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).     

Obesity induced changes to plasma adiponectin concentration and cholesterol lipoprotein composition profile in cats

Feline obesity generally results in aberrations to plasma metabolite levels, such as lipid concentrations and lipoprotein composition. This study sought to investigate the resultant effect of obesity on cholesterol lipoprotein composition and circulating adiponectin concentrations in cats. Plasma glucose, lipids (triglyceride, cholesterol and free fatty acid), insulin and adiponectin concentrations, and cholesterol lipoprotein composition were measured and compared between body condition score (BCS) determined normal healthy control and obese cats. Although the obese group demonstrated higher levels of plasma cholesterol, glucose, and triglycerides, as compared to healthy controls, the difference was insignificant thus indicating that the BCS determined obese cats may have been overweight and not morbidly obese. Plasma insulin levels were significantly higher (25–30%) versus healthy control animals thereby possibly hinting at the ensuing emergence of obesity induced insulin resistance. However, the BCS determined obese cat demonstrated a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in plasma adiponectin concentration and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in LDL-cholesterol % as compared to age matched healthy control animals. This would indicate that changes in plasma adiponectin concentration and cholesterol lipoprotein composition may be good early indicators of obesity in cats.     

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.     

Cholesterol values in free-ranging gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla and Gorilla beringei) and Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus).

Cholesterol concentrations in captive gorillas and orangutans vary widely within species and average approximately 244 mg/dl for gorillas and 169 mg/dl for orangutans as published previously. The International Species Inventory System reports higher concentrations of 275 and 199 mg/dl for gorillas and orangutans, respectively. It is unknown whether these values were typical, influenced by captive management, or both. To answer this question, banked serum samples from free-ranging mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei), western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), and Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Mountain gorillas did not differ significantly from free-ranging western lowland gorillas in cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, indicating mountain gorilla values could be a model for western lowland gorillas. Captive gorilla total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in free-ranging groups. Triglyceride concentrations for captive gorillas were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the male mountain and western lowland gorillas, but they were not significantly different from the female mountain gorillas. Captive orangutan total cholesterol concentrations were only higher (P < 0.05) than the free-ranging female orangutans, whereas captive orangutan low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than both free-ranging male and female orangutans. Calculated and measured low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were compared for all free-ranging animals and were significantly different (P < 0.05) for all groups, indicating Friedewald's equation for calculating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is not appropriate for use with nonfasted apes. The higher total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in captive apes may predispose them to cardiovascular disease and might be attributed to diets, limited energy expenditure, and genetics.     

Obesity induced changes to plasma adiponectin concentration and cholesterol lipoprotein composition profile in cats

Feline obesity generally results in aberrations to plasma metabolite levels, such as lipid concentrations and lipoprotein composition. This study sought to investigate the resultant effect of obesity on cholesterol lipoprotein composition and circulating adiponectin concentrations in cats. Plasma glucose, lipids (triglyceride, cholesterol and free fatty acid), insulin and adiponectin concentrations, and cholesterol lipoprotein composition were measured and compared between body condition score (BCS) determined normal healthy control and obese cats. Although the obese group demonstrated higher levels of plasma cholesterol, glucose, and triglycerides, as compared to healthy controls, the difference was insignificant thus indicating that the BCS determined obese cats may have been overweight and not morbidly obese. Plasma insulin levels were significantly higher (25–30%) versus healthy control animals thereby possibly hinting at the ensuing emergence of obesity induced insulin resistance. However, the BCS determined obese cat demonstrated a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in plasma adiponectin concentration and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in LDL-cholesterol % as compared to age matched healthy control animals. This would indicate that changes in plasma adiponectin concentration and cholesterol lipoprotein composition may be good early indicators of obesity in cats.     

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.     

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.     

