Abstract
BackgroundOxidative stress and inflammation can be altered by dietary factors in various species. However, little data are available in true carnivorous species such as domestic cats. As numerous anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative additives become available and might be of use in cats with chronic low-grade inflammatory diseases, the current study aimed to develop a model of diet-induced inflammation by use of two opposite diets. It was hypothesized that a high fat diet enhanced in n-6 PUFA and with lower concentrations of antioxidants would evoke inflammation and oxidative stress in domestic cats.ResultsSixteen healthy adult cats were allocated to two groups. One group received a moderate fat diet, containing pork lard and salmon oil (AA:(EPA + DHA) ratio 0.19) (MFn-3), while the other group was fed a high fat diet, containing pork lard and chicken fat (AA:(EPA + DHA) ratio 2.06) (HFn-6) for 12 weeks. Prior to and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after starting the testing period, blood samples were collected. Erythrocytic fatty acid profile showed clear alterations in accordance to the dietary fatty acid profile. Serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was higher when fed MFn-3 compared to the HFn-6, suggesting augmented oxidative stress. This was associated with a reduced serum vitamin E status, as serum α-tocopherol concentrations were lower with MFn-3, even with higher dietary levels of vitamin E. Serum cytokine and serum amyloid A concentrations were not influenced by diet.ConclusionThese results point towards a resistance of cats to develop dietary fat-induced inflammation, but also suggest a high susceptibility to oxidative stress when fed a fish oil-supplemented diet even with moderate fat level and additional vitamin E.
Highlights
Oxidative stress and inflammation can be altered by dietary factors in various species
Only few studies investigated the impact of diet on the inflammatory response in the strict carnivorous cat, consuming a diet with a typically higher fat content compared to omnivores [13]
Body weight and body condition score (BCS) remained stable in all cats during the study, and were not affected by the test diets
Summary
Oxidative stress and inflammation can be altered by dietary factors in various species. When inflammation occurs in an uncontrolled manner, it can persist and excessive damage of host tissues and chronic inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis, periodontitis, allergic dermatitis and enteritis, asthma, cardiovascular disorders and others, can ensue [1]. It appears that obesity is associated with a low-grade inflammatory process in adipose tissue, resulting in chronic. Chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress occur increasingly in humans and companion animals and have become ubiquitous Their effect on health, immunity and general welfare of the individual is deleterious and even life-threatening [7,8,9]. Only few studies investigated the impact of diet on the inflammatory response in the strict carnivorous cat, consuming a diet with a typically higher fat content compared to omnivores [13]
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