Serum albumin and body weight as biomarkers for the antemortem identification of bone and gastrointestinal disease in the common marmoset

Age-related changes in hematological biomarkers in common marmosets

Researchers and veterinarians often use hematology and clinical chemistry to evaluate animal health. These biomarkers are relatively easy to obtain, and understanding how they change across healthy aging is critical to clinical care and diagnostics for these animals. We aimed to evaluate how clinical biomarkers from a chemistry profile and complete blood count (CBC) change with age in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). We assessed blood samples collected during routine physical exams at the Southwest National Primate Research Center and the University of Texas Health San Antonio marmoset colonies from November 2020-November 2021. We found that chemistry and CBC profiles varied based on facility, sex, and age. Significant changes in albumin, phosphorus/creatinine ratio, albumin/globulin ratio, amylase, creatinine, lymphocyte percent, hematocrit, granulocytes percent, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, red cell distribution width, and platelet distribution width were all reported with advancing age. Aged individuals also demonstrated evidence for changes in liver, kidney, and immune system function compared with younger individuals. Our results suggest there may be regular changes associated with healthy aging in marmosets that are outside of the range typically considered as normal values for healthy young individuals, indicating the potential need for redefined healthy ranges for clinical biomarkers in aged animals. Identifying animals that exhibit values outside of this defined healthy aging reference will allow more accurate diagnostics and treatments for aging colonies.

Review of Environmental and Health Factors Impacting Captive Common Marmoset Welfare in the Biomedical Research Setting

As a small-bodied neotropical nonhuman primate species, common marmosets have unique requirements for adequate husbandry and veterinary care to ensure proper maintenance and to promote good animal welfare in a biomedical research setting. Environmental conditions, as well as medical and research-related manipulations, can impact marmoset welfare. Research focus areas, including basic neuroscience, transgenics, and aging, involve additional implications for marmoset welfare. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of factors that should be considered and mitigated as needed by clinical and research staff working with marmosets in biomedical research facilities to optimize the welfare of captive marmosets.

Bacterial Cholecystitis and Cholangiohepatitis in Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a New World NHP, has emerged as important animal model in multiple areas of translational biomedical research. The quality of translational research in marmosets depends on early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of their spontaneous diseases. Here, we characterize an outbreak of infectious cholangiohepatitis that affected 7 adult common marmosets in a single building over a 10-mo period. Marmosets presented for acute onset of lethargy, dull mentation, weight loss, dehydration, hyporexia, and hypothermia. Blood chemistries at presentation revealed markedly elevated hepatic and biliary enzymes, but mild neutrophilia was detected in only 1 of the 7. Affected marmosets were unresponsive to rigorous treatment and died or were euthanized within 48 h of presentation. Gross and histopathologic examinations revealed severe, necrosuppurative cholangiohepatitis and proliferative cholecystitis with bacterial colonies and an absence of gallstones. Perimortem and postmortem cultures revealed single or dual isolates of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Other postmortem findings included bile duct hyperplasia, periportal hepatitis, bile peritonitis, ulcerative gastroenteritis, and typhlitis. Environmental contamination of water supply equipment with Pseudomonas spp. was identified as the source of infection, but pathogenesis remains unclear. This type of severe, infectious cholangiohepatitis with proliferative cholecystitis with Pseudomonas spp. had not been reported previously in marmosets, and we identified and here describe several contributing factors in addition to contaminated drinking water.

Aromatase Inhibition Eliminates Sexual Receptivity Without Enhancing Weight Gain in Ovariectomized Marmoset Monkeys

Context

Ovarian estradiol supports female sexual behavior and metabolic function. While ovariectomy (OVX) in rodents abolishes sexual behavior and enables obesity, OVX in nonhuman primates decreases, but does not abolish, sexual behavior, and inconsistently alters weight gain.

Objective

We hypothesize that extra-ovarian estradiol provides key support for both functions, and to test this idea, we employed aromatase inhibition to eliminate extra-ovarian estradiol biosynthesis and diet-induced obesity to enhance weight gain.

Methods

Thirteen adult female marmosets were OVX and received (1) estradiol-containing capsules and daily oral treatments of vehicle (E2; n = 5); empty capsules and daily oral treatments of either (2) vehicle (VEH, 1 mL/kg, n = 4), or (3) letrozole (LET, 1 mg/kg, n = 4).

Results

After 7 months, we observed robust sexual receptivity in E2, intermediate frequencies in VEH, and virtually none in LET females (P = .04). By contrast, few rejections of male mounts were observed in E2, intermediate frequencies in VEH, and high frequencies in LET females (P = .04). Receptive head turns were consistently observed in E2, but not in VEH and LET females. LET females, alone, exhibited robust aggressive rejection of males. VEH and LET females demonstrated increased % body weight gain (P = .01). Relative estradiol levels in peripheral serum were E2 >>> VEH > LET, while those in hypothalamus ranked E2 = VEH > LET, confirming inhibition of local hypothalamic estradiol synthesis by letrozole.

Conclusion

Our findings provide the first evidence for extra-ovarian estradiol contributing to female sexual behavior in a nonhuman primate, and prompt speculation that extra-ovarian estradiol, and in particular neuroestrogens, may similarly regulate sexual motivation in other primates, including humans.

