Oxidative Stress in Overweight Cats

Jeusette I., Salas A., et al. Increased urinary F2-isoprostane concentration as an indicator of oxidative stress in overweight cats. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med, 2009. 7(1-2):36-42.

Obesity is common in cats and can contribute to many health problems. These investigators examined the effects of body weight on the health status of cats, measuring several clinical parameters. Studies in humans and rats have shown that obesity is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Twenty overweight cats and seven lean cats were included in the study and all were healthy. Parameters measured were blood cholesterol, triacylglycerol (lipid), and inflammatory mediators (acute phase proteins). In addition, urinary isoprostane, another indicator of inflammation was assessed. While blood cholesterol and lipid levels did not significantly differ among the cats, urine F2-isoprostane levels were significantly higher in overweight cats. This component is an indicator of oxidative injury, and may play a role in disease development in overweight cats. The authors note that their study size was small, and did not include a control group. However, this preliminary work indicates that oxidative stress may have an impact on the health of overweight cats. [MK]
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Related articles:
Webb CB, Falkowski L. Oxidative stress and innate immunity in feline patients with diabetes mellitus: the role of nutrition. J Feline Med Surg. 2009 Apr;11(4):271-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

Webb CB, McCord KW, Twedt DC. Assessment of oxidative stress in leukocytes and granulocyte function following oral administration of a silibinin-phosphatidylcholine complex in cats. Am J Vet Res. 2009 Jan;70(1):57-62.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Jeusette I., Salas A., et al. Increased urinary F2-isoprostane concentration as an indicator of oxidative stress in overweight cats. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med, 2009. 7(1-2):36-42.

Obesity is common in cats and can contribute to many health problems. These investigators examined the effects of body weight on the health status of cats, measuring several clinical parameters. Studies in humans and rats have shown that obesity is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Twenty overweight cats and seven lean cats were included in the study and all were healthy. Parameters measured were blood cholesterol, triacylglycerol (lipid), and inflammatory mediators (acute phase proteins). In addition, urinary isoprostane, another indicator of inflammation was assessed. While blood cholesterol and lipid levels did not significantly differ among the cats, urine F2-isoprostane levels were significantly higher in overweight cats. This component is an indicator of oxidative injury, and may play a role in disease development in overweight cats. The authors note that their study size was small, and did not include a control group. However, this preliminary work indicates that oxidative stress may have an impact on the health of overweight cats. [MK]
>> Free full text article

Related articles:
Webb CB, Falkowski L. Oxidative stress and innate immunity in feline patients with diabetes mellitus: the role of nutrition. J Feline Med Surg. 2009 Apr;11(4):271-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

Webb CB, McCord KW, Twedt DC. Assessment of oxidative stress in leukocytes and granulocyte function following oral administration of a silibinin-phosphatidylcholine complex in cats. Am J Vet Res. 2009 Jan;70(1):57-62.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Recombinant PZI Insulin for Diabetic Cats

Nelson RW, Henley K, Cole C; the PZIR Clinical Study Group. Field safety and efficacy of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin for treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2009 Jul;23(4):787-793.

This study was a prospective, uncontrolled clinical trial performed to evaluate the effects of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin (PZIR) on control of glycemia in cats with newly diagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. One hundred thirty-three cats were enrolled in the study, consisting of 120 newly diagnosed and 13 previously treated diabetics. Cats were treated twice daily with PZIR for 45 days. Control of glycemia was assessed on days 7, 14, 30, and 45 by evaluation of changes in water consumption, frequency of urination, appetite, and body weight, serum fructosamine concentration, and blood glucose concentrations determined 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 hours after administration of PZIR. Based on the criteria used to judge success of PZIR treatment, 113 (85%) of 133 diabetic cats, including 9 previously treated, poorly controlled diabetic cats, attained good diabetic control by day 45 of the study. Hypoglycemia (blood glucose nadir <80 mg/dL) was the only consistent problem with PZIR. The study cats also had a significant increase in mean body weight by the end of 45 days. Results of this study support using low dosages of insulin (0.22 U/kg) initially in newly diagnosed diabetic cats and adjusting the dosage of PZIR based on the response to treatment and results of blood glucose and serum fructosamine concentrations. The study supports the conclusion that PZIR is effective in controlling glycemia in diabetic cats and can be used as an initial treatment or as an alternative in poorly controlled diabetic cats that do not respond to treatment with other insulin preparations. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Michiels L, Reusch CE, et al. Treatment of 46 cats with porcine lente insulin: a prospective, multicentre study. J Feline Med Surg. 2008 Oct;10(5):439-51.
>> PubMed Abstract

