Current Practices and Emerging Technologies in Animal Models for Gastric Ulcer Research

Abstract

Gastric ulcers, which involve the erosion of the gastric mucosa, remain a significant clinical concern due to their complex pathogenesis and variable treatment responses. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the different animal models used to study gastric ulcers, including rodent, larger mammal, and genetically modified models. Rodent models, such as those involving rats and mice, are widely used due to their cost-effectiveness and genetic manipulability, but they often fall short in fully replicating human ulcer conditions. Larger mammal models, such as pigs and dogs, offer closer anatomical and physiological parallels to humans, although they are limited by ethical and logistical issues. Genetically modified models, utilizing CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies, provide insights into specific genetic contributions to ulceration but present challenges related to cost and complexity. Emerging technologies are transforming gastric ulcer research. 3D gastric organoids offer a promising in vitro alternative, mimicking human gastric tissue more accurately than traditional models. Computational models and artificial intelligence enhance the predictive power and integration of research data, providing new insights into ulcer dynamics and treatment efficacy. The review emphasizes the need for integrating these advanced technologies with traditional animal models to improve translational relevance and address existing research gaps. In summary, advancing the field of gastric ulcer research will benefit from a synergistic approach that combines traditional and novel modeling techniques. This integrated strategy holds the potential to significantly enhance our understanding of ulcer pathology and lead to more effective, personalized therapeutic interventions.