Increased Leptin and Leptin Receptor Expression in Dogs With Gallbladder Mucocele

Abstract

BackgroundLeptin and its receptor play a role in several disease processes such as pancreatitis and heart disease. However, their association with gallbladder mucocele (GBM) in dogs has not been reported.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate differences in the expression of leptin and leptin receptor between dogs with and without GBM.AnimalsTwenty‐five healthy dogs, including 9 laboratory beagle dogs, and 22 client‐owned dogs with GBM.MethodsSerum leptin concentration was determined in blood samples of all dogs by ELISA. Canine gallbladder samples were collected from 9 dogs with GBM that underwent surgery for therapeutic purposes and from 9 healthy laboratory beagle dogs as a normal control group. Samples were analyzed for leptin and leptin receptor mRNA by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsSerum leptin concentration was significantly higher in dogs with GBM than in healthy dogs (medians of 7.03 and 2.18 ng/mL, respectively; P < .001). Patients with GBM that had undergone surgery had significantly higher serum leptin concentrations than those that had not (medians of 12.2 and 4.09 ng/mL, respectively; P = .001). However, no difference in serum leptin concentration was found between dogs with GBM with or without endocrinopathies. The mRNA expression levels of leptin and its receptor were significantly increased in the gallbladder tissues of dogs with GBM.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDysregulation of leptin might be involved in the pathophysiology of GBM, and leptin concentrations might be associated with GBM severity.

Gall bladder mucoceles in Border terriers

“…The absence of a comparable condition in humans limits our understanding of the pathogenesis of GBMs in dogs. Recognized risk factors for GBM formation include hyperadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, neonicotinoids, and recently, increased serum leptin . These conditions could act by altering the composition of bile and mucin or through an effect on gall bladder motility .…”

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound complements two‐dimensional ultrasonography in diagnosing gallbladder diseases in dogs

“…Although echoic patterns differ with the nature and type of gallbladder content, conventional ultrasonography generally identifies biliary sludge and/or sludge balls that move and/or change shape following changes in body position . Gallbladder mucoceles are frequently found in older dogs with endocrine disorders . They are likely due to hyperplasia of mucus glands and overproduction of mucus and/or fibrin that accumulates in the gallbladder, causing gallbladder distension with subsequent potential ischemia and/or necrosis of the wall .…”

Effects of a Watermelon Extract Beverage on Canine Lipid Metabolism and Urine Crystals

“…Adipokines, including leptin, adiponectin and resistin, are biologically active substances that are secreted mainly from mature adipose tissue, playing important roles in the regulation of the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism [11,12]. Because leptin primarily works as a fasting hormone thorough the regulation of food intake and energy consumption, plasma leptin levels are quantitative markers of obesity in humans, dogs and rodents [13,14]. It is known that circulating leptin levels correlate positively with adipose tissue mass and body condition scores [14].…”

“…It is known that adiponectin contributes to increased insulin sensitivity, reduced blood glucose and reduced tissue TG levels in the liver and muscle [14]. Resistin promotes inflammation and regulates the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6) [11][12][13][14][15]. However, there was only a slight change in adiponectin and no change in resistin over the study period.…”