An overview of nutritional factors in the etiopathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis in great apes

The main cause of mortality in great apes in zoological settings is cardiovascular disease (CVD), affecting all four taxa: chimpanzee ( ), bonobo ( ), gorilla ( spp.) and orangutan ( spp.). Myocardial fibrosis, the most typical histological characterization of CVD in great apes, is nonspecific, making it challenging to understand the etiopathogenesis. A multifactorial origin of disease is assumed whereby many potential causative factors are directly or indirectly related to the diet, which in wild living great apes mainly consists of high fibre, low carbohydrate, and very low sodium components. Diets of great apes housed in zoological settings are often different compared to the situation in the wild. Moreover, low circulating vitamin D levels have recently been recognized in great apes housed in more northern regions. Evaluation of current supplementation guidelines shows that, despite implementation of different dietary strategies, animals stay vitamin D insufficient. Therefore, recent hypotheses designate vitamin D deficiency as a potential underlying factor in the pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis. The aim of this literature review is to: (i) examine important differences in nutritional factors between zoological and wild great ape populations; (ii) explain the potential detrimental effects of the highlighted dietary discrepancies on cardiovascular function in great apes; and (iii) elucidate specific nutrition-related pathophysiological mechanisms that may underlie the development of myocardial fibrosis. This information may contribute to understanding the etiopathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis in great apes and pave the way for future clinical studies and a more preventive approach to great ape CVD management.