BACKGROUND
Spexin (SPX) is a peptide hormone that regulates body weight, adipose tissue metabolism, and food intake.
HYPOTHESIS
Serum SPX concentration correlates with body condition score (BCS) and markers of obesity in dogs.
ANIMALS
Fifty-seven dogs of varying body condition assessed using a 5-point BCS.
METHODS
Prospective, nonblinded, observational cohort study. Serum SPX concentration was measured using commercially available radioimmunoassay (RIA) in dogs with varying BCS. Spexin mRNA and protein expression were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining.
RESULTS
Serum SPX concentration was lower in dogs with BCS4 (8.56 +/- 2.86) and BCS5 (6.7 +/- 2.12) compared to BCS2 (11.96 +/- 2.23) and BCS3 (10.51 +/- 2.19; BCS2 vs BCS5, P < .001 and BCS2 vs BCS4, P = .005; BCS3 vs BCS5, P = .002). Spexin mRNA was detected in adipose tissue, liver and pancreas. Spexin protein was expressed in adipose tissue and liver but not in pancreas. There were negative correlations between SPX and serum concentration of insulin (P < .05); leptin (P < .01), triglycerides (P < .01), total cholesterol (P < .01), nonesterified fatty acids (P < .01), and fructosamine (P < .01). There was a positive correlation between SPX and serum concentration of adiponectin (P < .01).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Spexin could be involved in pathogenesis of obesity in dogs, and might be considered as a potential marker for obesity.
[1]
Hae-Chul Park,et al.
Distribution and neuronal circuit of spexin 1/2 neurons in the zebrafish CNS
,
2019,
Scientific Reports.
[2]
R. Isaacson,et al.
Association of Obesity with Serum Leptin, Adiponectin, and Serotonin and Gut Microflora in Beagle Dogs
,
2014,
Journal of veterinary internal medicine.
[3]
P. J. Armstrong,et al.
Prevalence and risk factors for obesity in adult cats from private US veterinary practices.
,
2005
.
[4]
Who Consultation on Obesity.
Obesity: preventing and managing the global epidemic. Report of a WHO consultation.
,
2000,
World Health Organization technical report series.