Cat Serum Research Articles

Serum Metabolomic Analysis of Feline Mammary Carcinomas based on LC-MS and MRM Techniques.

IntroductionTo date, there have been no panoramic studies of the serum metabolome in feline mammary carcinoma. As the first such study, metabolomics techniques were used to analyse the serum of cats with these tumours. Three important metabolic pathways of screened differential metabolites closely related to feline mammary carcinomas were analysed to lay a theoretical basis for further study of the pathogenesis of these carcinomas.Material and MethodsBlood in a 5–8 mL volume was sampled from twelve cats of the same breed and similar age (close to nine years on average). Six were feline mammary carcinoma patients and six were healthy. L glutamate, L alanine, succinate, adenine, hypoxanthine, and inosine were screened as were alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, the tricarboxylid acid (TCA) cycle, and purine metabolism. Data were acquired with LC-MS non-target metabolomics, multiple reaction monitoring target metabolomics, and multivariate statistical and bioinformatic analysis.ResultsExpression of five of the metabolites was upregulated and only inosine expression was downregulated. Up- and downregulation of metabolites related to glycometabolism, potentiation of the TCA cycle, greater content of lipid mobilisation metabolites, and abnormality of amino acid metabolism were closely related to the occurrence of the carcinomas.ConclusionThese findings provide a new direction for further study of the mechanisms associated with cat mammary neoplasms.

STUDY OF TOLERANCE OF DRUG BASED ON QUARTZETIN ON CLINICALLY HEALTHY CATS

The article presents the results of clinical trials of tolerability of the drug, containing the flavonoid quercetin, on clinically healthy cats. Quercetin is a biologically active substance found in many plants. Some pharmacological effects of quercetin have been discovered recently and are being intensively studied. The results of numerous studies show that quercetin may possess antioxidant, membraneprotective, gastro-, nephro-, hepato-, cardio-protective, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory action. The bioavailability of quercetin is highest in combination with pectin and insoluble oligosaccharides, which is associated with changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the intestinal microflora. One of the prerequisites for the development and testing of new veterinary medicinal products, both in the context of national legislation and the requirements of the international community for the registration of medicinal products, is to conduct clinical trials in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP). This is especially true of drugs with a new substance, the pharmacological properties and effectiveness of which have not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, to assess the tolerability, safety and efficacy of the drug containing quercetin, a comprehensive clinical trial was performed on small pets (cats). The study was conducted in veterinary clinics on healthy cats of all ages, genders and breeds. The drug was administered orally at a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight with food for 30 days. Blood sampling was performed before drug use and on 30 and 60 days of the experiment. The effect of the drug was assessed by clinical indicators, as well as hematological and biochemical parameters of the blood of cats. Stabilized EDTA blood was used for morphological studies and blood serum for biochemical studies.
 According to the assessment of the animal clinical condition and laboratory data, the tolerability of the studied drug when administered orally to clinically healthy cats was good. According to the results of comparison of clinical, hematological and biochemical parameters obtained on the 30th and 60th day of the experiment, and before the use of the drug, no negative changes were detected.
 The results of biochemical tests of cats serum blood on 30th day indicated a reliable increase, within normal limits, in glucose, urea, creatinine content, increased alanine aminotransferase and catalase activity, decreased gamma-glutamyltransferase activity and decreased content of diene conjugates and malonic dialdehyde – main peroxide oxidation indexes. Serum protein spectrum parameters were stable throughout the experiment. On the 60th day of drug application, recovery to the initial values of majority cats serum parameters was detected, compared with the values obtained on the 30th day of the experiment. According to the indicators of the antioxidant system of cats, the activity of serum superoxide dismutase and the content of diene conjugates during this period of the experiment remained at the level of the 30th day. Serum catalase activity decreased, compared to the values on the 30th day, but did not differ significantly from initial indices, and the content of malonic dialdehyde in the serum of animals decreased reliably. This indicated a decrease in the intensity of the formation of toxic compounds in the cats body and pronounced antioxidant properties of the drug “Hepanephran”. The results of the studies show that when using the drug for 30 days there was an increase in body tone, activation of hematopoiesis and antioxidant protection, stability of protein metabolism, serum biochemical profile and improvement of the physiological state of the study animals as a whole.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in household cats in Myanmar and molecular identification of parasites using feline faecal oocysts

