Biological ‘quirk’ linked to feline kidney disease
Researchers discovered a rare group of modified triglycerides in cats.
New research has suggested that a biological ‘quirk’ in domestic cats could make them prone to chronic kidney disease.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham discovered that, unlike most other mammals, cats accumulate unusual fats in their kidneys.
The team used advanced chemical analyses to examine the incidence of RPTEC lipid in domestic cats in comparison to domestic dogs and Scottish wildcats. This revealed a rare group of modified triglycerides in cats.
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body, and are essential for storing excess energy from food. Some of the triglycerides in the cats, however, were found to have unusual chemical bonds or branched structures which are very rarely observed in other mammals.
Many of these fats also had special ether-linkages, causing them to behave differently to typical dietary fats.
It is believed that this distinctive lipid buildup within kidney cells could be an early sign of long-term stress within the kidney. This could potentially be contributing to tissue damage over time.
Researchers hope this discovery will lead to further investigation into how cats’ unique metabolism might predispose them to kidney problems. They suggest that further studies could lead to better diagnostic skills, improved diets and new treatments for protecting feline kidney health.
The study was led by Professor David Gardner and Dr Rebecca Brociek from the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.
Dr Brociek said: “Why these types of unusual fats accumulate in domestic cat kidneys, even from an early age, may offer an important clue as to why domestic cats are particularly prone to chronic kidney disease, one of the most common and serious illnesses affecting older cats.”
Prof Gardner added: "We are hopeful that soon we will understand why these unusual fats accumulate in domestic cats - we just have to collect the evidence to find the proof. If true, we believe we could develop a supplement or modified diet to help prevent these unusual lipid structures from accumulating, ultimately benefitting the long-term health of our companion animals.”
The full study can be found in the journal Frontiers.
Image © PawelKacperek/Shutterstock
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