Whole blood transfusion in common marmosets: a clinical evaluation

In veterinary medicine, blood transfusion is commonly performed on companion animals. The common marmoset is a small nonhuman primate with increasing popularity as an animal model in biomedical research. Because of its small whole blood volume, the marmoset is at high risk of exsanguination, and blood transfusion is required to care for life-threatening bleeding. However, few clinical evaluations exist on transfusions for marmosets. This study performed whole blood transfusion with cross-matching on nine marmosets and surveyed the therapeutic effects. Recipients included clinical cases with persistent bleeding, anemia, and coma, as well as animals subjected to postoperative bleeding prophylaxis. Donors were selected from healthy marmosets, including littermates. Cross-match assay before transfusion were all negative, and recipients showed no visible signs of transfusion-related adverse reactions. Whole blood transfusions caused hemostasis and successful recovery in bleeding marmosets, including long-term improvement of anemia cases. Our results indicated that blood transfusion is effective for marmosets with severe anemia and persistent hemorrhage from both non-experimental and surgical causes. Furthermore, DNA sequencing for blood-group classification revealed that all subject marmosets were type A, suggesting that the risk of blood type mismatch may be low in this species.

The Common Marmoset-Biomedical Research Animal Model Applications and Common Spontaneous Diseases

Marmosets are becoming more utilized in biomedical research due to multiple advantages including (1) a nonhuman primate of a smaller size with less cost for housing, (2) physiologic similarities to humans, (3) translatable hepatic metabolism, (4) higher numbers of litters per year, (5) genome is sequenced, molecular reagents are available, (6) immunologically similar to humans, (7) transgenic marmosets with germline transmission have been produced, and (8) are naturally occurring hematopoietic chimeras. With more use of marmosets, disease surveillance over a wide range of ages of marmosets has been performed. This has led to a better understanding of the disease management of spontaneous diseases that can occur in colonies. Knowledge of clinical signs and histologic lesions can assist in maximizing the colony's health, allowing for improved outcomes in translational studies within biomedical research. Here, we describe some basic husbandry, biology, common spontaneous diseases, and animal model applications for the common marmoset in biomedical research.

Alterations in common marmoset gut microbiome associated with duodenal strictures

Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are the most common diseases in captive common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Despite standardized housing, diet and husbandry, a recently described gastrointestinal syndrome characterized by duodenal ulcers and strictures was observed in a subset of marmosets sourced from the New England Primate Research Center. As changes in the gut microbiome have been associated with GI diseases, the gut microbiome of 52 healthy, non-stricture marmosets (153 samples) were compared to the gut microbiome of 21 captive marmosets diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer/stricture (57 samples). No significant changes were observed using alpha diversity metrics, and while the community structure was significantly different when comparing beta diversity between healthy and stricture cases, the results were inconclusive due to differences observed in the dispersion of both datasets. Differences in the abundance of individual taxa using ANCOM, as stricture-associated dysbiosis was characterized by Anaerobiospirillum loss and Clostridium perfringens increases. To identify microbial and serum biomarkers that could help classify stricture cases, we developed models using machine learning algorithms (random forest, classification and regression trees, support vector machines and k-nearest neighbors) to classify microbiome, serum chemistry or complete blood count (CBC) data. Random forest (RF) models were the most accurate models and correctly classified strictures using either 9 ASVs (amplicon sequence variants), 4 serum chemistry tests or 6 CBC tests. Based on the RF model and ANCOM results, C. perfringens was identified as a potential causative agent associated with the development of strictures. Clostridium perfringens was also isolated by microbiological culture in 4 of 9 duodenum samples from marmosets with histologically confirmed strictures. Due to the enrichment of C. perfringens in situ, we analyzed frozen duodenal tissues using both 16S microbiome profiling and RNAseq. Microbiome analysis of the duodenal tissues of 29 marmosets from the MIT colony confirmed an increased abundance of Clostridium in stricture cases. Comparison of the duodenal gene expression from stricture and non-stricture marmosets found enrichment of genes associated with intestinal absorption, and lipid metabolism, localization, and transport in stricture cases. Using machine learning, we identified increased abundance of C. perfringens, as a potential causative agent of GI disease and intestinal strictures in marmosets.

Feasibility of combined upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsy in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) to evaluate gastrointestinal diseases

BACKGROUND

Chronic gastroenteropathies, including gluten sensitivity and marmoset wasting syndrome, frequently occur in captive colonies of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Early identification and diagnosis of affected animals are desirable. Endoscopic examination of the colon in marmosets is described, but the small intestine can harbor significant mucosal lesions not representing those in the colon. Evaluating the small intestine currently requires invasive surgical biopsies due to the small patient size, carrying a risk of severe complications.

METHODS

Endoscopic intubation and multisite biopsy of the duodenum/proximal jejunum are demonstrated in 10 marmosets under general anesthesia.

RESULTS

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with colonoscopy efficiently aid in examining the gastrointestinal tract and obtaining an antemortem histologic diagnosis in marmosets with chronic gastrointestinal signs.

CONCLUSIONS

This minimally invasive technique is feasible in marmosets. Future investigations into the pathogenesis of chronic gastroenteropathies will benefit from these data, leading to improved animal welfare and better individual and colony health management.

