A new multiple trauma model of the mouse.

Area of Science:

• Trauma research
• Immunology
• Preclinical models

Background:

• Blunt trauma, often from vehicle accidents or falls, is a leading cause of multiple trauma.
• Chest trauma and extremity fractures are common injuries in polytrauma patients.
• Existing mouse models lack the combination of long bone fractures and chest trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a reproducible mouse model of multiple trauma combining chest trauma and femur fracture.
• To investigate the clinical and pathophysiological changes associated with this combined injury model.
• To provide a practical and economical model for future immunological studies.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-six male C57BL/6N mice were used, divided into groups for isolated femur fracture and combined femur fracture with chest injury.
• Serum samples were collected at multiple time points (0, 6, 12, 24 hours, 3, and 7 days) post-trauma.
• Histopathological analysis of lung tissue and plasma cytokine analysis were performed.

Main Results:

• A tendency towards reduced weight and temperature was observed 24 hours post-trauma.
• Hemoglobin levels decreased within the first 24 hours.
• Combined chest trauma and femur fracture led to lung injury, hemorrhage, and an inflammatory response with elevated IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, and TNF-α.
• Significantly higher IL-6 levels were noted in the combined injury group compared to isolated femur fracture.

Conclusions:

• The developed multiple trauma mouse model accurately reflects clinical scenarios in humans.
• The model demonstrates characteristic clinical and pathophysiological changes, including inflammation.
• This model is practical, cost-effective, and suitable for investigating specific immunological questions in trauma research.