Quantitative analysis of canine plasma lipoproteins

A combined ultracentrifugationl/precipitation method for the measurement of lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations was developed and validated for use with canine plasma. Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) were isolated by flotation ultracentrifugation and low density lipoproteins (LDL) separated from high density lipoproteins (HDL) by precipitation with heparin-manganese chloride. Effective separation of these classes was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis of native lipoproteins and by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of their apolipoprotein distributions. There was trace contamination of the LDL precipitate with HDL, but this represented less than 4 and 9 per cent of the total plasma HDL in normo- and hypercholesterolaemic dogs, respectively. The intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation for LDL- and HDL-cholesterol concentrations were between 3·3 and 6·9 per cent, and 7·2 and 9·0 per cent, respectively, for plasma cholesterol concentrations between 2·67 and 8·14 mmoll/litre. The intra-assay coefficient of variation for VLDL-cholesterol was 53·8 and 18·4 per cent at plasma cholesterol concentrations of 2·67 and 8·14 mmol/litre, respectively. The interassay coefficient of variation for VLDL was 22·5 per cent. Storage of plasma at -20°C for between two and eight weeks did not affect VLDL-cholesterol concentrations, but led to an increase in LDL-cholesterol and a decrease in HDL-cholesterol concentrations of approximately 10 per cent. The method described is appropriate for the measurement of lipoprotein concentrations in plasma from normo- and hypercholesterolaemic dogs, but samples should not be subjected to prolonged storage before analysis.     

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.     

Evaluation of Plasma Cholesterol,Triglyceride, and Lipid Density Profiles in Captive Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus)

To evaluate potential factors related to avian atherosclerosis, plasma cholesterol and triglyceride values were measured in 35 apparently healthy captive monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus). Birds were categorized as healthy or at risk based on body condition score and weight and were also evaluated based on their aviary environmental conditions. Plasma cholesterol mean was 8.008 mmol/L (range: 4.655 to 20.33 mmol/L) or 309.65 mg/dl (range: 180 to 786 mg/dl) for all birds sampled. Plasma triglyceride mean for all birds sampled was 4.364 mmol/L (range: 0.960 to 44.62 mmol/L) or 386.54 mg/dl (range: 85 to 3952 mg/dl). Thirty plasma samples were evaluated through density gradient ultracentrifugation lipid profiling techniques used to examine risk of cardiovascular disease in humans. The resultant lipid density profile graph was determined from the hydrated densities of the following lipids: triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and subfractions, and high-density lipoproteins and subfractions. When analyzed using linear discriminant analysis, lipid profiles of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, LDL1, LDL2, and high-density lipoprotein 2b subfractions were increased (P < 0.05) in at-risk monk parakeets when compared with healthy cohorts. Gender and diet had no apparent effect on plasma cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations. Cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and lipoprotein density profiles from captive monk parakeets, a species known to be affected by atherosclerosis, may prove useful as markers for use in future investigation of atherosclerosis in birds. However, the consequence of increased plasma lipid concentrations and changes of lipoprotein profiles on avian health requires additional investigation.     

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.     

Serum paraoxonase activity in dairy cows during pregnancy

Preparturient dairy cows are at high risk of metabolic and reproductive disorders and oxidative stress is considered to be involved in these events. We investigated the serum paraoxonase activity in dairy cows during pregnancy and alterations in lipid and lipoprotein patterns in this period. The relation between paraoxonase activity and HDL-cholesterol concentration was also compared. The study was carried out on 76 pregnant lactating and 26 pregnant dry Holstein dairy cows. The serum paraoxonase activity was determined by the method of hydrolysing of paraoxon, while triglyceride, cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol concentrations were measured by the enzymatic kit methods. A significantly higher serum triglyceride concentration (P<0.001) was observed in dry cows compared to lactating cows. The total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower (P<0.001) in dry cows than in lactating ones. In dry cows, paraoxonase activity was significantly lower than in those lactating (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in paraoxonase/HDL-cholesterol ratio between the investigated groups. It seems that the lower HDL concentration could be one of the causes of reduced paraoxonase activity considering the role of HDL as a carrier of most paraoxonase molecules in the blood. A decreased serum paraoxonase activity could diminish the effectiveness and total capacity of the whole antioxidative system during prepartum period in dairy cattle.     

Effect of melatonin on visceral fat deposition,lipid metabolism and hepatic lipo-metabolic gene expression in male rats