Analysis of gut microbiome profiles in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) in health and intestinal disease

Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are the most common diseases in captive common marmosets. To understand the role of the microbiome in GI diseases, we characterized the gut microbiome of 91 healthy marmosets (303 samples) and 59 marmosets diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (200 samples). Healthy marmosets exhibited "humanized," Bacteroidetes-dominant microbiomes. After up to 2 years of standardized diet, housing and husbandry, marmoset microbiomes could be classified into four distinct marmoset sources based on Prevotella and Bacteroides levels. Using a random forest (RF) model, marmosets were classified by source with an accuracy of 93% with 100% sensitivity and 95% specificity using abundance data from 4 Prevotellaceae amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), as well as single ASVs from Coprobacter, Parabacteroides, Paraprevotella, Phascolarctobacterium, Oribacterium and Fusobacterium. A single dysbiotic IBD state was not found across all marmoset sources, but IBD was associated with lower alpha diversity and a lower Bacteroides:Prevotella copri ratio within each source. IBD was highest in a Prevotella-dominant cohort, and consistent with Prevotella-linked diseases, pro-inflammatory genes in the jejunum were upregulated. RF analysis of serum biomarkers identified serum calcium, hemoglobin and red blood cell (RBC) counts as potential biomarkers for marmoset IBD. This study characterizes the microbiome of healthy captive common marmosets and demonstrates that source-specific microbiomes can be retained despite standardized diets and husbandry practices. Marmosets with IBD had decreased alpha diversity and a shift in the ratio of Bacteroides:Prevotella copri compared to healthy marmosets.

Factors Affecting Hematologic and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Healthy Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Physiologic changes during development, aging, and pregnancy may affect clinical parameters. Previously available reference values have been based on samples that may include wild and captive marmosets, with little representation of geriatric or pregnant animals. Establishing reference values under various conditions would support better recognition of pathologic conditions in marmosets. One hundred and forty-seven (70 males and 77 females) healthy marmosets from a research colony were included in this study. Exclusion criteria were abnormal physical exam findings at the time of blood sampling, chronic medications, or clinical or pathologic evidence of disease. Reference intervals were calculated for serum chemistry and hematology. Using metadata, samples were classified based on age, sex, colony source and pregnancy status. Multiple tests indicated significant differences with varying effect sizes, indicating that developing reference intervals based on metadata can be useful. Across all the comparisons, medium or large effect sizes were observed most frequently in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium, total protein, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), weight and serum albumin. We report normative clinical pathologic data for captive common marmosets through all life stages and reproductive status. Significant differences were observed in most parameters when stratifying data based on age, sex, colony source, or pregnancy, suggesting that developing reference intervals considering this information is important for clinicians.

Immunohistochemical Characterization of a Duodenal Adenocarcinoma with Pulmonary, Hepatic and Parapatellar Metastases in a Common Marmoset (Callithrixjacchus)

An 11-year-old male common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) presented with chronic, progressive weight loss and diarrhoea. Response to treatment with nutritional supplementation, antibiotics and immunosuppressants was modest and transient, and the animal was humanely euthanized. At necropsy, the proximal 8 cm of small intestine was diffusely pale with transmural thickening. The lungs contained coalescing tan, firm nodules measuring up to 4 mm in diameter. Histological examination revealed infiltrative mucinous adenocarcinoma of the duodenum with extensive metastases to the lungs, liver and left parapatellar adipose tissue. The mucinous matrix secreted by the primary and metastatic lesions was strongly periodic acid-Schiff positive. Warthin Starry staining for spirochaetes was negative. Pancytokeratin expression was attenuated in the primary tumour as well as in the metastases, which correlated to a poorly differentiated phenotype. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a proximal duodenal adenocarcinoma with extensive metastatic disease in a common marmoset.

The use of midazolam as an appetite stimulant and anxiolytic in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

BACKGROUND

Food avoidance secondary to disease or stress can lead to weight loss and rapid deterioration of clinical condition in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Currently, there are no data supporting the use of any pharmaceuticals as an appetite stimulant in this species; however, benzodiazepines are frequently used for this purpose in other species.

METHODS

Six marmosets were used in a crossover study design to evaluate the benzodiazepine midazolam as an appetite stimulant and anxiolytic. Total food intake (TFI) and latency to eat (LTE) were measured following administration of oral and injectable midazolam in non-anxious and anxious states.

RESULTS

Injectable midazolam increased TFI and decreased LTE in anxious marmosets, but had no effect in non-anxious animals. Oral midazolam had no effect on appetite in either state.

CONCLUSIONS

Injectable midazolam may be an effective treatment for anxiety-induced inappetence in marmosets. Individual response to both oral and injectable midazolam may vary.

Fibrous Osteodystrophy, Chronic Renal Disease, and Uterine Adenocarcinoma in Aged Gray Mouse Lemurs (Microcebus murinus)

The gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus, GML) is a nocturnal, arboreal, prosimian primate that is native to Madagascar. Captive breeding colonies of GMLs have been established primarily for noninvasive studies on questions related to circadian rhythms and metabolism. GMLs are increasingly considered to be a strong translational model for neurocognitive aging due to overlapping histopathologic features shared with aged humans. However, little information is available describing the clinical presentations, naturally occurring diseases, and histopathology of aged GMLs. In our colony, a 9 y-old, male, GML was euthanized after sudden onset of weakness, lethargy, and tibial fracture. Evaluation of this animal revealed widespread fibrous osteodystrophy (FOD) of the mandible, maxilla, cranium, appendicular, and vertebral bones. FOD and systemic metastatic mineralization were attributed to underlying chronic renal disease. Findings in this GML prompted periodic colony-wide serum biochemical screenings for azotemia and electrolyte abnormalities. Subsequently, 3 additional GMLs (2 females and 1 male) were euthanized due to varying clinical and serum biochemical presentations. Common to all 4 animals were FOD, chronic renal disease, uterine adenocarcinoma (females only), cataracts, and osteoarthritis. This case study highlights the concurrent clinical and histopathologic abnormalities that are relevant to use of GMLs in the expanding field of aging research.

