Effect of a Weight Loss Program on Biochemical and Immunological Profile, Serum Leptin Levels, and Cardiovascular Parameters in Obese Dogs

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. Piantedosi et al. Effects of Weight Loss in Dogs However, in canine species, further studies are needed to investigate the impact of obesity and related WLP on cardiovascular system.

Pro-Inflammatory and Immunological Profile of Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease

“…Of particular interest appears to be the increase in Treg cells [ 4 , 6 ] observed in our cohort of MMVD dogs. Treg cells are involved in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance [ 4 , 5 , 6 ] and in etiopathogenetic and pathophysiological mechanisms in the dog [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. In our cohort, the B1–B2 and C–D groups expressed a significantly higher percentage of Treg than did the healthy elderly dogs, which was comparable to young dogs.…”

“…In our cohort, the B1–B2 and C–D groups expressed a significantly higher percentage of Treg than did the healthy elderly dogs, which was comparable to young dogs. This finding could suggest the occurrence of a homeostatic mechanism aimed at promoting immunoregulation [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ], reducing the potential pathophysiological mechanisms, and immune-mediated tissue damage in the heart. In this regard, the increase in Tregs may be necessary to contain the here-observed increase in T helper (Th) cells, predominantly with the CD4 + CD3 + T cell phenotype [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ], and the hyperproduction of TNF-α, Il-1β, and IL-6 in the more severe stage of canine MMVD.…”

“…This finding could suggest the occurrence of a homeostatic mechanism aimed at promoting immunoregulation [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ], reducing the potential pathophysiological mechanisms, and immune-mediated tissue damage in the heart. In this regard, the increase in Tregs may be necessary to contain the here-observed increase in T helper (Th) cells, predominantly with the CD4 + CD3 + T cell phenotype [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ], and the hyperproduction of TNF-α, Il-1β, and IL-6 in the more severe stage of canine MMVD. It is also interesting to note that, although experimental evidence suggests that aldosterone decreases Treg cells, Shao and colleagues [ 34 ] showed an upregulation of Treg cells, associated with the production of TGF-β and myocardial fibrosis in human patients with advanced CHF.…”

“…The immunophenotypic study was conducted with the previously described approaches [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. To study the immunological profiles of the enrolled dogs, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used.…”

An Insight Into COVID-19: A 21st Century Disaster and Its Relation to Immunocompetence and Food Antioxidants

“…The VLP vaccine can be obtained from plants and contains Matrix-M adjuvants targeting the SARS-CoV-2 S protein ( 121 ). Potential pitfalls when developing COVID-19 vaccines arise, such as structural homology between the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV and cross-reactivity of antibodies of various coronaviruses due to antibody-dependent enhancement mechanism ( 122 ). Therefore, extra caution should be taken before making a final decision on any vaccine in the market.…”