Hypocholesterolaemia in dogs with dominance aggression

Serum lipids and lipoprotein concentrations have been associated with dominance aggression in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the link between serum lipids, including cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) to HDL-C ratio and dominance aggression in dogs. Levels of serum TC, triglyceride and HDL-C were significantly lower in dogs with dominance aggression compared with non-aggressive dogs (P < 0.001). These results suggest that a relationship exists between serum lipid profile and dominance aggression in dogs, and hypocholesterolaemia exists in dogs with dominance aggression.     

Serum lipid concentrations in dogs with tail chasing

O bjective : To characterise lipid profile in dogs with tail chasing.
M ethods : Fifteen dogs with tail chasing were included in this study. A behavioural diagnosis was made for each dog on the basis of the dog's behavioural history, clinical signs and results of other medical assessments. None of the dogs had concurrent medical disease that would account for compulsive tail chasing. Blood samples were taken from each dog after a fasting period of 12 to 16 hours to measure total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Fifteen control dogs were also enrolled on the basis of normal physical examination results, complete blood count and serum biochemistry profiles.
R esults : Dogs with tail chasing had significantly higher total cholesterol (P < 0·01), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0·05) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0·001) compared with control dogs. Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not differ significantly between the groups.
C linical S ignificance : Tail chasing may be associated with serum cholesterol elevations in dogs. High serum cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels may be used as biochemical parameters of compulsive tail chasing in clinical settings.     

Prognostic value of serum acute-phase proteins in dogs with parvoviral enteritis

Objective : To evaluate the acute-phase protein response in dogs with parvoviral enteritis as predictor of the clinical outcome. Methods : Canine parvovirus infection was diagnosed based on the compatible clinical findings and confirmed by the canine parvovirus antigen test in 43 dogs of less than six months of age. Blood samples for complete blood cell count and acute-phase proteins (C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin and albumin) were collected before treatment. Twenty-three dogs died during or after treatment (non-survival) and the rest recovered (survival). Five healthy dogs were enrolled as control. Results : Serum C-reactive protein, ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin levels in dogs with parvoviral enteritis were higher (P<0·001, P<0·01 and P<0·001, respectively), but serum albumin was lower (P<0·001) than those in controls. Mean C-reactive protein and ceruloplasmin values in non-survival were higher (P<0·01) than those for survival dogs. C-reactive protein was found to be superior to ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin and albumin for distinguishing survival from non-survival dogs. Values higher than 92·4 mg/l for C-reactive protein had a sensitivity of 91% to predict mortality. Clinical Significance : The magnitude of the increase in serum acute-phase proteins in dogs with parvoviral enteritis could be a useful indicator of the prognosis of the disease. In acute-phase proteins, C-reactive protein is a potent predictor of mortality in dogs with parvoviral enteritis.     

Clinical and pathologic features of parvoviral diarrhea in pound-source dogs

From June 1980 through May 1982, 161 pound-source dogs that developed diarrhea while being used in research were evaluated to determine whether canine parvovirus (CPV) type 2 was the etiologic agent. Evaluation included notation of clinical signs, determination of serum CPV-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG titers, virus isolation attempts, and histologic examination of tissues. Criteria for diagnosis of canine parvoviral enteritis were serum CPV-specific IgM antibodies, isolation of CPV from feces, and histologic evidence of intestinal crypt cell necrosis. Upon arrival, 67 clinically normal pound-source dogs were evaluated to determine the prevalence of fecal shedding of CPV and to determine their antibody titers to CPV. Parvovirus was not isolated from any of these dogs, although 76% had IgG antibodies and 3% had IgM antibodies. Of the 161 dogs with diarrhea, 40 (25%) had parvoviral enteritis. Of dogs with parvoviral enteritis, 71% had IgG antibodies and 68% had IgM antibodies. Canine parvovirus was isolated from 18 dogs. Serum IgG antibodies were found in 85% of dogs with diarrhea due to other causes. The geometric mean titer of IgG antibodies to CPV was not significantly different among the 3 groups. Clinical signs that appeared significantly (P less than 0.05) more often in dogs with parvoviral enteritis included bloody diarrhea, anorexia, fever (greater than or equal to 39.4 C), and leukopenia (WBC less than 6,000/mm3). Cases occurred throughout the year, without apparent seasonal variation. The duration between arrival and onset of diarrhea was significantly (P less than 0.05) shorter for dogs with parvoviral enteritis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Serum lipid and lipoprotein changes in ponies with experimentally induced liver disease