Felids play an important role in the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii to humans and other animals since they can excrete millions of oocysts into the environment as definitive hosts. In the present study, seroprevalence and risk factors of feline Toxoplasma infection were investigated, and molecular identification was conducted for T. gondii oocysts isolated from faecal samples of seropositive cats. A total of 276 cat serum samples collected from the Yangon, Myanmar were tested for T. gondii antibodies by ELISA. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 41.30% (114 seropositive cats). Age between 1 and 6years (OR=3.284; 95% CI=1.462–7.375), age>6years (OR=4.560; 95% CI=1.588–13.100) and sex (OR=1.725; 95% CI=1.026–2.899) were found to be significant (P<0.05) factors associated with T. gondii infection. DNA samples extracted from a single oocyst of seropositive cats were employed in three PCR assays amplifying parasite TOX-element and mitochondrial COI, and SAG2 locus. The obtained sequences of TOX-elements (n=6) and COI (n=5) were identical to those of T. gondii previously deposited in Genbank. SAG2 PCR yielded three different sequences, all of which were clustered with Type I T. gondii isolates in a phylogenetic tree. This study reported the seroprevalence and risk factors for T. gondii infection in cats and provided the molecular information on the parasite in Myanmar.

First Serological & Molecular Study of Coxiella burnetii in Stray, Domestic Cats, and Their Owners in Iran

Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever, is recognized as a worldwide zoonosis a wide host and potentially complex reservoir systems. Infected ruminants are the main source of infection for humans, but cats also represent a potential source of infection. The prevalence of C burnetii in cats in Iran is unknown and the risks of transmission to humans are undetermined. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of C burnetii in domestic cats and their owners. An Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for detection of anti-C burnetii antibodies in both cats and humans. Cats serum samples and humans serum samples (n = 85) were tested with indirect ELISA. C burnetii was diagnosed using real time- polymerase chain reaction. Antibodies were detected in 19 sera of 85 (22.35%) samples in stray cats, 9 sera of 78 (11.53%) samples of domestic cats and 4 sera of 78 (5.12%) samples of their owners. This first study of C burnetii prevalence in cats in Iran has indicated that positive samples can be found throughout the country and these results confirm that Iranian cats have been exposed to C burnetii. Moreover, this study demonstrates that cat owners, breeders and veterinary personnel might be at higher risk of exposure of C burnetii.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Cats in Espirito Santo State, Brazil

Abstract Objectives Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite found worldwide. It can infect all warm-blooded animals and an estimated 30% of the human population carries the parasite. Cats are important in the epidemiology of T. gondii because they are the only hosts that can excrete environmentally resistant oocysts and humans become infected by ingesting tissue cysts from undercooked meat, consuming food or drink contaminated with oocysts, or by accidentally ingesting oocysts in the environment. Some outbreaks of acute toxoplasmosis in humans have been associated with oocyst contamination. Cats probably play a major role in transmitting T. gondii through faecal contamination of soil, food or water because they can excrete millions of oocysts in a short period. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in cats and to determine the risk factors associated with seropositivity in the regions of Vitoria, in state of Espirito Santo (ES), Brazil. Methods Serum samples from 79 cats from Zoonosis Control Centers and temporary shelters were evaluated, as well as epidemiological data on origin, sex, breed and age of each animal. Anti-T. gondii IgG immunoglobulins were analyzed by Immunoenzymatic Assay (ELISA) and Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction (IFI). Results The serological prevalence in cats by ELISA was 15.2% (12/79) and 7.6% (6/79) by (IFI). Among the serum of cats, although there was agreement between the tests (k = 0.63), they were significantly different (P = 0.041). The results demonstrated high contamination of the environment by the parasite, suggesting a high risk of human and other animal infection by cat feces. Conclusions This is the first study to determine the frequency of anti-T. gondii and the risk of food contamination by cats feces in urban gardens in Espirito Santo state. Funding Sources CAPES and FAPES.