Martin GJ, Rand JS. Control of diabetes mellitus in cats with porcine insulin zinc suspension. Vet Rec. 2007 Jul 21;161(3):88-94.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Nelson RW, Henley K, Cole C; the PZIR Clinical Study Group. Field safety and efficacy of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin for treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2009 Jul;23(4):787-793.

This study was a prospective, uncontrolled clinical trial performed to evaluate the effects of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin (PZIR) on control of glycemia in cats with newly diagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. One hundred thirty-three cats were enrolled in the study, consisting of 120 newly diagnosed and 13 previously treated diabetics. Cats were treated twice daily with PZIR for 45 days. Control of glycemia was assessed on days 7, 14, 30, and 45 by evaluation of changes in water consumption, frequency of urination, appetite, and body weight, serum fructosamine concentration, and blood glucose concentrations determined 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 hours after administration of PZIR. Based on the criteria used to judge success of PZIR treatment, 113 (85%) of 133 diabetic cats, including 9 previously treated, poorly controlled diabetic cats, attained good diabetic control by day 45 of the study. Hypoglycemia (blood glucose nadir <80 mg/dL) was the only consistent problem with PZIR. The study cats also had a significant increase in mean body weight by the end of 45 days. Results of this study support using low dosages of insulin (0.22 U/kg) initially in newly diagnosed diabetic cats and adjusting the dosage of PZIR based on the response to treatment and results of blood glucose and serum fructosamine concentrations. The study supports the conclusion that PZIR is effective in controlling glycemia in diabetic cats and can be used as an initial treatment or as an alternative in poorly controlled diabetic cats that do not respond to treatment with other insulin preparations. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Michiels L, Reusch CE, et al. Treatment of 46 cats with porcine lente insulin: a prospective, multicentre study. J Feline Med Surg. 2008 Oct;10(5):439-51.
>> PubMed Abstract

Martin GJ, Rand JS. Control of diabetes mellitus in cats with porcine insulin zinc suspension. Vet Rec. 2007 Jul 21;161(3):88-94.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Feline Entropion

Williams, D and J.-Y. Kim. Feline entropion: a case series of 50 affected animals (2003-2008). Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2009. 12(4):221-226.

Entropion is the inward rolling of all or part of an eyelid. The cornea and conjunctiva are irritated by hairs on the eyelid causing problems from mild discomfort and tearing to chronic pain and eye injury. Entropion is more common in dogs than cats, but may be under-recognized in cats. In this study from the U.K., 50 cats with entropion were examined. About 1/3 of the cats had a mean age of 4 years, while the remainder of the cats were relatively older, with a mean age of 11 years. Among the younger cats, entropion was likely to be caused by a pre-existing irritative disorder, such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulceration. In the group of older cats, lid laxity or enophthalmos were more likely causes. Persian cats represented 10% and Maine Coons represented 6% of the study group. Among these cats, involutional entropion was likely caused by anatomic problems. All cats were treated surgically with a Hotz-Celsus procedure, and the results were evaluated from 4 to 22 weeks later. Surgical treatment was curative in the majority of cases. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Read RA, Broun HC. Entropion correction in dogs and cats using a combination Hotz-Celsus and lateral eyelid wedge resection: results in 311 eyes. Vet Ophthalmol. 2007 Jan-Feb;10(1):6-11.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Williams, D and J.-Y. Kim. Feline entropion: a case series of 50 affected animals (2003-2008). Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2009. 12(4):221-226.

