Effect of resveratrol supplementation on lipid metabolism in healthy and obese cats

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of lipid metabolism disorders, including obesity, increases with age in cats and humans. Obesity is a condition characterized by systemic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress caused by excessive visceral fat accumulation. Resveratrol (RSV), a natural plant polyphenol, modulates the expression of anti-inflammatory factors. This study aimed to investigate the effects of resveratrol supplementation on lipid metabolism in both healthy and obese cats and assess its potential as a dietary supplement for improving lipid metabolism disorders in this population. Methods: Plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations, and enzyme activities were measured in healthy, obese, and overweight cats supplemented with RSV for 4 weeks. RVS was supplemented at 1 mg/kg body weight/day (low dose) and 5 mg/kg/day (high dose) in capsules for 4 weeks. Results: Body weight, body condition score, BUN, and insulin concentrations did not change in obese or overweight cats with RSV supplementation for 4 weeks. Plasma triglyceride, free fatty acids, and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities decreased, and adiponectin concentrations increased markedly in obese and overweight cats after RSV supplementation. Discussion: Decreased plasma SAA concentrations and LDH activities and increased plasma adiponectin concentrations in obese and overweight cats seem to be induced by the improvement in liver function and the anti-inflammatory effect of RSV. Moreover, RSV supplementation may be useful in treating lipid metabolism disorders, including obesity, in cats.