Reliability of Mouse Models in Biomedical Research

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The discussion emphasizes the growing skepticism around using mice as reliable models for human diseases due to inherent biological differences and variabilities. Though mice have served as a staple in preclinical research, their genetic uniformity, particularly in the commonly used C57BL/6 strain, limits their applicability in diverse medical contexts. This recognition has propelled discussions about the need for alternative approaches in toxicity testing, such as tissue-engineered liver slices, which could potentially offer more accurate results and mitigate animal suffering. The article also delves into specific examples of compounds that can be toxic to mice but not to humans, indicating a critical gap in understanding disease pathways between species. Furthermore, the observations underscore the complexities of translational research, where findings in mouse models do not always correlate with human responses, suggesting a deeper investigation into genetic and environmental factors influencing disease manifestation.
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