Comparison of Visceral Fat Accumulation and Metabolome Markers among Cats of Varying BCS and Novel Classification of Feline Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

As in humans, obesity and its associated diseases represent the most significant threat to the health of veterinary populations. Previous human studies have provided insights into the risk factors of obesity, complex pathogenesis of obesity-associated diseases, and their life-threatening consequences. In humans, the “metabolic syndrome” represents a cluster of metabolic risk factors associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. Risk factors for metabolic syndrome, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and its complications increase health-care utilization and medical expenses. Early diagnosis and intervention through preemptive approach is in need, and the new International Diabetes Federation definition of MS serves as the universally accepted diagnostic tool that is accessible in clinical settings. In veterinary populations, especially in cats, similar pathophysiological path and disease progression to the development of MS, such as adipokine dysregulations, chronic inflammation, lipotoxicity, are expected. The aim of this manuscript is twofold. First of all, it presents our preliminary feline obesity study that serves as the basis for discussion of obesity and its metabolic impact on feline population. In this study, we observed the effects of weight gain on energy metabolism using metabolome markers, such as adiponectin (ADN) and proinflammatory cytokines, in correlation with other common biochemical parameters in 14 clinically healthy cats of varying weight status. Further, we evaluated the visceral fat accumulation in three subjects of varying Body Condition Scores via computed tomography imaging and laparoscopic examination, and assessed the adipocyte type and size histologically. Mutually antagonizing changes in ADN and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) reflected the pathophysiological derangements leading to MS earlier than the common biochemical predictors such as glucose, liver values, and lipid markers. Second, it proposes the novel diagnostic and classification method of feline obesity and MS, based on the established diagnostic criteria of human MS and the presented study results. The results supported our novel “classification of feline obesity” and “Feline MS diagnostic criteria,” suggesting the need to complement ADN measurement with VAT volume to better understand the pathogenesis of metabolic disturbances in the feline population.

<p>Effects of Supplementation with Anti-Inflammatory Compound Extracted from Herbs in Healthy and Obese Cats</p>

“…In this study, high plasma TC of >180 mg/100 mL was considered as hyperlipidemia according to the criteria of metabolic syndrome in cats. 8 Based on this amended criteria, all four cats with over 180 mg/ 100 mL of plasma TC are diagnosed as obesity disease, and they were alleviated from obesity disease after quercetin derivative supplementation.…”

“…18 For overweight cats with high BCS of >7/9, showing low adiponectin (<3.0 μg/mL), hyperlipidemia (triglyceride >165 mg/100mL or total cholesterol >180 mg/100mL) and high serum amyloid A concentrations (>200 ng/mL), categorized them as having obesity disease. 8,19 Informed consent was obtained from each client on the written form. The informed consent included information about possible risk, benefits, and limits of examination.…”

“…However, only weight reduction is not enough for alleviation of obesity condition in animals with accumulated visceral fat, causing systemic inflammation. 8 Fat accumulation and oxidative stress impair the mitochondrial function via morphological alteration, increased membrane peroxidation, decreased ATP level, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and defective mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation in livers. 9 Excess amount of ROS produced via accelerated β-oxidation of fatty acids is attributed to one of the pathogens for obesity and its associated diseases.…”

Feline obesity and diabetes: a One Health perspective.

“…In cats, atherosclerosis does not present as a clinical problem. Nevertheless, since an elevated BCS is associated with insulin resistance [13], it has been suggested that an additional classification of feline metabolic syndrome, using BCS associated with increased blood glucose, dyslipidaemia and low adiponectin [14]. However, whether such a classification has practical clinical value is yet to be determined.…”

“…In healthy cats, nearly 40% of the variance in final body weight after 8 weeks of ad libitum feeding is explained by initial body weight, energy requirements for maintenance and fasting leptin [46]. Adiponectin has been used in a classification of feline metabolic syndrome [14]. The role of other adipokines prediction and pathogenesis of overweight and obesity requires further study.…”