests such as Morris Water Maze [MWM]).  

Depending on study timelines, this model can be adapted to study varying stages of metabolic dysfunction, including pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and more severe insulin resistance in the setting of Western diet and obesity. Unlike genetic metabolic models such as the db/db mouse model, the DIO model reflects lifestyle-induced obesity seen in humans, providing you with a highly translational mouse model to study efficacy of novel anti-obesity strategies. Combined with InnoSer’s expertise in behavioral neuroscience studies, the DIO mouse model is also suitable to evaluate efficacy of compounds against metabolic disease-associated cognitive dysfunctions which is currently an emerging area of research within the metabolic disease field. Contact us today to discuss how this model can support your research objectives in preclinical metabolic health research.  

✓  Mouse model of physiological induction of obesity  

✓  Mice show key hallmarks of metabolic disease (obesity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia)

db/db mouse model

As a preclinical metabolic CRO, InnoSer’s team delivers you with a range of high-quality in vivo models for key metabolic diseases with different associated risk factors and aetiologias. This selection allows you to test therapeutic efficacy to prevent or reverse insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, obesity type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and/or MAFLD/MASH (NASH/NAFLD). To study metabolic disease-associated cardiovascular complications and cardiac dysfunction, InnoSer recommends the use of the Western diet-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy rat model. Reach out to our team to discuss the most suitable model to answer your research questions. 

DIO Mouse Model Sample Data

DIO Mouse Model Readouts

Key obesity mouse model readouts that InnoSer offers


Test the efficacy of your treatments in the following battery of translational readouts:
  • Body weight
  • Plasma insulin
  • Plasma HbAc1
  • Fasted blood glucose
  • Glucose tolerance test (IPGTT)
  • Organ isolation and histopathology processing
  • Body composition: lean body mass, fat mass, water content (via Echo MRI) 
  • Food consumption

Behavioral readouts

  • CognitionWall discrimination and reversal learning
  • Y-Maze working memory
  • MWM spatial learning and memory

The People Behind Your Research

Yanick Fanton, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer

As Chief Science Officer at InnoSer, Yanick is responsible for all customer studies at InnoSer and takes care of the scientific and technical coordination.

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InnoSer offers a selection of gold standard cardio-metabolic disease models in rodents, supporting custom studies to optimize the preclinical development of your drug candidates. Learn more about you can leverage InnoSer’s experience and expertise in the cardio and...

AAALAC Accreditation

InnoSer has earned the AAALAC accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to responsible animal care and use. AAALAC International is a nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. Our accreditation is valid for three years, incl. 2023. Read more about the AAALAC accreditation programme here.

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Animal Welfare

The 3Rs impact everything from policy and regulatory change to the development and uptake of new technologies and approaches. This is why InnoSer has ongoing commitment and monitoring of these processes. The steps we practice maximize our ability to replace, reduce and refine animal involvement and facilitate our commitment to these principles when it comes to research and drug development.