Influence of obesity on the tolerance of abdominal hypertension in rats-some mechanical aspects

The present study investigates the relations between obesity and survival during intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) in diet induced obesity Wistar rats. The animals from model group were fed with high-fat diet for 45 days. Intra-abdominal pressure in both groups (control and model) was elevated by manual system for air insufflations. The pressure was of value (25mmHg) corresponding to the typical values observed in abdominal compartment syndrome. Quantification of the serum levels of serum amyloid A was carried out after deflation. The results interpretation was made in correlation with clinical observations in patients with proved cardiovascular diseases caused by obesity, as well as with patients to whom surgery had caused an increased intra-abdominal pressure. Experimental observations have shown increased survival in diet induced obesity rats with IAH compared to control rats with IAH. Increased resistance to IAH is due to changes in the structure and in the mechanical characteristics of the abdominal wall, following obesity.