Interactions of Blood Serum, Urine and Fecal Metabolites of Cats Fed by Different Dietary Protein and Carbohydrate Levels

Abstract Objectives Because dietary protein and carbohydrate levels impact the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome and host metabolism, this study evaluated their effect on serum, urine and fecal metabolites. Methods Three complete and balanced isocaloric foods (mean 3940 kcals/kg) were used. Their protein (P) and carbohydrate (CHO) levels were: LP (P: 25.84%, CHO: 46.9%), MP (P: 32.0%, CHO: 39.9%) and HP (P: 50.67%, CHO: 21.2%). The study used 30 adult healthy cats and a balanced Latin-Square design. Food offering was adjusted to maintain weight; cats were fed for 80 days before receiving the next food. This study was reviewed and approved by IACUC and all cats included in this study were allowed routine social activities. Serum (S), urine (U) and fecal (F) samples were collected at the end of each treatment period and analyzed for non-targeted metabolomics by Metabolon Inc. (Morrisville, NC). Data analysis was performed by using JMP v14.0. Variables with significance at P &amp;lt; 0.05 are reported. Results PCA analysis of S, U and F metabolites together shows that the cats fed HP clustered separately from the cats fed LP and MP foods. Independent PCA analysis of S, U and F metabolites revealed that F metabolites show clear separation from the cats fed HP compared with LP and MP foods. However, S and U metabolites did not show this. Fecal samples showed that carbohydrates, acylglycerols, endocannabinoids and bile acids metabolism was significantly impacted by HP when compared with LP and MP foods. This resulted in elevations of a number of toxic metabolites (e.g., 3-indoxyl sulfate, p-cresol sulfate and trimethylamine N-oxide). The F concentration of these metabolites was positively correlated to that of S and U. This positive relationship in all three sample types was not observed for acylglycerols, endocannabinoids and sugars suggesting that those metabolites were not absorbed and excreted as were the mentioned toxins. Conclusions Dietary P and CHO levels influence cat's GI metabolism with impacting specific urine and serum metabolites. Cats fed HP food had F increases of toxic metabolites related to renal and cardiovascular disorders and these metabolites were positively associated with S and U concentrations. Dietary P and CHO levels may directly impact renal and cardiovascular disorders. Funding Sources Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.

Variability in the cleavage of exosome-associated transferrin receptor questions the utility of clinically useful soluble transferrin receptor assays for dogs, cats, and horses

Whole transferrin receptor (TfR) is present in reticulocyte exosomes. Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is cleaved from whole TfR in human plasma, with the remnant cytoplasmic domain (cTfR) remaining membrane associated. In humans, sTfR is a biomarker that can detect iron deficiency in the presence of inflammatory disease. This condition is still a diagnostic dilemma in veterinary species. We aimed to (1) confirm the presence of exosomes and exosome-associated TfR in the serum of dogs, cats, and horses; and (2) to assess and compare the proportion of cTfR to total (cTfR + whole) in exosomal membranes of healthy and diseased dogs and cats and in healthy horses to indirectly predict their anticipated levels of circulating sTfR. We used discarded serum and whole blood samples from canine and feline patients, separated into healthy and diseased groups based on the health status of each patient, and healthy equine participants from a previous study. Ultracentrifugation, followed in some experiments by OptiPrep discontinuous density gradient fractionation, was used to isolate exosomes. Exosomes and associated TfR were identified using TEM and Western blot for TfR, respectively. Densitometry tracings of Western blots of serum exosomes were used to measure the proportion of cTfR to total TfR. Extracellular vesicles compatible with exosomes were successfully isolated and expressed TfR. The proportion of cTfR in dogs was greater than 50%, indicating that a majority of the whole TfR was cleaved to produce sTfR (and remnant cTfR). There was significant interindividual variation and no significant difference between healthy and diseased animals. The proportion of cTfR in cats was very low at 11%, indicating that very little sTfR was likely produced. There was a small yet significant difference between healthy and diseased cats. Healthy horses do not appear to cleave exosome-associated TfR. Diagnosis of iron deficiency in the presence of inflammatory disease remains a challenge in veterinary medicine. Our results indicate that TfR is poorly or unpredictably cleaved in veterinary species, revealing that there are species differences in exosomal TfR handling. These data suggest that development of an assay for the detection and quantification of sTfR in the species investigated may not be warranted.

