Comparison of adipokine concentrations and markers of inflammation in obese versus lean dogs.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the concentrations of key adipokines and markers of inflammation associated with obesity in a population of healthy lean versus obese pet dogs. Dogs were determined to be in good health based on medical history, physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. Adult dogs between 2 and 7 years of age were assigned to either the lean group [body condition score (BCS) = 4-5/9; n=39] or the obese group [BCS= 7-9/9; n=37]. Fasting circulating concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin, resistin, insulin, leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF were measured. Groups were compared using Chi-Square and MannWhitney U tests. No significant differences between groups were detected in age (p=0.16) or gender (p=0.34). Median CRP concentration was significantly higher in the obese group [median 0.94 ug/ml (0.47-6.22 ug/ml)], versus the lean group [median 0.72 ug/ml (0.45-6.04 ug/ml); p=0.03]. The lean group had higher median adiponectin concentration [median 21.84 ug/ml (3.0879.14 ug/ml)] compared to the obese group [median 15.27 ug/ml (1.97-42.76 ug/ml); p=0.004]. Statistical analysis for IL-6 and TNF was not performed because >50% of samples either failed due to methodological issues or were below the level of detection. Differences between groups in insulin, glucose, insulin:glucose ratio, and leptin concentrations were not detected in this study. Additional studies in dogs are warranted to Comparison of Adipokine Concentrations and Markers of Inflammation in Obese