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Evaluation of serum and fecal parameters in cats with low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma (LGITCL)
Alessandra Gavazza1, Sara Mangiaterra1, Livio Galosi1
1School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62024 Matelica, MC, Italy.
Insights
Low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma (LGITCL) in cats is linked to altered gut bacteria and lower protein and cholesterol levels. These changes may indicate a protein-losing enteropathy and a modified gastrointestinal environment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- Low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma (LGITCL) is the most common intestinal neoplasia in cats.
- While genetics and environment contribute, chronic inflammation plays a key role in LGITCL pathogenesis.
- Understanding diagnostic and prognostic markers is crucial for managing feline LGITCL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential diagnostic and prognostic parameters in feline LGITCL.
- To evaluate fecal bacterial populations and serum biomarkers in cats with LGITCL.
- To compare these parameters between cats with LGITCL and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Histologically diagnosed LGITCL cases (n=12) and healthy controls (n=12) were studied.
- Fecal bacterial populations were analyzed.
- Serum biomarkers including SAA, citrulline, total protein, amylase, lipase, DGGR lipase, cholesterol, LPS, and zonulin were measured.
Main Results:
- Fecal analysis revealed decreased Faecalibacterium spp. and Clostridium hiranonis, with increased E. coli, Streptococcus spp., and Turicibacter spp. in the LGITCL group.
- Serological tests showed significantly lower total proteins, amylase, and cholesterol in cats with LGITCL compared to controls.
- These findings suggest a potential link between LGITCL and alterations in the feline gastrointestinal environment.
Conclusions:
- Feline LGITCL may be associated with dysbiosis and a protein-losing enteropathy.
- Changes in specific fecal bacteria and serum biomarkers could serve as diagnostic or prognostic indicators.
- Further research with larger patient cohorts is warranted to validate these findings and explore other potential biomarkers.
Abstract:
Lymphoma is the most common neoplasia in the intestine of cats. According to ACVIM consensus statement, low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma (LGITCL) represents a monomorphic infiltration of the lamina propria or epithelium or both of cats with small, mature, neoplastic (clonal) T lymphocytes. Despite the importance as contributing factors of inheritance and environment in the pathogenesis of LGITCL, the chronic inflammatory status plays a fundamental role. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible diagnostic and prognostic parameters in LGITCL. Selected fecal bacteria and serum biomarkers (serum amyloid A [SAA]; citrulline; total protein; amylase; lipase; DGGR lipase; cholesterol; lipopolysaccharides [LPS], and zonulin) were evaluated in 12 cats (lymphoma group - LG) with histologically diagnosed low-grade intestinal T- cell lymphoma (LGITCL) and then compared with a control group consisting of 12 clinically healthy cats (CG). The evaluation of fecal bacterial population showed the significant decrease of Faecalibacterium spp. (P = 0,045) and Clostridium hiranonis (P = 0,0433) and a significant increase in E. coli (P = 0,045), Streptococcus spp. (P = 0,0003) and Turicibacter spp. (P = 0,0056) in the lymphoma group. Serology showed a significant decrease of total proteins (P = 0,092), amylase (P = 0,092) and cholesterol (P = 0,0112) in LG group compared to controls. The present results allowed the authors to state that in cats LGITCL is possibly associated to a change in the gastrointestinal environment and to a condition of protein losing enteropathy. Further studies with a larger cohort of patients are needed to confirm the present results and to point out other possible changes.
