TY - JOUR T1 - Obesity induced by high fat feeding attenuates ventilator-induced lung injury in mice JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 40 IS - Suppl 56 SP - 4321 AU - Joanne Petrie AU - Michael Wilson AU - Brijesh Patel AU - Kieran O'Dea AU - Masao Takata Y1 - 2012/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/4321.abstract N2 - BackgroundRetrospective analysis of Intensive Care data suggests that obesity may confer a survival advantage in Acute Lung Injury (ALI). Development of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is a major determinant of ALI mortality. We have therefore investigated the impact of high fat diet-induced obesity on VILI in mice.MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were fed high fat diet for a minimum of 13 weeks, resulting in a mean body weight 30% greater than lean age-matched controls. Animals were anaesthetised and ventilated with high-stretch, standardised as plateau pressure (Pplat) 35-37cmH2O. Tidal volumes were similar between groups (mean ∼1080μl). Mice were ventilated for 180mins or until Pplat increased by 20%. Lung tissue was harvested for wet:dry ratio or processed to a single cell suspension for leukocyte quantification by flow cytometry.ResultsHigh stretch ventilation induced increases in Pplat and lung wet:dry ratio, and a decrease in paO2 in lean mice, which were all significantly attenuated in obese animals. Leukocyte recruitment (cells/g dry lung mass) also tended to be reduced.View this table:ConclusionHigh fat feeding attenuates pulmonary oedema and lung dysfunction associated with VILI in mice. Numerous metabolic and immunological differences exist between lean and obese subjects. Exploring the mechanisms behind this obesity-mediated protection from VILI may lead to identification of novel pathways and therapeutic targets.Funded by: BJA/Royal College of Anaesthetists. ER -