Circulating Endocannabinoids in Canine Multicentric Lymphoma Patients

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• The endocannabinoid system plays a role in human cancer pathogenesis.
• Elevated 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) are observed in human lymphoma patients.
• Limited research exists on endocannabinoid levels in canine lymphoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in dogs with multicentric lymphoma versus healthy controls.
• Evaluate these endocannabinoids as potential biomarkers for progression-free interval (PFI) and overall survival time (OST) in canine lymphoma.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from 26 dogs with B cell lymphoma, 14 with T cell lymphoma, and 12 healthy controls were analyzed.
• Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to quantify 2-AG, OEA, AEA, and PEA levels.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare groups and assess biomarker potential.

Main Results:

• Oleoylethanolamide (OEA), anandamide (AEA), and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) were significantly elevated in dogs with lymphoma compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05).
• Total 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) was significantly higher in healthy controls (p = 0.049).
• Elevated PEA levels were significantly associated with decreased PFI in dogs with lymphoma (HR=1.816, p=0.04).

Conclusions:

• Dogs with lymphoma exhibit elevated serum levels of OEA, AEA, and PEA.
• Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) shows potential as a prognostic biomarker for progression-free survival in canine lymphoma.
• No significant differences in endocannabinoid levels were found between B cell and T cell lymphoma subtypes.