Clinical Management of Gastrointestinal Disease in the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Gastrointestinal disease is a frequently encountered problem among captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) colonies. Management can be challenging due to the number of etiologies responsible for gastrointestinal disease in this species, limitations on diagnostic capabilities, and lack of effective treatments. Understanding commonly described GI diseases in the captive marmoset can provide insight on the impact these diseases have on research studies and aid in the development of appropriate management strategies. A review of commonly encountered GI disease processes as well as routinely implicated causes of GI disease in the common marmoset are provided. Current strategies in clinical management of GI disease in the common marmoset, including approaches to colony health, diagnostic testing, and commonly employed treatments are discussed.

Marmoset Metabolism, Nutrition, and Obesity

The use of marmosets as nonhuman primate models of human disease has undergone rapid expansion in the United States in the last decade, with an emphasis in the field of neuroscience. With this expanding need, there has been an increase in the formation of small marmoset colonies. The standardization in care and husbandry techniques for marmosets has historically lagged behind other established nonhuman primate models, resulting in a great deal of variation in practices between colonies. There remains a lack of consensus and evidence-based recommendations regarding best standards for nutrition, enrichment, weight management, and diagnostics for clinical metabolic disease. Marmoset base diets vary broadly in their nutritional value, and therefore the physiological responses to these diets also vary broadly. In this review, we briefly outline what is known about nutrition for captive marmosets and highlight what is known regarding metabolic dysfunction and obesity.

Current practices in nutrition management and disease incidence of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

BACKGROUND

A survey was developed to characterize disease incidence, common pathology lesions, environmental characteristics, and nutrition programs within captive research marmoset colonies.

METHODS

Seventeen research facilities completed the electronic survey.

RESULTS

Nutritional management programs varied amongst research institutions housing marmosets; eight primary base diets were reported. The most common clinical syndromes reported were gastrointestinal disease (i.e. inflammatory bowel disease like disease, chronic lymphocytic enteritis, chronic malabsorption, chronic diarrhea), metabolic bone disease or fracture, infectious diarrhea, and oral disease (tooth root abscesses, gingivitis, tooth root resorption). The five most common pathology morphologic diagnoses were colitis, nephropathy/nephritis, enteritis, chronic lymphoplasmacytic enteritis, and cholecystitis. Obesity was more common (average 20% of a reporting institution's population) than thin body condition (average 5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Through review of current practices, we aim to inspire development of evidence-based practices to standardize husbandry and nutrition practices for marmoset research colonies.

The Gastrointestinal Microbiota of the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

The microbiota is heavily involved in both health and disease pathogenesis, but defining a normal, healthy microbiota in the common marmoset has been challenging. The aim of this review was to systematically review recent literature involving the gastrointestinal microbiome of common marmosets in health and disease. Twelve sources were included in this review. The gut microbiome composition was reviewed across institutions worldwide, and taxonomic shifts between healthy individuals were described. Unlike the human gut microbiome, which is dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, the marmoset gut microbiome shows great plasticity across institutions, with 5 different phyla described as dominant in different healthy cohorts. Genera shared across institutions include Anaerobiospirillum, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, Fusobacterium, Megamonas, Megasphaera, Phascolarctobacterium, and Prevotella. Shifts in the abundance of Prevotella or Bifidobacterium or invasion by pathogens like Clostridium perfringens may be associated with disease. Changes in microbial composition have been described in healthy and diseased marmosets, but factors influencing the severe changes in microbial composition have not been established. Multi-institutional, prospective, and longitudinal studies that utilize multiple testing methodologies are required to determine sources of variability in the reporting of marmoset microbiomes. Furthermore, methods of microbial manipulation, whether by diet, enrichment, fecal microbiome transplantation, etc, need to be established to modulate and maintain robust and resilient microbiome communities in marmoset colonies and reduce the incidence of idiopathic gastrointestinal disease.

Cytotoxic Escherichia coli strains encoding colibactin, cytotoxic necrotizing factor, and cytolethal distending toxin colonize laboratory common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Cyclomodulins are virulence factors that modulate cellular differentiation, apoptosis, and proliferation. These include colibactin (pks), cytotoxic necrotizing factor (cnf), and cytolethal distending toxin (cdt). Pathogenic pks+, cnf+, and cdt+ E. coli strains are associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer in humans and animals. Captive marmosets are frequently afflicted with IBD-like disease, and its association with cyclomodulins is unknown. Cyclomodulin-encoding E. coli rectal isolates were characterized using PCR-based assays in healthy and clinically affected marmosets originating from three different captive sources. 139 E. coli isolates were cultured from 122 of 143 marmosets. The pks gene was detected in 56 isolates (40%), cnf in 47 isolates (34%), and cdt in 1 isolate (0.7%). The prevalences of pks+ and cnf+ E. coli isolates were significantly different between the three marmoset colonies. 98% of cyclomodulin-positive E. coli belonged to phylogenetic group B2. Representative isolates demonstrated cyclomodulin cytotoxicity, and serotyping and whole genome sequencing were consistent with pathogenic E. coli strains. However, the presence of pks+, cnf+, or cdt+ E. coli did not correlate with clinical gastrointestinal disease in marmosets. Cyclomodulin-encoding E. coli colonize laboratory common marmosets in a manner dependent on the source, potentially impacting reproducibility in marmoset models.

