Evaluation of diabetes determinants in woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha)

Abstract

Woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha) are a threatened specie in the wild with limited successful management in captivity due to diagnosed hypertension and suspected diabetic conditions. Six woolly monkeys with known hypertension problems were tested to determine if diabetes mellitus and current daily diet are underlying links to health problems for the captive population of this species. Blood and urine were collected and serum was analysed for fructosamine, glucose, glycated haemoglobin, insulin, triacylglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Chol) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-Chol) while urine was tested for glucose concentrations. Diet disappearance was determined for 3 days prior to blood collection and nutrient content was calculated using Zoo Diet Analysis computer program. Serum analyses were within normal ranges (fructosamine (139-242 micromol/l), glucose (2.22-4.78 mmol/l), glycated haemoglobin (3.52-4.73%), insulin (6.2-13.0 microU/ml), triacylglycerides (0.38-3.4 mmol/l), total cholesterol (2.5-5.1 mmol/l), HDL-Chol (0.4-1.6 mmol/l) and LDL-Chol (1.8-3.4 mmol/l)). Urine glucose concentrations were below the detection limit. Diets were not limiting in starch and total sugars and were similar in non-starch polysaccharides. Potential dietary deficiencies were noted for vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and selenium. When compared with the available primate reference ranges, the results do not indicate problems with diabetes mellitus or with glucose metabolism and therefore they are not causes of the diagnosed hypertension. Further research to ascertain the true cause of health related problems and the role of dietary factors is needed.

Normal Glucose Metabolism in Carnivores Overlaps with Diabetes Pathology in Non-Carnivores

“…Overt diabetes mellitus – with hyperglycemia and severe insulin deficiency as prominent features – can be considered a disorder of domestication in that affected cats would die without treatment. Thus, among pet cats and the myriad of other domestic and captive species in which diabetes has been reported, the diabetes prevalence is a reflection of the willingness and ability of veterinarians and pet owners to provide care and treatment (148–154). Similarities in the clinical presentation and treatment of naturally occurring feline diabetes and human type 2 diabetes have already been noted.…”

Serum chemistry concentrations of captive woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha)

“…In the retrospective study reported here, analysis of serum glucose by the calendar year from which the samples were taken did not show a decrease in glucose concentrations over time in either zoo. It is still possible that recent changes in woolly monkey diets to limit sugars as reported by Ange-van Heugten et al [2007] may obscure the magnitude of the potential glucose problem as detected in the current long-term retrospective study. The retrospective data may have had delays in centrifugation that could slightly alter glucose and thus the differences noted may be clinically insignificant.…”

“…This is a potential concern because diabetes has been viewed as a problem for woolly monkeys and glucose values above 5.6 mmol/L in humans are considered abnormal [Ange-van Heugten et al, 2007, 2008Lagua and Claudio, 2004;Vermeer, 1994]. However, research by Ange-van Heugten et al [2007] showed that a population of six woolly monkeys with known health problems that were examined in 2004 had no evidence of elevated diabetic blood determinants (serum glucose, fructosamine, or glycated hemoglobin).…”

Nutritional and Health Status of Woolly Monkeys

“…The diet did not appear to be a risk factor for hypertension when compared to human standards (Wilteveen et al 1999). However, our review of captive diets for them indicated that there are few dietary similarities between institutions and that most institutional diets do not meet the current National Research Council estimated requirements for New World primates (Ange-van Heugten et al 2007;Timmer 2006;Timmer and Ange-van Heugten 2006;Timmer et al 2005). In addition, many institutions overfeed their subjects and offer huge daily variations of fruits and vegetables while potentially underfeeding them insects.…”

“…Therefore they may also benefit woolly monkeys. Other zoological institutions have similarly incorporated feeding over-the-counter Amazonian herbs (Amazon Heart Support and Graviola, Raintree Nutrition, Inc., Carson City, NV, 89701) in hopes of decreasing hypertension and health problems in captive woolly monkeys (Ange-van Heugten et al 2007). There is no publication on medical effects of the supplements.…”