Macronutrient status and indicators of acid-alkaline blood balance in cats with chronic renal failure

Chronic renal failure is a common pathology among cats. According to various literary sources, this pathology is found in 0.5–14.0% of cats. Pathology in cats in our studies is a consequence of glomerulonephritis. The diagnosis of chronic renal failure established on the basis of clinical, instrumental, and laboratory methods of blood and urine testing. Studies have found that chronic renal failure in cats is clinically characterized by apathy, anorexia, dry skin, odor of urea, vomiting, thirst, occurrence in the mouth of uremic ulcers (9.5% of patients), tachycardia (up to 177 beats per minute) tachypnoea (up to 45 respiratory movements per minute), hypertension. In the urine – hypostenuria, erythrocyturia, leukocyturia, kidney epithelium, hyaline and granular cylinders. According to echosonography – increase in echogenicity of the parenchyma, brain substance echone negative, cortico-brain differentiation erased. In the blood test – normochromic macrocytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperazotemia (up to 27.9 mmol/L), hypercreatininemia (324 μmol/L), hyperuricemia (615 μmol/L), 4.6-fold increase in SDMA (symmetric dimethylargin). In chronic renal failure, cats have a significant change in the elemental composition of the blood. In particular, the Na+ content was increased by 3%, Ca2+ 1.6 times, P 2.1 times. Instead, the K+ level was reduced 1.9 times. Changes in acid-base equilibrium (ABE) were also detected: the pH decreased to 7.22; HCO3– by 34%, total CO2 by 32.3%, while anionic difference (AG) and buffer bases (BE) increased by 1.8 and 3.5 times, respectively. Such changes are characteristic of the development of lactic acidosis. The obtained experimental data on changes in mineral metabolism and acid-base equilibrium in the serum of cats in chronic renal failure supplement and clarify information on the pathogenic pathology of the kidneys in cats aged 5–10 years. Blood biochemical data can be used to improve early-stage diagnostics without clinical manifestations of chronic renal failure, their prevention and treatment, and to solve applied scientific problems in the field of nephrology and urology of small animals.

Recurrent urticaria caused by specific cat serum albumin IgE cross-reacting with pork serum albumin.

Recurrent urticaria caused by specific cat serum albumin IgE cross-reacting with pork serum albumin.

Green tea ameliorates the side effects of the silver nanoparticles treatment of Ehrlich ascites tumor in mice

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have anti-cancer effects with fewer side effects than standard chemotherapeutic agents, however, they exert oxidative stress-based adverse effects on normal cells and so their applications have raised concern about possible health and environmental risks. We evaluated whether green tea extract (GTE), which contains potent antioxidants, could ameliorate AgNPs geno-, cyto-, and histotoxicities without decreasing their therapeutic potential against Ehrlich ascetic carcinoma (EAC). GTE enhanced the anti-cancer effect of AgNPs against EAC cells and ameliorated the genotoxic effect of AgNPs as indicated by lowering chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus frequencies. Additionally, GTE relieved most of degenerative histological changes induced by AgNPs. GTE restored the increased MDA and the decreased SOD, GPx and CAT serum levels induced by AgNPs to levels comparable to normal. The pre-treatment with GTE and AgNPs showed better improvement than the post-treatment strategy. GTE can not only ameliorate AgNPs-induced adverse effects but also improve their anti-cancer effect against EAC. So, it could be useful in the treatment of liver dysfunction associated with AgNPs.

Anti-Müllerian hormone in dogs and cats reproduction.

The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein secreted by Sertoli cells in males and granulosa cells in females. It has first been determined in blood serum of dogs and cats by Place et al. in 2011 with the use of a human-based ELISA test. Meanwhile, different immunoassays have been validated for AMH determination in animals and a variety of studies have demonstrated the clinical significance of AMH. This review summarizes the current knowledge about AMH in dogs and cats and describes future opportunities for its diagnostic use.

Potential sources of infection with selected zoonotic agents in the veterinary work environment - pilot studies.