Alterations in serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in ponies with experimentally induced liver disease were investigated. Hepatocellular damage was induced, using a nonlethal dose of carbon tetrachloride. In a separate group of ponies, obstructive jaundice was induced by surgical ligation of the common bile duct. Over a 6-day period, blood samples were obtained from ponies after treatment with carbon tetrachloride and for 12 days in ponies subjected to surgery. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were unaffected in both groups of ponies, except for significantly (P less than 0.01) high triglyceride concentration in ponies of the ligated group during the second postsurgical week. This increase was most likely attributable to anorexia observed during that period. Hyperbilirubinemia was observed early in ponies of the ligated group; most of the bilirubin was of the conjugated type. Using electrophoretic and ultracentrifugal methods, serum lipoprotein alterations were detected only in ponies of the ligated group. Increases of very low-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations and decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration were found. Although no changes were seen in total serum cholesterol concentration, a redistribution of lipoprotein cholesterol was observed in ponies of the ligated group. Similar alterations in lipoprotein distribution have been found in dogs, rats, and human beings with obstructive jaundice and cholestasis. The association between serum lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase activities and these lipoprotein alterations remains to be elucidated.     

Effect of parvoviral enteritis on plasma citrulline concentration in dogs

Background: Plasma citrulline concentration is a reliable marker of global enterocyte mass in humans and is markedly decreased in diffuse small intestinal diseases. However, the relationship between acute intestinal damage and plasma citrulline concentration in dogs has never been documented. Hypothesis: That dogs with parvoviral enteritis have a lower plasma citrulline concentration than healthy dogs and that plasma citrulline concentration is a predictor of death in puppies with parvoviral enteritis. Animals: Sixty‐one dogs with spontaneous parvoviral enteritis and 14 healthy age‐matched control dogs. Methods: Observational cohort study. Plasma citrulline concentration was measured by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry in blood samples collected at admission and each day until death or discharge from the hospital. Parvovirus enteritis was confirmed by electron microscopy on a fecal sample. Results: Median (interquartile range) plasma citrulline concentrations at admission were 2.8 μmol/L (range: 0.3, 49.0; P < .001 versus controls) in survivors (n = 49), 2.1 μmol/L (range: 0.5, 6.4, P < .001 versus controls) in nonsurvivors (n = 12) and 38.6 μmol/L (range: 11.4, 96.1) in controls (n = 14), respectively. There was no significant difference in plasma citrulline concentration between survivors and nonsurvivors within the parvovirus‐infected puppies, and plasma citrulline concentration was not significantly associated with outcome in parvoviral enteritis. There were no significant changes in plasma citrulline concentration over the 8‐day follow‐up period. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Parvovirus enteritis is associated with a severe decrease in plasma citrulline concentration that does not appear to have any significant prognostic value.     

Tei index (myocardial performance index) and cardiac biomarkers in dogs with parvoviral enteritis

Tei index (myocardial performance) and cardiac biomarkers were evaluated in dogs with parvoviral enteritis (PVE). Tei index was calculated as isovolumic contraction time plus isovolumic relaxation time divided by ejection time. Myocardial and skeletal muscle damages were assessed by serum levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine (phospho) kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase. Serum magnesium level was also determined. According to treatment response, dogs were divided into the survivor (n=20) and non-survivor groups (n=23). Seven healthy dogs served as controls. The mean value of the Tei index was higher in non-survivors, compared with survivors (p<0.02) and healthy controls (p<0.01). Serum level of cTnI in non-survivors was higher than that of survivors and controls (p<0.05). Tei index showed the highest sensitivity and specificity to predict mortality. The findings of an elevated Tei index and an increase in serum cTnI are factors associated with a poor prognosis in cases of canine parvovirosis.     