The Importance of Complementary Collaboration of Researchers, Veterinarians, and Husbandry Staff in the Successful Training of Marmoset Behavioral Assays

Interest in marmosets as research models has seen exponential growth over the last decade, especially given that the research community is eager to improve on gaps with historical animal models for behavioral and cognitive disorders. The spectrum of human disease traits that present naturally in marmosets, as well as the range of analogous human behaviors that can be assessed in marmosets, makes them ideally suited as translational models for behavioral and cognitive disorders. Regardless of the specific research aims of any project, without close collaboration between researchers, veterinarians, and animal care staff, it would be impossible to meet these goals. Behavior is inherently variable, as are marmosets that are genetically and phenotypically diverse. Thus, to ensure rigor, reliability, and reproducibility in results, it is important that in the research environment, the animal's daily husbandry and veterinary needs are being met and align with the research goals while keeping the welfare of the animal the most critical and highest priority. Much of the information described herein provides details on key components for successful behavioral testing, based on a compendium of methods from peer-reviewed publications and our own experiences. Specific areas highlighted include habituation procedures, selection of appropriate rewards, optimization of testing environments, and ways to integrate regular veterinary and husbandry procedures into the research program with minimal disruptions to the behavioral testing plan. This article aims to provide a broad foundation for researchers new to establishing behavioral and cognitive testing paradigms in marmosets and especially for the veterinary and husbandry colleagues who are indispensable collaborators of these research projects.

Evaluation of vitamin D3 metabolites in Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset)

Vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol) is endogenously produced in the skin of primates when exposed to the appropriate wavelengths of ultraviolet light (UV-B). Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) maintained indoors require dietary provision of vitamin D₃ due to lack of sunlight exposure. The minimum dietary vitamin D₃ requirement and the maximum amount of vitamin D₃ that can be metabolized by marmosets is unknown. Observations of metabolic bone disease and gastrointestinal malabsorption have led to wide variation in dietary vitamin D₃ provision amongst research institutions, with resulting variation in circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃ ), the accepted marker for vitamin D sufficiency/deficiency. Multiple studies have reported serum 25(OH)D₃ in captive marmosets, but 25(OH)D₃ is not the final product of vitamin D₃ metabolism. In addition to serum 25(OH)D_3, we measured the most physiologically active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂ D₃ ), and the less well understood metabolite, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (24,25(OH)₂ D₃ ) to characterize the marmoset's ability to metabolize dietary vitamin D₃ . We present vitamin D₃ metabolite and related serum chemistry value colony reference ranges in marmosets provided diets with 26,367 (Colony A, N = 113) or 8,888 (Colony B, N = 52) international units (IU) of dietary vitamin D₃ per kilogram of dry matter. Colony A marmosets had higher serum 25(OH)D₃ (426 ng/ml [SD 200] vs. 215 ng/ml [SD 113]) and 24,25(OH)₂ D₃ (53 ng/ml [SD 35] vs. 7 ng/ml [SD 5]). There was no difference in serum 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ between the colonies. Serum 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ increased and 25(OH)D₃ decreased with age, but the effect was weak. Marmosets tightly regulate metabolism of dietary vitamin D₃ into the active metabolite 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ ; excess 25(OH)D₃ is metabolized into 24,25(OH)₂ D₃ . This ability explains the tolerance of high levels of dietary vitamin D₃ by marmosets, however, our data suggest that these high dietary levels are not required.

Novel gastrointestinal disease in common marmosets characterised by duodenal dilation: a clinical and pathological study

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are frequently used for biomedical research but gastrointestinal diseases have been major health problems to maintain captive marmosets. We have diagnosed a novel gastrointestinal disease in marmosets, as which we propose to call ‘marmoset duodenal dilation syndrome’; this disease is characterised by proximal duodenal obstruction and dilation. This study aimed to reveal the clinical and pathological findings of this syndrome and establish appropriate diagnostic imaging methods. Animals with the syndrome comprised 21.9% of the necropsy cases at the Central Institute for Experimental Animals in Kawasaki, Japan. The syndrome is characterised by clinical signs included vomiting, bloating, and weight loss. Grossly, all diseased animals exhibited significant dilation of the descending part of the duodenum, which contained a mixture of gas and fluid. The duodenal dilations were definitively diagnosed by contrast radiography. Moreover, a combination of plain radiography and ultrasonography was found to be a viable screening method for diagnosing duodenal dilation. The animals with duodenal dilation characteristically showed adhesions between the descending duodenum and ascending colon with chronic peritonitis. The cause of marmoset duodenal dilation syndrome remains unknown, but was likely multifactorial, including peritoneal adhesion, chronic ulcer, and feeding conditions in this study.

Evaluating rectal swab collection method for gut microbiome analysis in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is increasingly used as an animal model for biomedical research; however, gastrointestinal diseases causing significant morbidity are endemic in many captive marmoset colonies. Establishing gut microbiome patterns in a marmoset colony may aid in clinical decision-making and model reproducibility. A standardized method of sample collection and storage is essential for proper interpretation of microbiome data. While microbiome studies commonly utilize fecal samples, the goal of this study was to determine whether the microbiome profile from a rectal swab performed on a sedated animal was comparable to the microbiome profile from a fecal sample. During routine physical exams, paired fecal and rectal swab samples were collected from each of 23 marmosets. DNA was extracted from all fecal and rectal swab samples and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences were amplified and analyzed. Initial comparison of the relative abundance of bacterial phyla between paired samples had a r² value of 0.70 with S of 0.08 with no significant differences in α and β diversity metrics between fecal and rectal samples. Initial analysis however, revealed 5 discordant fecal-rectal pairs which corresponded only with the 5 rectal swabs that were classified as free of visible fecal matter during collection. Exclusion of these 5 pairs resulted in an optimized fit of the data as evidenced by a r² value of 0.91 with S of 0.05. These results demonstrate that rectal swabs are a reliable method for profiling the fecal microbiome in the marmoset since the bacterial composition from a rectal swab with visible fecal contents correlated well with the bacterial composition from a fecal sample from the same marmoset. This study highlights the importance of standardized sample collection methods and exclusion of inappropriate samples.