Melatonin (MT) influences lipid metabolism in animals; however, the mechanistic effect of melatonin on liver fat and abdominal adipose deposition requires further clarity. In order to study the effects of melatonin on lipid metabolism, and hepatic fat and abdominal adipose deposition in animals, twenty Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats of 6 weeks of age with similar bodyweight were randomly divided into two groups: control (CTL) and MT-treated (10 mg/kg/day). During a 60-day experiment, food intake and bodyweight were measured daily and weekly respectively. At the end of treatment, blood samples were collected to collect plasma to quantify hormones and metabolic indicators of lipid metabolism. In addition, organ and abdominal adipose depots including liver, and omental, perirenal, and epididymal fat were weighed. Liver tissue was sampled for sectioning, long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) quantification, and gene chip and Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses. The results showed that liver weight and index (ratio of liver weight to body weight) in MT group reduced by 20.69% and 9.63% respectively; omentum weight and index reduced by 59.88% and 54.93% respectively, and epididymal fat weight reduced by 45.34% (p = 0.049), relative to CTL. Plasma lipid indices, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) with MT treatment decreased significantly compared with the control. Fat and 8 LCFA content in liver in MT group also decreased. Gene chip and qPCR demonstrated that there were 289 genes up-regulated and 293 genes down-regulated by MT. Further analysis found that the mRNA expression of lipolysis-related genes increased, while the mRNA expression of lipogenesis-related enzymes decreased (p < 0.05) with MT. This study concluded that melatonin greatly affected fat deposition, and hepatic LCFA supply and the expression of genes associated with lipogenesis and lipolysis.     

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 early feed restriction on hepatic lipid metabolism and expression of lipogenic genes in broiler chickens

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of early feed restriction (ER) on lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function in the liver of broiler chickens. Newly hatched broiler chickens were randomly allocated into control and ER group which was subjected to feed restriction with feed provided on alternate days from hatch to 14 days of age (14 d), followed by ad libitum feeding until the end of the experiment on 63 d. ER group exhibited significantly lower body weight throughout the experiment. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) were significantly higher in ER group at 14 d (P < 0.05), and the higher serum TC level in ER group was also observed at 63 d. In contrast, the contents of triglyceride (TG), TC and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in liver were significantly lower in ER group at 14 d (P < 0.05). At 14 d no significant difference was detected for the mRNA expression of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase-α (ACC-α), carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α (PPAR-α) between control and ER group. At 63 d ACC-α mRNA expression was significantly down-regulated accompanied with a significantly up-regulated CPT-ImRNA and a decreased tendency of SREBP-1c mRNA expression in ER group (P = 0.09). Swollen mitochondria with fragmented and reduced cristae were observed in liver of ER group at 14 d. Meanwhile the inner mitochondria membrane viscidity increased and hepatic mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased at 14 d. The results suggest that feed restriction at early postnatal stage may produce long-term effect on lipid metabolism of broiler chicken, probably through, at least in part, alterations in mitochondria morphology and function.     

Changes in the plasma concentrations of lipids and lipoprotein fractions in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum.

A study was made of serum concentrations of cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, cholesterol bound to high-density lipoproteins (HDL), HDL1-cholesterol, HDL2-cholesterol and cholesterol bound to low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in 16 dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum (ZMON-1) taken from an endemic focus. Results were compared with those of a control group of ten healthy dogs. Statistically significant increases in cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels were observed. There was, however, a statistically significant decrease in HDL-cholesterol level, mainly at the expense of the HDL2-cholesterol subfraction. Cholesterol transport is therefore shown to undergo changes which may be attributed to the consumptive evolution of the disease, immunocomplex deposits in cells, hepatic disorders and interactions between the parasite and the normal cholesterol metabolism of the host.     

Influence of age and sex on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations and associated enzyme activities in cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of age and sex on plasma lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in cats. ANIMALS: 33 kittens and 16 adolescent, 23 adult, and 10 senior cats. PROCEDURE: Plasma concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipoprotein-cholesterol and activities of lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase, and lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) were measured and compared within and among groups. RESULTS: Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were significantly higher in 5- and 7-week-old kittens, compared with the same kittens after weaning and cats in the other age groups. Cholesterol concentration was significantly less in 20-week-old kittens, compared with adolescent and adult cats. Lipid and lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations were not significantly different among the adolescent, adult, and senior groups, nor did sex influence lipid and lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations in these groups. Activities of lipoprotein and hepatic lipases were significantly less in senior cats, compared with the other groups. Activity of LCAT was highest in 20-week-old kittens and was greater in sexually intact adult and adolescent females, compared with their male counterparts. After castration, activities of hepatic lipase and LCAT significantly decreased in adolescent male cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The upper limits of reference ranges for plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations should be increased for kittens < 8 weeks of age. Low cholesterol concentrations in adolescent cats likely reflect high tissue demands for growth and steroidogenesis. Decrease in lipoprotein and hepatic lipase activity in senior cats could predispose this age group to hypertriglyceridemia, particularly in insulin-resistant cats or those fed a high fat diet.     