Effects of body weight and season on serum lipid concentrations in sloth bears (Melursus ursinus ursinus)

Serum lipid levels were measured in 66 healthy sloth bears (Melursus ursinus ursinus) living under semicaptive conditions with access to natural food resources in the Bannerghatta Biological Park (Karnataka, India), a portion of their native habitat range in the Indian peninsula. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were analyzed. The effects of age, body weight, and season on these lipid parameters were statistically evaluated. There were no correlations between age and any of the serum lipid parameters analyzed. Positive correlations of body weight to both triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels in these bears were identified. In addition, seasonal trends in physiological serum lipid values, potentially due to variations in the sloth bear diet, were identified. Serum triglyceride levels were higher during postmonsoon season and cholesterol levels were higher during winter compared to other seasons. Serum lipid values obtained from sloth bears in this study were also compared to previously published data on other members of the family Ursidae. This is the first report of serum lipid values as a reference for sloth bears. These values can be used as sensitive predictors of overall health and nutritional status to aid in the captive management and feeding of these bears.     

Influence of obesity on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of obesity and diet in dogs on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations by assaying plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations and determining total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations as well as the concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides in various lipoprotein classes (ie, very-low-density, low-density, and high-density lipoproteins). ANIMALS: 24 Beagles; 12 lean (mean [+/- SEM] body weight, 12.7 +/- 0.7 kg) and 12 chronically obese (21.9 +/- 0.8 kg) dogs of both sexes, between 1 and 9 years old. PROCEDURES: Total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations; lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations; and plasma ghrelin, leptin, free fatty acids, insulin, and glucose concentrations were measured and compared between lean and obese dogs, both of which were fed a complete and balanced maintenance diet. Chronically obese dogs were subsequently fed a high-protein low-energy diet to evaluate effects of diet composition on plasma lipid and lipoprotein measurements. RESULTS: Chronic obesity resulted in a significant decrease in plasma ghrelin concentration and a significant increase in plasma leptin, cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations in dogs. High total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations resulted from increased cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in all lipoprotein fractions. In obese dogs, modification of diet composition resulted in beneficial effects on plasma lipid and leptin concentrations, even before weight loss was observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Correlations exist between obesity and plasma measurements (ie, lipoproteins, leptin, insulin, and ghrelin) commonly associated with obesity. Modification of diet composition to control energy intake improves plasma lipid and leptin concentrations in obese dogs.     

Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins in Clinically Healthy Male Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 87 Iranian male dromedary camels of different age groups (<3, 3–5, 5–6 and 6–8 years). Variations in the serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, total lipid, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) were investigated. The concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, total lipid, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol in the different age groups were significantly different (p<0.05). With an increase in the age of the animals, there were highly significant increases in the cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol concentrations, whereas the concentration of LDL-cholesterol decreased (p<0.001).     

Investigation of hypertriglyceridemia in healthy Miniature Schnauzers

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic hypertriglyceridemia has been reported in Miniature Schnauzers (MS). However, studies investigating the prevalence of this disorder in a large population of MS are lacking. HYPOTHESIS: Hypertriglyceridemia is prevalent in healthy MS. ANIMALS: This study used 192 healthy MS and 38 healthy dogs of other breeds (control dogs). METHODS: Serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were measured and statistically compared in both the MS and control group. Dogs were categorized based on their age, and median serum triglyceride concentrations were compared among different age groups. RESULTS: A total of 63 (32.8%) of the 192 MS had serum triglyceride concentrations above the reference range. In contrast, of the 38 control dogs, only 2 (5.3%) had serum triglyceride concentrations above the reference range. The median serum triglyceride concentration in MS was 73.5 mg/dL, which was significantly higher as compared to that of the control group (median, 55 mg/dL; P = .0005). Serum cholesterol concentration was above the reference range in 9 (9.0%) of 100 MS and in 2 (5.3%) of the control dogs. Mean serum cholesterol concentrations were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .1374). Median serum triglyceride concentrations in MS increased significantly with age (P < .0001), and there was a significant positive correlation between serum triglyceride concentrations and age (Spearman r = 0.47; P < .0001). There was no difference in serum triglyceride concentrations between male and female MS (P = .48). CONCLUSION: Healthy MS have a high prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia as compared to healthy dogs of other breeds. Both the prevalence and severity of hypertriglyceridemia increase with age.     

