Untargeted fecal metabolome analysis in obese dogs after weight loss achieved by feeding a high-fiber-high-protein diet

Abstract

Introduction In humans and companion animals, obesity is accompanied by metabolic derangements. Studies have revealed differences in the composition of the fecal microbiome between obese dogs and those with an ideal body weight. Objectives We have previously reported that the fecal microbiome in obese dogs changes after controlled weight reduction, induced by feeding a diet high in fiber and protein. Despite these findings, it is unclear if taxonomic differences infer differences at the functional level between obese dogs and those with an ideal body weight. Methodology Untargeted fecal metabolome analysis was performed on dogs with obesity before and after weight loss achieved by feeding a high-fiber-high-protein diet. Results Fecal metabolome analysis revealed a total of 13 compounds that changed in concentration in obese dogs after weight loss. Of these compounds, metabolites associated with bacterial metabolism decreased after weight loss including purine, L-(-)-methionine, coumestrol, and the alkaloids 1-methylxanthine and trigonelline. Conversely, the polyphenols (-)-epicatechin and matairesinol and the quinoline derivatives 1,5-isoquinolinediol and 2-hydroxiquinoline increased after weight loss. Conclusion These results suggest differences in intestinal microbiome at the functional level after weight loss, but further studies are needed to determine the role of these compounds in the etiology of obesity and weight loss.

A protein- and fiber-rich diet with astaxanthin alleviates high-fat diet-induced obesity in beagles

“…Numerous reports have indicated that formulated diets containing high contents of protein and fiber have significant satiating and weight reduction effects ( 12 , 14 , 28 ). Natural plant products are often added to diets as flavoring agents or functional active substances.…”

“…The effects of astaxanthin on obesity have been widely reported in mice ( 18 , 19 , 21 , 34 ) but rarely reported in dogs ( 17 ). Numerous studies have suggested that a high-protein/high-fiber diet exhibits weight-loss effects on obese dogs ( 11 , 12 , 14 ). In our research, we designed a formulated high-protein and fiber diet supplemented with astaxanthin and found that this diet alleviated high-fat diet-induced obesity in beagle dogs.…”

Differences in the composition and predicted functions of the intestinal microbiome of obese and normal weight adult dogs

“…The gut microbiome has emerged as a factor shaping metabolic responses in animals, including canines ( Bermudez Sanchez et al, 2021 ). In this study, we observed a significant decrease in Bacteroidetes and an increase in Firmicutes in obese dogs ( Figs.…”

“…This has been suggested to lead to the induction of specific metabolic pathways involved in short-chain fatty acid production and finally causing an increase in adipose tissue in the individual ( Martínez-Cuesta et al, 2021 ). Recently it has been shown by using metabolomics that weight loss in obese dogs induces several changes in fecal metabolites ( Bermudez Sanchez et al, 2021 ). The actual contribution of alterations in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and increased energy extraction to obesity has been challenged by several studies ( Duncan et al, 2008 ; Schwiertz et al, 2010 ; Xiao & Kang, 2020 ).…”

Mutual Links between the Endocannabinoidome and the Gut Microbiome, with Special Reference to Companion Animals: A Nutritional Viewpoint

“…Indeed, dysbiosis has been implicated in a wide range of diseases far beyond IBD. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neuroinflammatory disorders (like, for example, neuropathic pain and depression) are just a few examples of human and pet diseases with clear differences in fecal bacterial composition compared to healthy conditions [37,[50][51][52][53][54][55]. Not to mention that aside from the gut microbiome, the skin and oral microbiome are becoming increasingly involved in other human and pet disorders, such as atopic dermatitis [56,57] and periodontal diseases [58,59].…”