A pilot of the feasibility and usefulness of an aged obese model for use in stroke research

Twelve month old Wistar-Han rats (n=15) were fed a 60% fat diet for 8 months and serial blood samples were taken to assess the development of metabolic syndrome and pro-inflammatory markers. Following this, to pilot the suitability of these rats for undergoing surgical models of stroke, they underwent 30min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) alongside younger controls fed a standard diet (n=10). Survival, weight and functional outcome were monitored and blood vessels and tissues collected for analysis.

Attached data is body weight over 8 months (g), random glucose (mmol), fasted glucose (mmol), metabolic markers (C-peptide (ug/ml) Insulin (ug/ml), Leptin (mean flourescent intensity), inflammatory markers and cytokines (pg/ml) over 8 months on the high fat diet. Blood pressure (mmHg), arterial wall thickness (um), liver vacuole density (number of vacuoles / mm2), body weight change after MCAO (%), infarct volume (mm3). For methods details see linked manuscript.

Statistical analysis files (graphpad prism v8, named based of figures) are also included so analysis can be repeated.