The problem of occupational biohazards is very important, especially in the field of agriculture and in human and veterinary medicine. The aim of the study was to determine the potential sources of infection in veterinary professionals with selected zoonotic agents, including: Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia duodenalis, Leptospira spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Coxiella burnetii. A total of 50 air samples from barns, piggeries and veterinary surgeries were examined for the presence of Leptospira spp. and C. burnetii DNA. Serum samples of 86 pigs and 80 cows were tested for the presence of antibodies to Leptospira spp. and to phase I and II C. burnetii antigens. Serum of 70 cats were tested for the presence of antibodies to T. gondii and 65 samples of cat faeces for the presence of T. gondii oocysts. The presence of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. were examined in 50 of dog faeces and 50 of bovine faeces samples. DNA of Leptospira spp. was detected in 2 air samples from the piggeries (4%). C. burnetii DNA was not found in any sample. Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were detected in 51 (59.3%) of examined pigs. Neither anti-Leptospira spp. nor anti-C. burnetii antibodies were found among samples of bovine serum. Anti-T. gondii antibodies was found in 52 cat serum samples (74.3%). Among samples of cat faeces, no T. gondii oocysts were detected. In one sample of cattle stool (2%), G. duodenalis was detected and in another (2%) - Cryptosporidium spp. G. duodenalis was detected in 7 samples (14%) and Cryptosporidium spp. in 2 samples (2%) of dog faeces. The results of this study demonstrate the potential risk of infection with Leptospira spp. in veterinarians working with pigs. Veterinarians could be also be at risk of infection with T. gondii and G. duodenalis.

Analytical validation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the quantification of S100A12 in the serum and feces of cats.

Measuring S100A12 concentrations in serum and feces is a sensitive and specific marker of inflammation, such as seen with chronic gastrointestinal inflammation in people and dogs. Biomarkers of inflammation in cats are currently lacking. We aimed to analytically cross-validate the canine S100A12-ELISA for the measurement of S100A12 in feline specimens. The ELISA was analytically validated by assessing dilutional linearity, spiking/recovery, intra- and inter-assay variability. Reference intervals for serum and fecal feline S100A12 concentrations were calculated using samples from healthy cats, and the short-term biological variation of fecal S100A12 was assessed. Observed-to-expected ratios (O/E) for serial dilutions of serum and fecal extracts ranged from 91%-159% (mean, 120%) and 100%-128% (mean, 114%), and for the spiking/recovery method ranged from 106%-263% (mean, 154%) and 52%-171% (mean, 112%). Intra- and inter-assay CV% for serum were ≤5.6% and ≤14.0%, and for fecal extractswere ≤3.8% and ≤19.1%, repsectively. RIs for feline serum and fecal S100A12 concentrations were <43µg/L and <20ng/g, respectively. Amild short-term biologic variation, but large individuality weredetected when measuringfecal S100A12 concentrations in healthy cats. The canine S100A12-ELISA is accurate, reproducible, and sufficiently linear and precise for the measurement of S100A12 in feline serum and fecal samples. The use of this assay is a reasonable option for themeasurement of S100A12 concentrations in feline specimens and provides a basis forthe furtherevaluation of S100A12 in cats with gastrointestinal disease. Using a population-based RI for fecal feline S100A12 appears to be of limited value.

Serological Screening for Coronavirus Infections in Cats

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are widespread among mammals and birds and known for their potential for cross-species transmission. In cats, infections with feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) are common. Several non-feline coronaviruses have been reported to infect feline cells as well as cats after experimental infection, supported by their ability to engage the feline receptor ortholog for cell entry. However, whether cats might become naturally infected with CoVs of other species is unknown. We analyzed coronavirus infections in cats by serological monitoring. In total 137 cat serum samples and 25 FCoV type 1 or type 2-specific antisera were screened for the presence of antibodies against the S1 receptor binding subunit of the CoV spike protein, which is immunogenic and possesses low amino acid sequence identity among coronavirus species. Seventy-eight sera were positive for antibodies that recognized one or more coronavirus S1s whereas 1 serum exclusively reacted with human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) and two sera exclusively reacted with porcine delta coronavirus (PDCoV). We observed antigenic cross-reactivity between S1s of type 1 and type 2 FCoVs, and between FCoV type 1 and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Domain mapping of antibody epitopes indicated the presence of conserved epitope(s) particularly in the CD domains of S1. The cross-reactivity of FCoV type 1 and PEDV was also observed at the level of virus neutralization. To conclude, we provide the first evidence of antigenic cross-reactivity among S1 proteins of coronaviruses, which should be considered in the development of serological diagnoses. In addition, the potential role of cats in cross-species transmission of coronaviruses cannot be excluded.

