Weight loss modifies lipid peroxidation and symmetric dimethylarginine levels in obese dogs

In obese dogs, oxidative stress is associated with inflammatory processes and systemic endocrine imbalances. Monitoring oxidative status is an early and valuable means of obesity control as it is a marker of weight loss, which leads to a reduction in oxidative status or injury potential. The objective of this study was to investgate the changes in the concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in obese female dogs subjected to an 8-week weight-loss program. We included obese female dogs without comorbidities and with body condition scores (BCS) of 8 and 9 out of 9. In addition to TBARS and SDMA assessments, laboratory tests of blood and urine (blood count; levels of serum biochemistry; albumin, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, and glucose; urinalysis; and albuminuria), systolic blood pressure, and hormone concentrations (insulin, cortisol, and free thyroxine) were carried out before and after the weight-loss program. All the obese dogs presented high TBARS levels. After the program, the dogs showed significant reductions in TBARS (P = 0.005) and SDMA (P = 0.0013). In conclusion, obese female dogs were prone to lipid peroxidation and the TBARS and SDMA levels decreased after the 8-week weight-loss program.