Recent research into the lipid levels in chimpanzee blood has the potential to enhance care for both chimpanzees in managed environments and humans. A team from NC State University, led by co-author Kimberly Ange-van Heugten and Ph.D. student Ethan Renfro, conducted a study at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone. Their findings, published in the journal Veterinary Sciences, aim to establish a better understanding of the nutritional health of chimpanzees and its implications for both species.
In the fall of 2024, Ange-van Heugten and her colleague, adjunct professor Anneke Moresco, joined a team of medical care experts to perform comprehensive health assessments of the sanctuary’s chimpanzee population. Despite the long history of chimpanzees in zoological settings, there has been limited research into their nutritional needs. This gap in knowledge prompted the study of serum lipid levels, as some observed concentrations exceeded previous expectations.
The research focused on two primary questions: how the serum lipid levels—such as cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and triglycerides—of chimpanzees at Tacugama compare to those of humans and chimpanzees in other environments, and whether these levels vary based on sex, age, and subspecies.
To explain the significance of serum lipids, Renfro noted that serum is the clear liquid remaining after blood cells and platelets have been removed. It contains various components, including electrolytes and lipids such as triglycerides and cholesterol. The analysis included five lipid types: total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL).
The investigation revealed noteworthy findings. The study measured lipid levels in 77 healthy chimpanzees, uncovering that the total cholesterol and LDL levels were higher in male chimpanzees than in females. Additionally, both VLDL and triglyceride levels exceeded previously reported values for chimpanzees in managed care. Variations in HDL levels were observed based on the chimpanzees’ housing groups, suggesting that environmental factors, physical activity, and age may play roles in lipid concentrations.
These results have raised questions regarding the unique lipid profiles of Tacugama’s chimpanzees. Future research is necessary to determine whether these differences indicate healthy variations in lipid metabolism or suggest an increased risk of disease.
Renfro emphasized the importance of understanding serum lipids in chimpanzees, particularly as their populations face threats from human activities such as habitat destruction, mining, and climate change. Given that chimpanzees are our closest relatives, studying their health can yield insights into human health as well.
The research highlights a critical perspective on cardiovascular health. While cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality for both humans and chimpanzees, the causes of CVD can differ between species. Of the chimpanzees analyzed, only five fell within human reference ranges for all five lipid types, indicating that chimpanzees might possess different mechanisms to manage elevated lipid levels effectively.
The ongoing research aims to improve care for managed chimpanzee populations, with the ultimate goal of supporting the recovery of wild populations. By enhancing our understanding of their health needs, the hope is to facilitate a future where chimpanzees can thrive free from human interference.
As researchers continue to explore the intricate relationships between diet, health, and species conservation, the work being done at Tacugama serves as a vital stepping stone in understanding both chimpanzees and the implications for human cardiovascular health.
