Serum and fecal parameters in cats with intestinal lymphoma (EATCL-type II)

Background. Lymphoma is the most common intestinal neoplasia in cats1. Histologically, different types of lymphoma can be distinguished and the one that appears to have a better prognosis is the Type II Enteritis Associate T-cell Lymphoma (EATCL-type II)2-3. Objectives. Aims of the present study were to determine the eventual changes of the microbiome and of some serum parameters in cats with intestinal lymphoma (EATCL-type II) in order to evaluate possible correlations with diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Material and Methods. The fecal microbiome and serum concentration of SAA, citrulline, total protein, amylase, lipase, DGGR lipase, cholesterol, LPS, and zonulin were measured in 12 cats with lymphoma EATCL-type II (L) and were compared with a control group of 12 healthy cats (C). Dysbiosis Index was measured. Results. The microbiome analysis showed a condition of dysbiosis associated with a decrease of Faecalibacterium spp. and C. Hiranonis and an increase in E. coli, Streptococcus spp. and Turicibacter spp. (p<0,05) in L group vs C group. Serology parameters showed a significant decrease of total proteins, amylase and cholesterol and increased level of LPS in L group. Conversely, no statistically significant difference was observed for citrulline, serum amyloid, lipase, lipase DGGR and zonulin. Conclusion. In cats with gastrointestinal lymphoma the low concentration of cholesterol and total proteins, the increases of LPS and of Zonulin (even if not significant) and the modification of the Dysbiosis Index suggest an alteration of the intestinal barrier and a protein-dispersing enteropathy. Keywords: lymphoma, cat, serological parameters, microbiota, dysbiosis index. Reference: 1 Barrs V et al, 2012, Journal of Feline and Medicine Surgery, 191-201 2 Moore P et al, 2012, Veterinary Pathology, 658-668. 3 Wright KZ et al, 2018, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 1098612X18779870