Hepcidina, parâmetros hematológicos e metabolismo de ferro em gatos obesos ou com sobrepeso

Abstract

Obesity in domestic felines is a chronic nutritional and metabolic disease characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue due to positive energy balance. This condition is associated with various complications, including diabetes mellitus, hepatic lipidosis, hypertension, urinary disorders, arthritis, dermatopathies, respiratory complications, dyslipidemia, cancer, and a decrease in longevity. Furthermore, obesity in humans can lead to iron deficiency, resulting in chronic anemia influenced by the chronic inflammation associated with obesity. However, it is not established whether iron deficiency anemia occurs in cats, as it does in humans. These complications underscore the importance of proper weight management in cats to prevent morbidity and improve quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hematological profile of obese and overweight cats and determine if they present anemia and/or iron deficiency and their relationship with serum hepcidin concentrations. Seventy-nine felines participated in the study, with 25 having normal body condition scores, 27 being overweight, and 27 being obese. Complete hematological analysis, iron, iron-binding capacity, serum hepcidin assay, and lipid and hepatic profile were performed on all felines. No significant hematological alterations were found, nor anemia in the evaluated cats. Obese cats showed higher concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol and their fractions. No alterations in iron metabolism were observed, even with higher hepcidin concentrations in overweight and obese cats; on the contrary, iron concentration and iron-binding capacity were higher in obese/overweight cats. It was concluded that obesity did not induce anemia nor influence iron metabolism in the evaluated cats. Hepcidin concentration was higher in overweight and obese cats, but this increase did not interfere with serum iron concentrations. Changes in cholesterol levels and its fractions and triglycerides highlight the importance of addressing the metabolic disorders that often accompany the condition of feline obesity.