Diet, digestion and energy intake in captive common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): research and management implications

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are susceptible to intestinal inflammation which leads to chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and vitamin D deficiency. We examined food intake and digestion in three mixed-sex groups of adult marmosets maintained on three commercial base diets. Animals underwent two consecutive 4-day digestion trials. Body mass stayed constant. Feces and diet were assayed for Mn, fat, and gross energy (GE). Apparent digestibility of dry matter (ADDM) was calculated by the total collection method and from dietary and fecal Mn; the methods produced correlated results (r = 0.658, p < 0.001). Apparent digestibility of energy (ADE) was calculated from ADDM and the GE of feces and diet; apparent digestibility of fat (ADfat) was calculated from ADDM and fecal fat. ADDM and ADE varied by diet (p < 0.001). We found poor digesters on all three diets. The concentration of fecal fat was inversely related to ADE (r = -0.729, p < 0.001). High fecal fat (>10%) was associated with ADfat of zero, consistent with lipid malabsorption. Mean digestible energy intake (DEI) was equal to 1.5 the estimated metabolic rate, but varied widely between individuals. The diet with the fewest animals with high fecal fat had the highest mean DEI and most animals above 450 g, suggesting it may be obesogenic.

Development and analytic validation of a sandwich ELISA for the measurement of α1-proteinase inhibitor concentrations in serum and feces of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

OBJECTIVE To develop and validate a sandwich ELISA for the measurement of α₁-proteinase inhibitor (α₁-PI) concentrations in serum and fecal samples obtained from common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). SAMPLE Leftover serum (n = 42) and fecal (23) samples submitted for diagnostic testing; paired serum and fecal samples obtained from 30 common marmosets at 2 research colonies. PROCEDURES A sandwich ELISA was developed and analytically validated by determining the lower limit of detection, linearity, accuracy, precision, and reproducibility. Reference intervals for α₁-PI concentrations in serum and feces of common marmosets were calculated. RESULTS The standard curve was generated for concentrations between 1 and 100 ng/mL. Mean ± SD observed-to-expected ratio for serial dilutions of serum and fecal samples was 117.1 ± 5.6% (range, 112.2% to 123.0%) and 106.1 ± 19.7% (range, 82.6% to 130.2%), respectively. Mean observed-to-expected ratio for spiking recovery of serum and fecal samples was 102.9 ± 12.1% (range, 86.8% to 115.8%) and 97.9 ± 19.0% (range, 83.0% to 125.1%), respectively. Reference interval for serum concentrations of α₁-PI was 1,254 to 1,813 μg/mL, for 3-day mean fecal concentrations was 11.5 to 42.2 μg/g of feces, and for 3-day maximum fecal concentrations was 13.2 to 51.2 μg/g of feces. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The ELISA was linear, accurate, precise, and reproducible for quantification of α₁-PI concentrations in serum and feces of common marmosets. However, the ELISA had limited linearity and accuracy for spiking recovery of fecal samples.

Atresia Ani with Imperforate Anus in a Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

In November 2015, an 83-d-old juvenile male common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) in good body condition was found dead in his family cage with no previous premonitory signs. Necropsy revealed a gas-distended abdomen, feces-distended large bowel, and a full-thickness distal colonic perforation resulting in fecal peritonitis. The distal colon ended in a blind pouch at 7 mm prior to the expected anal opening, consistent with atresia ani. Here we present this case, briefly discuss the human and veterinary literature regarding correction of anorectal malformations, and highlight the importance of identifying such devastating congenital defects in breeding colonies while limiting the disruption and handling of seemingly healthy, young NHP raised in a complex social setting.

Serum Cobalamin and Folate Concentrations in Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) with Chronic Lymphocytic Enteritis

Serum cobalamin and folate concentrations can serve as surrogate markers of gastrointestinal disease in dogs and cats, where they can have diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic implications. Chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly chronic lymphocytic enteritis (CLE), occurs frequently in captive common marmosets. The aims of this study were to validate a commercially available assay for measuring serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in common marmosets, to establish reference intervals for these analytes in healthy marmosets, and to measure serum concentrations in common marmosets with CLE. The commercial assay was linear, accurate, precise, and reproducible for the measurement of serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in common marmosets. In healthy marmosets, the serum cobalamin concentration ranged from 322 to 2642 pg/mL (n = 35) and serum folate concentration from 54.8 to 786.4 ng/mL (n = 37). Low serum folate concentrations were moderately sensitive (greater than 70%) for CLE, and low serum cobalamin concentrations were moderately (greater than 70%) specific for CLE. Both serum cobalamin and folate concentrations were relatively unchanged in marmosets during 120 to 220 d. Serum cobalamin and folate concentrations were stable for approximately 7 y when samples were stored at -80 °C. Additional studies are warranted to further study the clinical implications of low serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in common marmosets.

Fecal Concentrations of N-methylhistamine in Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Chronic lymphocytic enteritis (CLE) is a frequent disease in common marmosets. However, no diagnostic test for early detection of CLE is available. Mast cells have an important role in gastrointestinal disease. The purpose of this study was to measure fecal concentrations of N-methylhistamine (NMH), a breakdown product of histamine metabolism, in common marmosets. A previously established NMH gas chromatography-mass spectrometry assay for canine feces and urine was used, and partial validation was performed. The reference intervals (n = 30) established for fecal NMH concentrations in common marmoset were 118.2 ng/g or less for a single fecal sample, 121.7 ng/g or less for the 3-d mean, and less than or equal to 167.5 ng/g for the 3-d maximum. Considerable day-to-day variation was observed in fecal NMH concentrations; the mean %CV was 42.2% (minimum, 7.1%; maximum, 141.4%). Fecal NMH concentrations were measured in 14 marmosets for which necropsy reports were available; 7 of the 8 marmosets with CLE and the 1 animal with lymphoma and ulcerative enteritis had increased fecal NMH concentrations. Increased fecal NMH concentrations may serve as a potential marker for CLE; however, further studies exploring the role of mast cells in marmosets with CLE are needed.

