Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of a weight loss program (WLP) on biochemical and immunological profile, and cardiovascular parameters in a cohort of dogs with naturally occurring obesity. Eleven obese dogs [body condition scoring (BCS), ≥7/9] were enrolled into the study and underwent clinical and cardiovascular examination, and blood testing before (T0) and after 6 months (T1) of WLP. Eleven normal weight (BCS, 4/5) healthy dogs were used as a control (CTR) group. Compared to the CTR group, at T0 obese dogs expressed higher serum leptin concentrations (p < 0.0005) that significantly decreased after weight loss (p < 0.005) but remained higher than the CTR group. Furthermore, obese dogs showed considerably lower levels (p < 0.0005) of regulatory T cell (Treg) compared to the CTR group, but they did not change after weight loss at T1. In obese dogs, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations were substantially reduced at T1 (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.005). Regarding the cardiovascular parameters, only one obese dog was hypertensive at T0, and systolic blood pressure values showed no significant differences at the end of the WLP. The ratio of interventricular septal thickness in diastole to left ventricle internal diameter in diastole (IVSd/LVIDd) was significantly greater in obese dogs at T0 than in the CTR group (p < 0.005). It decreased after weight loss (p < 0.05). In obese dogs, troponin I level significantly reduced with weight loss (p < 0.05), while endothelin-1 level did not differ statistically. The results suggest that the immune dysregulation in the presence of high leptin levels and reduced number of Treg could affect obese dogs as well as humans. Based on our findings, we may speculate that a more complete immune-regulation restore could be obtained by a greater reduction in fat mass and a longer-term WLP. Finally, left ventricular remodeling may occur in some obese dogs. However, in canine species, further studies are needed to investigate the impact of obesity and related WLP on cardiovascular system.
Highlights
A common nutritional disease among animals and humans is obesity [1, 2]
Based on the guidelines suggested by Tvarijonaviciute et al [21], dogs were considered to be affected by obesity-related metabolic dysfunction (ORMD) when body condition scoring (BCS) was ≥7/9 and at least two of the following parameters were present: triglycerides, >200 mg/dl; total cholesterol, >300 mg/dl; glucose, >100 mg/dl; and systolic arterial blood pressure, >160 mmHg
The mean of BCS was 6.8 (BCS ranged between 5 and 8); 63.6% of the dogs showed a reduction of 1 point of BCS, 18.2% a decrease of 2 points, and 9.1% showed a decrease of 3 points
Summary
A common nutritional disease among animals and humans is obesity [1, 2]. In industrialized countries, the prevalence of obesity in dogs was reported up to 59% [3, 4] and progressively increased over the years [5]. Since the phenomenon of human and canine obesity seems to grow concomitantly in the western world, the adoption of a One Health approach is interesting in order to implement transdisciplinary strategies that could strengthen prevention and control of this disease in both humans and dogs. From this modern and integrated point of view, canine and human obesity does not appear as a disease of an individual but influenced by environmental and socioeconomic factors and deriving from the close interaction between the owner and the dog. A higher risk of obesity has been reported in Labrador Retrievers by reason of a documented genetic predisposition [8, 9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
