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Sleep apnea in obese miniature pigs
R P Lonergan1, J C Ware, R L Atkinson
1University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|February 26, 1998
Summary
Extremely obese Yucatan miniature pigs experienced significantly more sleep apnea and oxygen desaturation during sleep compared to nonobese pigs. These findings suggest obese pigs can serve as a valuable model for studying sleep apnea in obesity.
Area of Science:
- Comparative physiology
- Sleep medicine
- Animal models
Background:
- Obesity is a growing health concern linked to various medical conditions.
- Sleep apnea is a common disorder associated with obesity, but its mechanisms in animal models require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of sleep apnea in extremely obese Yucatan miniature pigs compared to nonobese controls.
- To evaluate the utility of extremely obese Yucatan miniature pigs as a model for studying sleep apnea.
Main Methods:
- Utilized electroencephalograms, inductance plethysmography, oximetry, expired nasal CO2, and thermistors to monitor sleep.
- Compared sleep apnea and oxyhemoglobin desaturation events between three extremely obese and three nonobese Yucatan miniature pigs.
Main Results:
- All obese pigs exhibited sleep apnea and oxyhemoglobin desaturation episodes during sleep (P < 0.05).
- Nonobese pigs showed no instances of apnea or hypopnea.
- Two obese pigs had obstructive sleep apnea, while one had central sleep apnea.
Conclusions:
- Extremely obese Yucatan miniature pigs demonstrate a high incidence of sleep apnea and associated desaturation.
- This animal model shows promise for research into the pathophysiology and treatment of sleep apnea in obesity.