Entropion is the inward rolling of all or part of an eyelid. The cornea and conjunctiva are irritated by hairs on the eyelid causing problems from mild discomfort and tearing to chronic pain and eye injury. Entropion is more common in dogs than cats, but may be under-recognized in cats. In this study from the U.K., 50 cats with entropion were examined. About 1/3 of the cats had a mean age of 4 years, while the remainder of the cats were relatively older, with a mean age of 11 years. Among the younger cats, entropion was likely to be caused by a pre-existing irritative disorder, such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulceration. In the group of older cats, lid laxity or enophthalmos were more likely causes. Persian cats represented 10% and Maine Coons represented 6% of the study group. Among these cats, involutional entropion was likely caused by anatomic problems. All cats were treated surgically with a Hotz-Celsus procedure, and the results were evaluated from 4 to 22 weeks later. Surgical treatment was curative in the majority of cases. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Read RA, Broun HC. Entropion correction in dogs and cats using a combination Hotz-Celsus and lateral eyelid wedge resection: results in 311 eyes. Vet Ophthalmol. 2007 Jan-Feb;10(1):6-11.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Tritrichomonas in Cats in Italy

Holliday, M., D. Deni, and D.A. Gunn-Moore, Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats with diarrhoea in a rescue colony in Italy. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(2): p. 131-134.

Tritrichomonus foetus is protozoan parasite causing diarrhea in cats. Clinical signs are those of large bowel diarrhea, and include increased frequency of defecation, semi-formed to liquid feces, foul-smelling feces with fresh blood and mucus, and fecal incontinence. Affected cats are typically well otherwise. There are various methods of diagnosing T. foetus infection in cats, such as PCR on feces and fecal culture. Most reports of T. foetus infection in cats have come from the U.S., but there are a few reports from other countries, such as the U.K. and Germany. In this report, fecal samples from 74 cats with chronic large bowel diarrhea living in a rescue colony in Tuscany were submitted for T. foetus diagnostics. Most were rescued street cats, but some were surrendered by owners. Of the 74 cats, almost 1/3 were found to be infected with T. foetus. The infected cats were predominantly over a year of age and were all neutered non-pedigreed, domestic cats. The investigators conclude that the prevalence of T. foetus may be more widely distributed than previously thought. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Stockdale, H.D., et al., Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats. Vet Parasitol, 2009. 160(1-2): p. 13-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Frey, C.F., et al., Intestinal Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats in Switzerland detected by in vitro cultivation and PCR. Parasitol Res, 2009. 104(4): p. 783-88.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Holliday, M., D. Deni, and D.A. Gunn-Moore, Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats with diarrhoea in a rescue colony in Italy. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(2): p. 131-134.

Tritrichomonus foetus is protozoan parasite causing diarrhea in cats. Clinical signs are those of large bowel diarrhea, and include increased frequency of defecation, semi-formed to liquid feces, foul-smelling feces with fresh blood and mucus, and fecal incontinence. Affected cats are typically well otherwise. There are various methods of diagnosing T. foetus infection in cats, such as PCR on feces and fecal culture. Most reports of T. foetus infection in cats have come from the U.S., but there are a few reports from other countries, such as the U.K. and Germany. In this report, fecal samples from 74 cats with chronic large bowel diarrhea living in a rescue colony in Tuscany were submitted for T. foetus diagnostics. Most were rescued street cats, but some were surrendered by owners. Of the 74 cats, almost 1/3 were found to be infected with T. foetus. The infected cats were predominantly over a year of age and were all neutered non-pedigreed, domestic cats. The investigators conclude that the prevalence of T. foetus may be more widely distributed than previously thought. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Stockdale, H.D., et al., Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats. Vet Parasitol, 2009. 160(1-2): p. 13-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Frey, C.F., et al., Intestinal Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats in Switzerland detected by in vitro cultivation and PCR. Parasitol Res, 2009. 104(4): p. 783-88.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Pathogenesis of Feline Coronavirus Infection

Pedersen, N.C., C.E. Allen, and L.A. Lyons, Pathogenesis of feline enteric coronavirus infection. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2008. 10(6): p. 529-541.

