Weight loss and brown adipose tissue reduction in rat model of sleep apnea
2008

Weight Loss and Brown Fat Reduction in Rats with Sleep Apnea

Sample size: 13 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Martinez Denis, Vasconcellos Luiz FT, de Oliveira Patricia G, Konrad Signorá P

Primary Institution: Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Hypothesis

What is the effect of isocapnic intermittent hypoxia on body weight and brown adipose tissue in Wistar rats?

Conclusion

The study found that isocapnic intermittent hypoxia led to significant weight loss and a reduction in brown adipose tissue in rats.

Supporting Evidence

  • The hypoxia group lost an average of 17 grams, while the control group did not lose weight.
  • The brown adipose tissue in the hypoxia group was 15% lighter than in the control group.
  • The study suggests a need for further research with a larger sample size and longer duration.

Takeaway

Rats that experienced simulated sleep apnea lost weight and had less brown fat, which helps keep them warm.

Methodology

The study involved 8 rats exposed to isocapnic intermittent hypoxia and 5 control rats over 21 days, measuring weight and fat.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the small number of animals and lack of sleep recording.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and was conducted over a short duration.

Participant Demographics

Nine-month-old male Wistar rats.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-511X-7-26

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