Induction of fatty liver in cows by ethionine administration and concomitant decreases of serum apolipoproteins B-100 and A-I concentrations.

Ethionine, an analogue of methionine, induces fatty liver in rats by inhibiting protein synthesis, including that of apolipoproteins in liver. Ethionine was administered to cows to elucidate the participation in fatty liver development of impaired triglyceride secretion from liver attributable to decreased apolipoprotein synthesis. The administration resulted in a significant increase of liver triglyceride contents. Several apolipoproteins were found to have decreased concentrations. In particular, apolipoprotein B-100 in very low-density (0.95 to 1.006 g/ml) lipoprotein and in low-density (1.006 to 1.063 g/ml) lipoprotein fractions was greatly reduced. The decreases of apolipoprotein B-100 concentrations in the 2 lipoprotein fractions were at least partly correlated to the decreased triglyceride concentrations in the respective fractions. Decreased concentrations of apolipoprotein A-I in high-density (1.063 to 1.210 g/ml) lipoprotein were also observed, although not as distinctly as with apolipoprotein B-100. Total cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations in low- and high-density lipoprotein fractions were decreased. The decrease in cholesterol was attributed to reduced concentrations of cholesteryl esters. It was suggested that the impaired lipid secretion from liver attributable to the decreased apolipoprotein concentrations has a role in ethionine-induced fatty liver of cows.     

Characterisation of lipid profiles in dogs with parvoviral enteritis

OBJECTIVE: To characterise the lipid profiles in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. METHODS: Blood was collected before treatment from 30 dogs that fulfilled the criteria for severe sepsis including hypo- or hyperthermia, hypotension, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and evidences of organ dysfunction. Canine parvovirus was detected by haemagglutination and indirect fluorescence antibody tests in the faeces. Twenty control dogs were also enrolled on the basis of normal physical examination results, complete blood count and serum biochemistry profiles. RESULTS: Tachycardia, tachypnoea, hypotension, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and increased serum markers of tissue injury (alanine aminotransferase, creatinine kinase myocardial isoenzyme [CK-MB], blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) were observed in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower, but serum triglyceride level was higher in dogs with parvoviral enteritis than those in control dogs (P<0.001). Circulating tumour necrosis factor alpha correlated negatively with total cholesterol (r=-0.979; P<0.001) but positively with triglyceride (r=0.953; P<0.001) in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower in non-survival (n=9) dogs than in survival dogs (n=21, P<0.001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased, but serum triglyceride level increased in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Low serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels may be used as an index of the severity of parvoviral enteritis.     

Potential use of cholesterol lipoprotein profile to confirm obesity status in dogs

A common sign of obesity, in dogs, is hyperlipidemia, which is characterized by hypercholesterolemia and/or hypertriglycemia. Hyperlipidemia can be caused by a quantitative increase in circulating lipoproteins (LP) or by a higher lipid concentration in the various LP classes. In this study, we sought to determine whether aberrations occur with cholesterol lipoprotein profile, especially with sub HDL-cholesterol fraction % in obese dogs. Using clinically healthy and disease free (no overt signs) body condition score classified obese dogs, of all ages, we attempted to determine the influence of age, gender and obesity status on cholesterol lipoprotein profiling. Overall, no aberration in pattern was observed in obese dogs <8 years of age. However, in older obese animals (≥8 years of age), the general aberration pattern to cholesterol lipoprotein observed was that a significant decrease in HDL2 and 3 fraction % occurs with a concomitant increase in either HDL1-Cho or VLDL and LDL -Cho fraction % depending on gender. Linear regression analysis indicated that obesity status appears to significantly affect total cholesterol, HDL2 and 3-Cho, VLDL and LDL-Cho levels (P = 0.02, 0.046, and 0.045, respectively), whereas it is borderline with HDL1-Cho (P = 0.062). On the other hand, age significantly influenced TG, Total cholesterol, and HDL1-Cho levels (P = 0.009, 0.006, and 0.002, respectively), while gender influenced VLDL and LDL-Cho (P = 0.024) level. Therefore, aberrations in cholesterol lipoprotein profile pattern might be of potential use to assess and diagnose obesity status, in conjunction with BCS, especially of older overweight animals which might be considered borderline obese.