The importance of feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) as a primary intestinal pathogen is considered minimal. The importance of FECV is that this virus can mutate in vivo. At least one mutant form causes the highly fatal disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Initially, this study had been designed to demonstrate that resistance and susceptibility to FECV infection were under genetic control, just as genetics appear to play a significant role in FIP resistance. With more than 3 years of study results, it became apparent that genetics would not readily define this initial goal. The investigators made a decision to concentrate their efforts on what was learned about FECV pathogenesis. A distinct primary stage of infection was identified that lasted from 7 to 18 months, with the highest level of virus shedding during this phase. This primary stage resolved in one of the three following ways: 1) recovery, 2) persistent shedding, or 3) recurrent or intermittent shedding. During the primary phase, shedding levels were significantly higher in kittens than in adult cats. As kittens might be infected before their immune systems mature, FECV replication would be more frequent and increase the potential for FECV to FIP mutations. FIP is known to be more common in kittens than adult cats. The investigators also looked at the role of stress on reactivating latent or subclinical infection, or increasing virus shedding. They evaluated the role natural stress such as pregnancy, parturition, and lactation might play. Stress was also simulated by giving a series of corticosteroid injections using methylprednisolone acetate. No increase in virus shedding was reported in any of the scenarios. Virus shedding and serum antibody titers had a significant relationship to each other. Cats shedding virus usually had titers of 1:100 or higher. Cats that were not shedding virus usually had titers of 1:25 and lower. Additional observations on immunity to FECV infection found that immunity during the primary phase of infection was slow to develop, intermittent, and tenuous in duration. Immunity during re-infection tended to mirror that occurring during primary infection, indicating this immunity lacks memory. This pattern of infection and immunity is strongly influenced by environmental factors. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Pedersen, N.C., A review of feline infectious peritonitis virus infection: 1963-2008. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(4): p. 225-258.
>> PubMed Abstract

Addie, D., et al., Feline infectious peritonitis ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(7): p. 594-604.
>> Free full text article

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Pedersen, N.C., C.E. Allen, and L.A. Lyons, Pathogenesis of feline enteric coronavirus infection. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2008. 10(6): p. 529-541.

The importance of feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) as a primary intestinal pathogen is considered minimal. The importance of FECV is that this virus can mutate in vivo. At least one mutant form causes the highly fatal disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Initially, this study had been designed to demonstrate that resistance and susceptibility to FECV infection were under genetic control, just as genetics appear to play a significant role in FIP resistance. With more than 3 years of study results, it became apparent that genetics would not readily define this initial goal. The investigators made a decision to concentrate their efforts on what was learned about FECV pathogenesis. A distinct primary stage of infection was identified that lasted from 7 to 18 months, with the highest level of virus shedding during this phase. This primary stage resolved in one of the three following ways: 1) recovery, 2) persistent shedding, or 3) recurrent or intermittent shedding. During the primary phase, shedding levels were significantly higher in kittens than in adult cats. As kittens might be infected before their immune systems mature, FECV replication would be more frequent and increase the potential for FECV to FIP mutations. FIP is known to be more common in kittens than adult cats. The investigators also looked at the role of stress on reactivating latent or subclinical infection, or increasing virus shedding. They evaluated the role natural stress such as pregnancy, parturition, and lactation might play. Stress was also simulated by giving a series of corticosteroid injections using methylprednisolone acetate. No increase in virus shedding was reported in any of the scenarios. Virus shedding and serum antibody titers had a significant relationship to each other. Cats shedding virus usually had titers of 1:100 or higher. Cats that were not shedding virus usually had titers of 1:25 and lower. Additional observations on immunity to FECV infection found that immunity during the primary phase of infection was slow to develop, intermittent, and tenuous in duration. Immunity during re-infection tended to mirror that occurring during primary infection, indicating this immunity lacks memory. This pattern of infection and immunity is strongly influenced by environmental factors. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Pedersen, N.C., A review of feline infectious peritonitis virus infection: 1963-2008. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(4): p. 225-258.
>> PubMed Abstract

Addie, D., et al., Feline infectious peritonitis ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(7): p. 594-604.
>> Free full text article

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Investigating the Genetic Causes of HCM

Meurs, K.M., et al., Analysis of 8 sarcomeric candidate genes for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med, 2009. 23(4): p. 840-3.

