Obesity and sarcopenia affect the metabolite profiles of pet dogs

Abstract

Overweight and reduced muscle mass significantly affect canine health, yet their metabolic implications require further investigation. This study aimed to characterize metabolic alterations associated with overweight and reduced muscle mass in dogs. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate differences in metabolite concentrations among 187 pet dogs with varying body and muscle conditions. Metabolomic analyses were performed using a validated, canine-specific nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy platform. Associations between metabolite concentrations and body or muscle condition were examined independently using generalized linear models (GLMs), adjusted for age and health status. Increasing body condition score (BCS) correlated with notable disruptions in lipid and glucose metabolism, alongside elevated concentrations of the inflammatory marker GlycA. The metabolic associations with decreased muscle mass included elevated GlycA, an increased phenylalanine-to-tyrosine ratio and alterations in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) subclass composition. Muscle mass was closely associated with age and underlying diseases, with health status emerging as the primary determinant of metabolite concentrations. The metabolic consequences of overweight and sarcopenia, particularly increased inflammation, could significantly affect a dog's overall health. Underlying disease should be suspected in older dogs presenting highly abnormal metabolite profiles or moderate to severe muscle loss.