Development and analytical validation of a radioimmunoassay for the quantification of alpha1 -proteinase inhibitor in serum and feces from the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to develop and analytically validate a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the measurement of alpha₁ -proteinase inhibitor (α₁ -PI) concentrations in serum and feces from the common marmoset.

METHODS

Serum samples (n = 30) and 3-day fecal samples (n = 30) were obtained from healthy marmosets. An RIA was established and validated by determination of sensitivity, working range, dilutional parallelism, spiking recovery, and intra- and interassay variability. A reference interval for mα₁ -PI in serum and feces was established.

RESULTS

Sensitivity and upper limit of the working range were 0.75 and 100.62 μg/L, respectively. Observed-to-expected (O/E) ratios for serial dilutions ranged from 89.9% to 123.0% (mean ±SD: 106.0 ± 11.5%) for 8 serum samples, and from 90.6% to 132.7% (mean ±SD: 107.6 ± 19.2%) for 4 fecal samples. O/E ratios for spiking recovery ranged from 97.6% to 104.4% (mean ±SD: 101.3 ± 3%) for 4 serum samples, and from 97.5% to 101.4% (mean ±SD: 99.2 ± 1.8%) for 4 fecal samples and 3 different spiking concentrations. Coefficients of variation (CV) for intra-assay variability for 8 serum samples ranged from 1.7% to 10.6% and 2.2% to 5.1% in the 8 fecal samples. The interassay CV for eight serum samples ranged from 1.3% to 9.9%, and from 1.0% to 6.7% in the 8 fecal samples. The reference interval in serum was determined to be 1047-1484 μg/L. The reference interval in serum was determined to be 1047-1484 μg/L. The reference interval for the 3-day mean fecal concentration, and 3-day maximum fecal concentration were determined to be 32.4-124.4 μg/g and 39.1-158.7 μg/g of feces, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The developed assay is sensitive, linear, accurate, precise, and reproducible. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical utility of this assay.

Larger cages with housing unit environment enrichment improve the welfare of marmosets

The provision of adequate space for laboratory animals is essential not only for good welfare but accurate studies. For example, housing conditions for primates used in biomedical research may negatively affect welfare and thus the reliability of findings. In common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), an appropriate cage size enables a socially harmonious family environment and optimizes reproductive potential. In this study, we investigated the effects of cage size on body weight (BW), behavior, and nursing succession in the common marmoset. Large cages (LCs) with environment enrichment led to an increase in BW while small cages (SCs) caused stereotypic behaviors that were not observed in LCs. In addition, the BW of infants increased with aging in LCs. Our findings indicate that the welfare of marmosets was enhanced by living in LCs. Research on non-human primates is essential for understanding the human brain and developing knowledge-based strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Thus, the present findings are important because they indicate that different cages may influence emotional and behavioral phenotypes.

Tranexamic Acid and Supportive Measures to Treat Wasting Marmoset Syndrome

Wasting marmoset syndrome (WMS) has high incidence and mortality rates and is one of the most important problems in captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) colonies. Despite several reports on WMS, little information is available regarding its reliable treatment. We previously reported that marmosets with WMS had high serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). MMP9 is thought to be a key enzyme in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease, the main disease state of WMS, and is activated by plasmin, a fibrinolytic factor. In a previous study, treating mice with an antibody to inhibit plasmin prevented the progression of inflammatory bowel disease. Here we examined the efficacy of tranexamic acid, a commonly used plasmin inhibitor, for the treatment of WMS, with supportive measures including amino acid and iron formulations. Six colony marmosets with WMS received tranexamic acid therapy with supportive measures for 8 wk. The body weight, Hct, and serum albumin levels of these 6 marmosets were increased and serum MMP9 levels decreased after this regimen. Therefore, tranexamic acid therapy may be a new and useful treatment for WMS.

Serum matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) as a biochemical marker for wasting marmoset syndrome

Use of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) as a non-human primate experimental animal has increased in recent years. Although wasting marmoset syndrome (WMS) is one of the biggest problems in captive marmoset colonies, the molecular mechanisms, biochemical markers for accurate diagnosis and a reliable treatment remain unknown. In this study, as a first step to finding biochemical marker(s) for the accurate diagnosis of WMS, we conducted blood cell counts, including hematocrit, hemoglobin and platelets, and examined serum chemistry values, including albumin, calcium and levels of serum matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), using a colony of marmosets with and without weight loss. MMP9 is thought to be an enzyme responsible for the degradation of extracellular matrix components and participates in the pathogenesis of inflammatory conditions, such as human and murine inflammatory bowel disease, which, like WMS, are characterized histologically by inflammatory cell infiltrations in the intestines. The values of hematocrit and hemoglobin and levels of serum albumin and calcium in the WMS group were significantly decreased versus the control group. The platelet values and serum MMP9 concentrations were increased significantly in the WMS group compared with the control group. MMP9 could be a new and useful marker for the diagnosis of WMS in addition to hematocrit, hemoglobin, serum albumin and calcium. Our results also indicate that MMP9 could be a useful molecular candidate for treatment.

