Energy balance
Housing mice at thermoneutrality (30°C) rather than standard room temperature (22°C) does not improve the prediction of human drug efficacy for weight loss, as the direction and magnitude of drug effects vary by mechanism regardless of temperature.
This paper is a methodological critique for preclinical researchers, not a direct guide for human behavior. It suggests that while standard mouse housing (22°C) creates thermal stress, simply moving to thermoneutrality (30°C) does not solve the translatability problem for obesity drugs. Researchers should test drugs at both temperatures to understand mechanism-specific responses, as efficacy can flip depending on the thermal environment.
There was no simple rule for a better prediction of human drug efficacy based on ambient temperature, but since humans live at thermoneutrality, drug testing using mice should include experiments near thermoneutrality.
Why this rating
High-quality controlled animal study with multiple mechanisms, though extrapolation to humans is the core limitation.
Source
Housing mice near vs. below thermoneutrality affects drug-induced weight loss but does not improve prediction of efficacy in humans
Julie Jacobsen et al. · Cell Reports · 2024
DOI 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114501
More from this paper
- GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide) and hFGF21 analogs produce similar weight loss efficacy in mice regardless of whether they are housed at standard room temperature (22°C) or thermoneutrality (30°C).Good
- GDF15 analogs are significantly more effective at inducing weight loss in mice housed at standard room temperature (22°C) compared to thermoneutrality (30°C), with efficacy dropping by half at higher temperatures.Good
- Peptide YY (PYY) analogs show greater weight loss efficacy in mice housed at thermoneutrality (30°C) compared to standard room temperature (22°C), contrary to the trend seen with GDF15.Good
Related findings · Energy balance
- Achieving a total body weight loss of 10-15% (or >10-15 kg) through Total Diet Replacement (TDR) induces remission of Type 2 Diabetes in individuals with short-duration disease.Strong
- Bariatric surgery is superior to medical management alone for inducing significant long-term weight loss, remission of type 2 diabetes, and reduction in mortality for patients with BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with comorbidities.Strong
- Achieving type 2 diabetes remission requires significant weight loss (≥15 kg) via major caloric restriction, independent of macronutrient composition.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →