Olive oil extract helps liver and heart health in obese dogs

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Canine obesity is a common disorder accompanied by a low-grade chronic inflammation and is considered a risk factor for liver and heart diseases. The present study aimed to investigate whether an olive oil-derivative enriched in N-acylethanolamines (Olaliamid, OLA) may protect dogs against obesity-induced comorbidities. RESULTS: Twenty-seven dogs of mixed breed and size with a body condition score ≥ 7/9 were included in the trial, once provided they were otherwise healthy. Dogs were fed a commercial maintenance diet for two weeks before enrolment, and randomized in two groups, i.e., OLA (n = 14) and placebo (OLA vehicle; n = 13). Both treatments were administered orally by the owners in a liquid form at 0.7 ml/5kg body weight, once a day for three months. At baseline and three months later dogs underwent physical examination, blood draw, and echocardiography. At the same timepoints, owners were given a questionnaire about their dog's general condition. OLA prevented the increase in leptin observed in the placebo group (P = 0.011), decreased IL-6 (P = 0.043) and derivatives-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs, P = 0.008), and increased biological antioxidant potential (BAP) compared to the placebo group (P = 0.032). Moreover, OLA protected the liver, with ALT levels being decreased in the OLA group compared to the placebo one (P = 0.005) and bilirubin levels being decreased in the OLA group (P = 0.030) but not in the placebo one. OLA showed a cardioprotective effect, with a significant decrease of IVSdN (P = 0.028), LVPWdN (P = 0.047), IVSd/LVIDd (P = 0.015) and LVPWd/LVIDd (P = 0.034) compared to the placebo group. According to dog owners, the difficulty rising from lying down significantly increased in the placebo group (P = 0.039) but not in the OLA one. CONCLUSION: Overall, OLA improved obesity-induced meta-inflammation and oxidative status and helped to ameliorate liver and heart health as well.