Breed-specific pro-inflammatory cytokine production as a predisposing factor for susceptibility to sepsis in the dog

Objective: To determine whether 2 dog breeds with a high risk for parvoviral enteritis, a disease associated with sepsis, produce stronger pro‐inflammatory cytokine responses to a stimulus than dogs with a lower risk. Design: Blinded comparison. Setting: University outpatient clinic. Animals: Healthy, unrelated, purebred Doberman Pinschers (n=10) and Rottweilers (n=9) with age‐matched mixed‐breed dogs (n=7). Interventions: Heparinized, whole‐blood samples were collected from each dog and incubated for 6 hours with lipopolysaccharide. Plasma was collected, and bioassays were used to determine the concentrations of TNF‐α and IL‐6. The mean values obtained from the high‐risk breeds were compared with the mean obtained from the mixed‐breeds. Measurements and main results: The mean TNF‐α production from dogs with a high risk for parvoviral enteritis (1321±161 pg/mL; Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler) was greater (P<0.05) than that from lower risk, mixed‐breed dogs (674±186 pg/mL). There were no differences in TNF‐α levels between Doberman (1128±247 pg/mL) and Rottweiler (1563±pg/mL) breeds or between any breeds with regard to IL‐6 production. Conclusions: The magnitude of TNF‐α production by peripheral blood monocytes was the greatest in the dogs with breed‐related risk for parvoviral enteritis. However, additional studies are needed to prove a causal relationship between high TNF and predilection for parvoviral enteritis. Regardless, breed appears to be a predisposing factor for variations in cytokine production that could impact the host response to infection and other inflammatory insults.     

Serum lipid profile in Iranian fat-tailed sheep in late pregnancy, at parturition and during the post-parturition period

Blood samples were obtained from 12 Iranian fat-tailed sheep during 7 weeks pre-partum, at parturition and 7 weeks post-partum. The lipids measured were cholesterol, triglyceride, total lipid, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol. The concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol during the 7 weeks pre-partum, at parturition and the 7 weeks post-partum were significantly different (P < 0.05). One week before parturition, the concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were higher (P < 0.05) than at other periods. The lowest concentrations of these parameters were observed 2-3 weeks after parturition. In this study, significant positive correlations were observed between the time of sampling (pre-partum, parturition and post-partum) and serum cholesterol (r = 0.22; P < 0.01) and HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.25; P < 0.01).     

Prosopis farcta beans increase HDL cholesterol and decrease LDL cholesterol in ostriches (Struthio camelus)

Ten blue-neck male ostriches (Struthio camelus) were fed Prosopis farcta beans throughout a 30-day experiment. Blood samples were collected from ostriches on days 0 and 30 to measure levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT). From days 0 to 30, HDL cholesterol, total protein, and globulins levels increased significantly whereas LDL cholesterol, inorganic phosphorus, and γ-GT activity decreased significantly.     

Relationship between the serum concentrations of serotonin and lipids and aggression in dogs

The serum concentrations of serotonin and lipids--triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein--were determined in 18 normal dogs and 23 dogs diagnosed as aggressive on the basis of interviews with their owners and an assessment of their behaviour with reference to a canine overt aggression chart. The serum serotonin levels in the aggressive dogs were significantly lower than in the normal dogs (P<0.01), but the differences in serum lipids between the two groups were not statistically significant.     

Endotoxemia and Tumor Necrosis Factor Activity in Dogs With Naturally Occurring Parvoviral Enteritis

A prospective, nonrandomized study was performed to evaluate the role of endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Seventeen dogs with naturally occurring parvoviral enteritis were enrolled in the study. Plasma samples were obtained for quantification of endotoxin and TNF on presentation and at 3 and 6 hours after therapy with either fluids prior to antibiotics, or fluids concurrently with antibiotics. All dogs received standard supportive therapy. Fourteen of 17 dogs had endotoxin in their plasma during the study period; 7 of 17 dogs had measurable TNF. No endotoxin or TNF was detectable in plasma from normal puppies. An increase in TNF activity was pre dictive of mortality ( P = .041). There was a trend for increasing endotoxin activity to predict mortality ( P = .0769). Animals that received antibiotics with fluids were significantly older than those that received fluids prior to antibiotics, and there was a trend for animals that received antibiotics with fluids to have a decrease in endotoxin activity after treatment ( P = .054). Endotoxin and activation of the cytokine cascade are integral to the pathophysiology of parvoviral enteritis. Measures to limit endotoxemia and the systemic inflammatory response may improve survival.     

Lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations associated with dog body condition score; effect of recommended fasting duration on sample concentrations in Japanese private clinics

The objectives of this study were to survey clinics’ guidance about recommended fasting duration (FD) prior to lipoprotein analysis, and to characterize lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in obese and overweight dogs categorized on the basis of the 5-point body condition score (BCS) scale. A dataset was created from lipoprotein analysis medical records of 1,538 dogs from 75 breeds in 354 clinics from 2012 to 2013. A phone survey was conducted to obtain the clinics’ FD. Two-level linear mixed-effects models were applied to the data. Over 50% of the clinics said they recommended fasting for 12 hr or more. Dogs in clinics with FD 12 hr or more had lower chylomicron triglyceride concentrations than those in clinics with FD less than 8 hr (P=0.05). Mean (± SEM) BCS at sampling was 3.7 ± 0.02. Obese and overweight dogs had higher very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations than ideal dogs (P<0.05), but no such difference was found for low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (P≥0.07). Across all BCS, as dog age rose from 0 to 8 years old, HDL cholesterol concentrations decreased by 13.5 mg/dl, whereas VLDL triglyceride concentrations increased by 81.7 mg/dl (P<0.05). In conclusion, FD of 8 hr or less may affect lipoprotein lipid concentrations. Obese and overweight dogs were characterized as having high VLDL and HDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations.     

Alterations in Lipoprotein Profiles in Dogs With Lymphoma

After a 12-hour fast, blood samples were obtained from 31 dogs with previously untreated lymphoma. Blood samples were also collected from 16 of these dogs after up to 5 treatments with doxorubicin (30 mg/m² intravenously every 3 weeks). All 16 dogs underwent complete remission. Five dogs were re-evaluated after relapse and after overt signs of cancer cachexia had become clinically apparent. Samples were assayed for 8 quantitative parameters: total cholesterol (T-CH) and total triglyceride (T-TG) concentrations, and the concentration of cholesterol and triglyceride in each of the three major lipoprotein fractions, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-CH and VLDL-TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-CH and LDL-TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-CH and HDL-TG). The results were compared with those from 20 healthy control dogs of similar weight and age before and 3 weeks after being given one dose of doxorubicin (30 mg/m² intravenously). The administration of doxorubicin to control dogs resulted in a significant (P> .05) decrease in T-CH, LDL-CH, and HDL-CH, as well as a significant increase in VLOL-TG and HDL-TG. When compared with untreated controls, untreated dogs with lymphoma had significantly higher concentrations of VLDL-CH, T-TG, VLDL-TG, LDL-TG, and HDL-TG, and significantly lower concentrations of HDL-CH. HDL-TG and VLDL-TG concentrations from dogs with lymphoma were significantly increased above pretreatment values after relapse and development of overt signs of cancer cachexia. Dogs in remission that were evaluated after one dose of doxorubicin had significantly higher concentrations of T-CH, VLDL-CH, T-TG, and LDL-TG when compared with controls that were evaluated after an identical dose of doxorubicin. HDL-TG increased significantly over pretreatment values in dogs with lymphoma after doxorubicin therapy. These results suggest that dogs with lymphoma have significant alterations in lipid profiles, and with the possible exception of HDL-CH, these abnormalities do not normalize when clinical remission is obtained.     

