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Tropical animal health and production2012; 45(2); 417-421; doi: 10.1007/s11250-012-0232-z

Hyperlipidaemia in trypanosomiasis of naturally infected horses: possible cachexia-anorexia syndrome?

Abstract: Trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma evansi commonly produces wasting disease with signs of emaciation and cachexia mainly at the end stage. The present study was conducted to explore the possible hyperlipaemia or hyperlipidaemia and its association with cachexia-anorexia in equine trypanosomiasis. Out of the fifteen confirmed animals, none of the plasma sample was opaque. There was a significant increase in plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen and a highly significant increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. A mild increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and very low-density lipoprotein levels were observed, while the relative percentage of HDL and LDL was altered with high significance. A moderate increase in triglyceride and highly significant increase in LDL might be the reasons for retention of appetite and lipolysis. Possible protein breakdown and presence of lipolysis might be the reasons for cachexia in equine trypanosomiasis.
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Publication Date: 2012-07-27 PubMed ID: 22836485DOI: 10.1007/s11250-012-0232-zGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study explores the relationship between hyperlipidemia (high fat levels in the blood) and the wasting disease symptoms of cachexia and anorexia in horses suffering from trypanosomiasis, a parasitic disease. The research found significant increases in certain blood lipids and blood urea nitrogen, potentially contributing to the animal’s progressive emaciation.

Objective of the Study

  • The research aimed at investigating the possible occurrence of hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by unusually high levels of fats (lipids) in the blood, in horses naturally infected by a parasitic protozoan, Trypanosoma evansi.
  • Additionally, the study sought to understand whether this high lipid phenomenon is connected to cachexia-anorexia syndrome, often manifested as progressive weight loss, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness, and significant loss of appetite in individuals.

Methodology and Sample

  • The study involved fifteen horses, all confirmed to be infected with trypanosomiasis. Their plasma samples were analyzed for different types of lipids and nitrogen compounds.

Key Findings

  • None of the plasma samples was found to be opaque, which could indicate high fat or lipid concentration.
  • It was observed that there was a significant increase in the levels of plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, and blood urea nitrogen in the infected horses.
  • The research also found a highly significant increase in the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often known as ‘bad cholesterol.’
  • On the other hand, a mild increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or ‘good cholesterol,’ and very low-density lipoprotein levels, was found.
  • The relative percentage of HDL and LDL in the blood was altered significantly, indicating an imbalance in ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol.

Interpretation and Possible Implications

  • The researchers theorize that the moderate increase in triglyceride levels and significant boost in LDL might be the factors causing the retention of appetite and lipolysis (the breakdown of fats) in the infected horses.
  • This breakdown of fats, combined with possible protein degradation, might be the contributing factors to the onset and progress of cachexia in equine trypanosomiasis (the condition of severe, often irreversible weight loss).

Cite This Article

APA
Ranjithkumar M, Malik TA, Saxena A, Dan A, Sakthivel PC, Dey S. (2012). Hyperlipidaemia in trypanosomiasis of naturally infected horses: possible cachexia-anorexia syndrome? Trop Anim Health Prod, 45(2), 417-421. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-012-0232-z

Publication

Tropical animal health and production
ISSN: 1573-7438
NlmUniqueID: 1277355
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 45
Issue: 2
Pages: 417-421

Researcher Affiliations

Ranjithkumar, Muthusamy
  • Division of Medicine, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, India.
Malik, Tauseef Ahmed
    Saxena, Anju
      Dan, Ananya
        Sakthivel, Pillanatham Civalingam
          Dey, Sahadeb

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Anorexia / parasitology
            • Anorexia / physiopathology
            • Anorexia / veterinary
            • Appetite
            • Blood Urea Nitrogen
            • Cachexia / parasitology
            • Cachexia / physiopathology
            • Cachexia / veterinary
            • Horse Diseases / parasitology
            • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
            • Horses
            • Hyperlipidemias / parasitology
            • Hyperlipidemias / physiopathology
            • Hyperlipidemias / veterinary
            • Lipids / blood
            • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet / veterinary
            • Trypanosoma / physiology
            • Trypanosomiasis / complications
            • Trypanosomiasis / parasitology
            • Trypanosomiasis / veterinary

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            Citations

            This article has been cited 5 times.
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