Plasma Metabolomics of Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) to Evaluate Diet and Feeding Husbandry

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are an important NHP model for the study of human aging and age-related diseases. However, the full potential of marmosets as a research model has not been realized due to a lack of evidence-based, standardized procedures for their captive management, especially regarding diet and feeding husbandry. In the present study, we conducted a high-resolution metabolomics analysis of plasma from marmosets from a 3-mo dietary crossover study to determine whether significant metabolic differences occur with a semisynthetic chemically defined (purified) diet as needed for controlled nutrition research. Marmosets were fed a standard, diverse-ingredient diet, followed by a semisynthetic purified diet, and then were switched back to the standard diet. The standard diet used in this analysis was specific to the animal facility, but it is similar in content to the diets currently used for other marmoset colonies. High-resolution metabolomics of plasma with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and bioinformatics was used to measure metabolic differences. The concentration of the essential amino acids methionine, leucine/isoleucine, lysine, and threonine were higher when marmosets were fed the purified diet. In contrast, phenylalanine concentrations were higher during exposure to the standard diet. In addition, metabolic pathway enrichment and analysis revealed differences among metabolites associated with dopamine metabolism and the carnitine shuttle. These results show that diet-associated differences in metabolism occur in marmosets and suggest that additional nutritional studies with detailed physiologic characterization are needed to optimize standard and purified diets for common marmosets.

Metabolic Characterization of the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

High-resolution metabolomics has created opportunity to integrate nutrition and metabolism into genetic studies to improve understanding of the diverse radiation of primate species. At present, however, there is very little information to help guide experimental design for study of wild populations. In a previous non-targeted metabolomics study of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), Rhesus macaques, humans, and four non-primate mammalian species, we found that essential amino acids (AA) and other central metabolites had interspecies variation similar to intraspecies variation while non-essential AA, environmental chemicals and catabolic waste products had greater interspecies variation. The present study was designed to test whether 55 plasma metabolites, including both nutritionally essential and non-essential metabolites and catabolic products, differ in concentration in common marmosets and humans. Significant differences were present for more than half of the metabolites analyzed and included AA, vitamins and central lipid metabolites, as well as for catabolic products of AA, nucleotides, energy metabolism and heme. Three environmental chemicals were present at low nanomolar concentrations but did not differ between species. Sex and age differences in marmosets were present for AA and nucleotide metabolism and warrant additional study. Overall, the results suggest that quantitative, targeted metabolomics can provide a useful complement to non-targeted metabolomics for studies of diet and environment interactions in primate evolution.

Pentatrichomonas hominis in laboratory-bred common marmosets

Trichomonadid protozoa have been found in the intestinal tracts of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). However, there is little information available on species identification and the pathogenicity of these trichomonads. In this study, we conducted a fecal survey of a common marmoset colony maintained as laboratory animals in Japan and identified the trichomonad species. Screening using a fecal smear examination revealed that 66% (58/88) of the marmosets had trichomonadid trophozoites in their feces. The trichomonads were found in both normal feces (31/49, 63%) and diarrhea (27/39, 69%), with no significant difference in frequency. The protozoa were identified as Pentatrichomonas hominis using morphological characters and the 100% identity of the nucleotide sequence of the partial 18S rRNA gene (297 bp). The intraspecific genetic variability between P. hominis from the marmosets in this study and P. hominis from other reported mammal hosts was ≤1% in the nucleotide sequence, including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-1, 5.8S rRNA gene, and ITS-2 (293 bp). P. hominis inhabits the large intestine of various mammalian hosts, including primates, and is considered nonpathogenic. These results suggest that P. hominis is transmitted among marmosets and other mammals but is not a primary cause of bowel disease in marmosets.

Bone Disease in the Common Marmoset: Radiographic and Histological Findings

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a New World primate that is used in biomedical research due to its small size and relative ease of handling compared with larger primates. Although bone disease in common marmosets is well recognized, there are very few detailed descriptions in the literature that cover the range of lesions seen in these animals. For all animals used to model human disease, it is important to be aware of background lesions that may affect the interpretation of study findings. This retrospective study details bone diseases encountered in marmoset breeding colonies at 2 different institutions. Affected marmosets at Johns Hopkins University had lesions compatible with diagnoses of rickets, fibrous osteodystrophy and osteopenia. Affected marmosets at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center exhibited severe lesions of osteoclastic bone resorption and remodeling that had an unusual distribution and were not easily categorized into a known disease entity. The purpose of this report is to document these naturally occurring skeletal lesions of common marmosets and suggest an approach to evaluating skeletal disease in prospective studies of these animals that will allow the most accurate diagnoses.

The use of glucocorticoids in marmoset wasting syndrome

BACKGROUND

Marmoset wasting syndrome (MWS) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in captive marmosets, and thus far no reliable treatment has been found. Glucocorticoids are used widely to treat inflammatory conditions of the GI tract such as human and feline inflammatory bowel disease, which, such as MWS, are histologically characterized by chronic lymphoplasmacytic inflammation in the intestines. Budesonide is a glucocorticoid with few reported side effects due to the majority of it being metabolized into inactive compounds by the liver before entering the systemic circulation.

METHOD

Eleven marmosets presented with antemortem signs consistent with MWS and were treated with oral prednisone or budesonide for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

The marmosets in our study demonstrated a significant increase in both weight and albumin levels (relative to pre-treatment values) after glucocorticoid therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Glucocorticoids are an effective therapy to ameliorate the clinical signs associated with MWS with minimal side effects.