Spectrophotometry and Ultracentrifugation for Measurement of Plasma Lipids in Dogs with Diabetes Mellitus

Background

There are conflicting reports of plasma lipoprotein lipid content in dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Objectives

To determine lipoprotein lipid content of plasma of dogs with DM by spectrophotometry and ultracentrifugation; to compare lipoprotein lipid content in diabetic and healthy dogs; and to quantify apolipoprotein B‐100 (ApoB) in dogs with DM.

Animals

22 dogs with DM and 9 healthy dogs.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study. Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentrations were measured by spectrophotometry. Very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) concentrations were calculated after ultracentrifugation. Non‐HDL‐C cholesterol was calculated by subtracting HDL‐C from TC. ApoB was quantified by ELISA. The Mann‐Whitney test was used for comparison of median lipoprotein concentrations, and Spearman's correlation was used to assess associations between ApoB and lipoprotein fractions.

Results

All values are reported in mg/dL. Median TG (122), TC (343.5), HDL‐C, (200), VLDL‐C, (27) LDL‐C (68), non‐HDL‐C (114), and ApoB (320) were significantly higher in dogs with DM, compared to healthy dogs (57, 197, 168, 12, 16, 31, and 258, respectively, P‐values 0.0079, <0.001, 0.029, 0.011, <0.001, <0.001, 0.025, respectively). A significant association was found between ApoB and LDL‐C (Spearman's rho = 0.41, P = 0.022) and between ApoB and non‐HDL‐C (Spearman's rho = 0.40, P = 0.027).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dyslipidemia of dogs with DM is characterized by pronounced increases in LDL‐C and non‐HDL‐C concentrations, although all lipoprotein fractions are significantly increased. Knowledge of specific lipoprotein fraction alterations in dogs with DM can enhance treatment options for diabetic dyslipidemia in dogs.     

苜蓿皂苷对大鼠肝脏及肝脏细胞低密度脂蛋白受体、三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体mRNA表达的影响

本试验旨在研究苜蓿皂苷对大鼠肝脏及大鼠肝脏细胞(BRL细胞)胆固醇清除和转运途径中关键基因低密度脂蛋白受体(LDLR)、三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体G5(ABCG5)、三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体G8(ABCG8)mRNA表达量的影响,从个体和细胞水平初步探讨苜蓿皂苷调控胆固醇清除和转运的分子机制。采用高脂饲粮建立大鼠高脂模型,测定苜蓿皂苷对正常、高脂大鼠血清指标[总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)含量]和肝脏LDLR、ABCG5、ABCG8 mRNA表达量的影响;采用高糖DMEM培养液建立BRL细胞脂变模型,测定苜蓿皂苷浓度对BRL细胞活性的影响,测定苜蓿皂苷对正常、脂变细胞LDLR、ABCG5、ABCG8 mRNA表达量的影响。结果表明:1)苜蓿皂苷显著降低高脂大鼠血清中TG、TC和LDL-C的含量(P0.05);2)苜蓿皂苷显著上调正常大鼠肝脏LDLR、ABCG5、ABCG8及高脂大鼠ABCG5、ABCG8 mRNA表达量(P0.05);3)添加200、250μg/m L苜蓿皂苷显著提高了BRL细胞的活性(P0.05);4)苜蓿皂苷显著上调正常BRL细胞LDLR、ABCG5、ABCG8 mRNA表达量(P0.05),而对脂变BRL细胞各基因mRNA表达量无显著影响(P0.05)。结果提示,苜蓿皂苷可通过调控LDLR、ABCG5、ABCG8 mRNA的表达来增加肝细胞内胆固醇的清除和转运,从而降低机体胆固醇的含量。