The most common heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A causative mutation has been identified in two breeds, the Maine Coon (MC) and Ragdoll that involve the cardiac myosin binding protein C gene (MYBPC3). HCM is thought to be inherited in other breeds as well. The objective of the study was to evaluate a subset of cats from additional breeds with HCM including the British Shorthair (BSH), Norwegian Forest Cat (NWF), Siberian, and Sphynx and to also examine MC cats known to be affected with HCM but lacking the known mutation. Fourteen affected cats among these breeds were evaluated. A causative mutation was not identified in the eight candidate genes studied, although several single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected. The study concluded that mutations within these cardiac genes do not appear to be the only cause of HCM in these breeds. Further evaluation of additional cardiac genes is considered warranted. (VT)
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Meurs, K.M., et al., A substitution mutation in the myosin binding protein C gene in ragdoll hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Genomics, 2007. 90(2): p. 261-4.
>> PubMed Abstract

Meurs, K., et al., A cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation in the Maine Coon cat with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hum Mol Genet, 2005. 14(23): p. 3587-3593.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Meurs, K.M., et al., Analysis of 8 sarcomeric candidate genes for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med, 2009. 23(4): p. 840-3.

The most common heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A causative mutation has been identified in two breeds, the Maine Coon (MC) and Ragdoll that involve the cardiac myosin binding protein C gene (MYBPC3). HCM is thought to be inherited in other breeds as well. The objective of the study was to evaluate a subset of cats from additional breeds with HCM including the British Shorthair (BSH), Norwegian Forest Cat (NWF), Siberian, and Sphynx and to also examine MC cats known to be affected with HCM but lacking the known mutation. Fourteen affected cats among these breeds were evaluated. A causative mutation was not identified in the eight candidate genes studied, although several single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected. The study concluded that mutations within these cardiac genes do not appear to be the only cause of HCM in these breeds. Further evaluation of additional cardiac genes is considered warranted. (VT)
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Meurs, K.M., et al., A substitution mutation in the myosin binding protein C gene in ragdoll hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Genomics, 2007. 90(2): p. 261-4.
>> PubMed Abstract

Meurs, K., et al., A cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation in the Maine Coon cat with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hum Mol Genet, 2005. 14(23): p. 3587-3593.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Cats and Dietary Sodium

Xu, H., D.P.L. Laflamme, and G.L. Long, Effects of dietary sodium chloride on health parameters in mature cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(6): p. 435-441.

High sodium diets are often used for cats to increase water intake and urine output, both beneficial goals for treatment of lower urinary tract disease. A study published in 2006 suggested that increased dietary sodium might have adverse effects on the kidneys. The objective of this controlled, prospective study was to evaluate the effect of different salt contents in diets fed to mature cats for a period of 6 months. No adverse effects were noted, including effects on food intake, body weight, hydration, blood pressure, and kidney function. These results are consistent with the majority of other studies which indicate that sodium at 1.5% of the diet (DM) is not harmful to healthy cats. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Kirk, C.A., D.E. Jewell, and S.R. Lowry, Effects of sodium chloride on selected parameters in cats. Vet Ther, 2006. 7(4): p. 333-46.
>> PubMed Abstract

Luckschander, N., et al., Dietary NaCl does not affect blood pressure in healthy cats. J Vet Intern Med, 2004. 18(4): p. 463-467.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Xu, H., D.P.L. Laflamme, and G.L. Long, Effects of dietary sodium chloride on health parameters in mature cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(6): p. 435-441.

High sodium diets are often used for cats to increase water intake and urine output, both beneficial goals for treatment of lower urinary tract disease. A study published in 2006 suggested that increased dietary sodium might have adverse effects on the kidneys. The objective of this controlled, prospective study was to evaluate the effect of different salt contents in diets fed to mature cats for a period of 6 months. No adverse effects were noted, including effects on food intake, body weight, hydration, blood pressure, and kidney function. These results are consistent with the majority of other studies which indicate that sodium at 1.5% of the diet (DM) is not harmful to healthy cats. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Kirk, C.A., D.E. Jewell, and S.R. Lowry, Effects of sodium chloride on selected parameters in cats. Vet Ther, 2006. 7(4): p. 333-46.
>> PubMed Abstract

Luckschander, N., et al., Dietary NaCl does not affect blood pressure in healthy cats. J Vet Intern Med, 2004. 18(4): p. 463-467.
>> PubMed Abstract

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