SEX HORMONES AND ARTHRITIS IN A LONG-LIVED ANIMAL MODEL, THE ELEPHANT

Arthritis affects women more so than men, particularly after menopause. Sex hormones may play a role in arthritis development, yet this is still unclear. Elephants have a similar lifespan to humans and develop arthritis and joint issues (musculoskeletal impairments (MI)), but do not undergo menopause. Interestingly, many female zoo elephants do not exhibit normal ovarian cycles, closely resembling that in post-menopausal women. Objectives: 1)...