Feline foamy virus seroprevalence and demographic risk factors in stray domestic cat populations in Colorado, Southern California and Florida, USA.

ObjectivesOur study aim was to document the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of feline foamy virus (FFV) infection in domestic cat populations presented to animal shelters located in Southern California, Colorado and Florida, USA.MethodsWe used a glutathione S-transferase capture ELISA targeting the FFV Gag antigen to screen domestic cat serum collected from cats with unknown owners at eight different animal shelters from Colorado (n = 105, three shelters), Southern California (n = 172, three shelters) and Florida (n = 31, two shelters). χ2 statistics determined location effect on seroprevalence. Bayesian generalized linear models were used to explore age and sex as potential risk factors for infection.ResultsFFV seroprevalence was 64.0% across all locations. Seroprevalence by location was as follows: Southern California 75.0%, Colorado 52.4% and Florida 41.9%, with Southern California’s seroprevalence being significantly higher. Age had a significant effect on model fit for all locations, with adults having a higher probability of being infected. In Colorado, sex also had a significant effect on model fit, with males having a higher probability of being infected.Conclusions and relevanceWe have documented that FFV is extremely common in stray domestic cat populations across varied geographic and ecological niches throughout the USA. Adult cats are at a higher FFV infection risk than young cats. FFV has been associated with a higher risk of other retroviral infections and has been implicated in several chronic diseases of cats. Additional epidemiological and clinical studies are warranted to investigate the potential impacts of FFV on domestic cat health.

Red meat allergy in children and adults.

To highlight recent advances in our understanding of the clinical features, prevalence, and pathophysiology of red meat allergy. Allergic reactions to red (i.e. mammalian) meat have historically been considered rare and described primarily in young atopic children. It is now clear that red meat allergy is not uncommon in some parts of the world in other age groups. Strikingly, the majority of these cases relate to specific IgE to galactose-α-1,3-galactose, an oligosaccharide of nonprimate mammals. The mechanism of sensitization in this syndrome relates to bites of certain hard ticks and the clinical reactions often have a delay of 3 to 6 h. An additional form of red meat allergy relates to inhalant sensitization to mammalian proteins. The best characterized example involves cat-sensitized patients with specific IgE to cat serum albumin who can react to ingested pork because of cross-sensitization to pork serum albumin. Red meat allergy is more common than previously appreciated and relates to at least three different forms that are distinguished by mechanisms of sensitization and have characteristic clinical and immunologic features.

Concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and resistin in the serum of obese cats during weight loss.

We monitored changes in serum leptin, adiponectin, and resistin concentrations in obese cats during weight loss. Six naturally developed obese cats were fed low-fat, high-fiber dry food during a 9-week experimental period. Serum leptin, adiponectin, and resistin concentrations were measured at week 0, 4, 8, and 9. Body weight became significantly lower week 4 onward than that at week 0 (P<0.05 or 0.01). At week 9, serum leptin concentrations were significantly lower than those at week 0 (P<0.05). Contrarily, serum adiponectin and resistin concentrations did not significantly differ within the 9 weeks. While serum leptin levels were strongly positively correlated with body weight (r=0.923, P<0.001), serum adiponectin levels were moderately negatively correlated with it (r=−0.529, P<0.01), with serum resistin having a no correlation with body weight. Serum leptin levels might be more closely related with pathogenesis of adiposity than serum adiponectin or resistin in cats.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Northern California cats: Temporal comparison and a possible link to cat hyperthyroidism.

