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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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.
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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.
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Oxidative Stress in Feline Diabetes

Webb, C. B. and L. Falkowski (2009). "Oxidative stress and innate immunity in feline patients with diabetes mellitus: the role of nutrition." J Feline Med Surg 11(4): 271-6.

The study was performed to test the hypothesis that oxidative stress is increased and neutrophil function is decreased in cats with diabetes mellitus (DM). Oxidative stress is considered a key component in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus in people. It is estimated that 85% of cats with DM are type 2 diabetics. The study included 20 control and 15 diabetic cats with measurements for oxidative stress and neutrophil function. The cats were fed a diet designed for feline diabetics (Purina DM Dietetic Management Feline Formula) for 8 weeks, and then assays were repeated. Plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly less in cats with DM than the control cats, consistent with a greater degree of oxidative stress in the DM group. Glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme, was increased significantly in both groups following 8 weeks of consuming a diabetes-specific diet. Other parameters of oxidative stress studied, plus neutrophil function, were similar between groups and did not change following dietary intervention. The DM cats were significantly older and heavier than the control cats and these factors could have affected differences between the two groups. The findings support continued study of antioxidant supplementation and dietary intervention in diabetic cats. [VT]
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Related articles:
Webb, C. B., K. W. McCord, et al. (2009). "Assessment of oxidative stress in leukocytes and granulocyte function following oral administration of a silibinin-phosphatidylcholine complex in cats." American Journal of Veterinary Research 70(1): 57-62.
>> PubMed Abstract

Webb, C. B., T. L. Lehman, et al. (2008). "Effects of an oral superoxide dismutase enzyme supplementation on indices of oxidative stress, proviral load, and CD4:CD8 ratios in asymptomatic FIV-infected cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(5): 423-430.
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More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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