Evaluation of serum and fecal parameters in cats with low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma (LGITCL)

Lymphoma is the most common neoplasia in the intestine of cats. According to ACVIM consensus statement, low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma (LGITCL) represents a monomorphic infiltration of the lamina propria or epithelium or both of cats with small, mature, neoplastic (clonal) T lymphocytes. Despite the importance as contributing factors of inheritance and environment in the pathogenesis of LGITCL, the chronic inflammatory status plays a fundamental role. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible diagnostic and prognostic parameters in LGITCL. Selected fecal bacteria and serum biomarkers (serum amyloid A [SAA]; citrulline; total protein; amylase; lipase; DGGR lipase; cholesterol; lipopolysaccharides [LPS], and zonulin) were evaluated in 12 cats (lymphoma group – LG) with histologically diagnosed low-grade intestinal T- cell lymphoma (LGITCL) and then compared with a control group consisting of 12 clinically healthy cats (CG). The evaluation of fecal bacterial population showed the significant decrease of Faecalibacterium spp. (P = 0,045) and Clostridium hiranonis (P = 0,0433) and a significant increase in E. coli (P = 0,045), Streptococcus spp. (P = 0,0003) and Turicibacter spp. (P = 0,0056) in the lymphoma group. Serology showed a significant decrease of total proteins (P = 0,092), amylase (P = 0,092) and cholesterol (P = 0,0112) in LG group compared to controls. The present results allowed the authors to state that in cats LGITCL is possibly associated to a change in the gastrointestinal environment and to a condition of protein losing enteropathy. Further studies with a larger cohort of patients are needed to confirm the present results and to point out other possible changes.