The indoor environment and dietary intake are considered to be major human exposure pathways to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Cats have similar exposures to humans by sharing their residential environments, although they have different diet, body sizes, and indoor activities. In the present study, we report PFAS levels in the serum of 2 groups of Northern California cats (>10 yr old) collected during 2 time periods: 2008 to 2010 (n = 21) and 2012 to 2013 (n = 22). Levels of ∑PFAS (geometric mean) were lower in the second period (geometric mean = 8.10 ng/mL) than the first time period (geometric mean = 15.8 ng/mL), although PFAS profiles remained similar. We also analyzed PFAS levels in human serum collected in the same time period (2008-2010) and geographic area, and compared the profiles and ∑PFAS levels (15.8 vs 14.3 ng/mL for cat and human, respectively). Long chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids, especially perfluorononanoic acid and perfluoroundecanoic acid, were significantly higher in cat serum than in humans. Furthermore, serum from hyperthyroid cats in the second time period showed higher ∑PFAS level (9.50 ng/mL) compared to nonhyperthyroid cats (7.24 ng/mL), and it is the perfluorooctanoic acid levels that were statistically significantly higher in hyperthyroid cats' serum (p < 0.05). This result may indicate a possible link between PFAS levels and cat hyperthyroid, warranting a larger study for further investigation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2523-2529. © 2018 SETAC.

Polychlorobiphenyl levels in the serum of cats from residential flats in Italy: Role of the indoor environment

ABSTRACTThe domestic cat (Felis catus) was used as a sentinel of exposure to polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) in indoor urban environments y. Sera from 120 cats were pooled to form 30 different groups selected by age (<2 years; > 2 ≤ 8 years; > 8 years), sex, municipality (Bologna and Turin) and environment (indoor vs. outdoor). Test portions of 1 mL were analyzed by means of gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) for six selected indicators non-dioxin-like PCBs (∑6 PCBs: congeners #28, #52, #101, #132, #153 and #180) and the results were computed in the upper-bound mode. The internal dose of PCBs attributable to the cats' alimentary lipid intake ranged from 32.4 to 1,446 ng/g (P50 165; mean 258). The Wilcoxon test revealed significantly lower PCB burden in “outdoor” groups than in “indoor” groups. Age correlated well with the heptachlorinated and most bio-accumulative congener, PCB #180, and slightly with hexachlorinated PCBs #138 and #153. Contamination attributable to house dust collected in 15 living-rooms ranged from 10.0 to 279 ng/g dry weight (P50 97.4; mean 94.4). Exposure estimates indicated a 0.6–16 ng/kg bw range of daily ∑6 PCB intake from a default value of 200 mg/cat of dust ingestion. The intake of PCBs due to dust ingestion fell within the same order of magnitude as that computed from a 60 g daily intake of commercial dry pet foods, while inhalation accounted for 0.21–8.2 ng/kg bw/day, on setting the nominal ∑6 PCB contamination in outdoor and indoor air at 0.37 and 15 ng/m3, respectively. Italian indoor cats could be exposed to higher levels of ∑6 PCBs than the Reference Dose (RfD) of 10 ng/kg/bw/day; this supports the World Health Organization's statement that the quality of the indoor environment is a major determinant of health.

Update on flea and tick associated diseases of cats

There are multiple vector-borne diseases in cats, the most prominent being those transmitted by mosquitos, sand flies, fleas, and ticks. Many of the agents vectored by fleas or ticks have been grown or amplified from blood or have induced antibodies in the serum of normal cats or those with clinical signs like fever and will be the focus of this manuscript. As high as 80% of fleas collected from cats contain at least one organism that could induce illness in cats or people. Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., Ehrlichia spp., hemoplasmas, and Rickettsia spp. infect cats and can be associated with clinical illness. Anaplasma phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi are transmitted by Ixodes spp., Ehrlichia spp. and A. platys are transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Fleas vector Bartonella spp., hemoplasmas, and R. felis. Recently, R. typhus was detected in cats in Spain. Lethargy and fever are common findings in cats with flea and tick borne diseases. Hemoplasmas are associated with hemolytic anemia. Moderate thrombocytopenia is associated with the tick-vectored agents. Polymerase chain reaction assays performed on blood collected in the acute phase of infection can be used to prove presence of the organisms. Doxycycline at 5 mg/kg, PO, twice daily or 10 mg/kg, PO, daily can be effective for resolving the clinical signs. If doxycycline is ineffective or not tolerated, fluoroquinolones can be effective for treatment of clinical illness associated with Bartonella spp., hemoplasmas, and Rickettsia spp. Use of flea and tick control products is effective for blocking transmission of many of the agents.