Selenium Content in the Gonads of Healthy Cats (Felis catus) and Cats with Impaired Homeostasis from the Warsaw Area (Poland)

TL;DR

This study found that selenium levels in cat gonads vary by sex, age, and health status, with lower levels linked to obesity and mammary tumors.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into selenium's role in feline reproductive health and its association with obesity and mammary gland tumors.

Findings

Male cats have higher selenium levels in their gonads compared to females.

Selenium content decreases with age in female cats, potentially increasing cancer risk.

Lower selenium levels are associated with obesity and mammary gland tumors in female cats.

Abstract

The purpose of the ongoing research was to determine the Se content of the gonads of male and female domestic cats and to analyze the relationship between Se levels and obesity and mammary gland tumors. It was found that the gonads of males have a higher Se content compared to females. In addition, in female individuals its content decreases with age. With regard to health status, cats can be ranked in the following descending order: healthy individuals, obese cats, individuals with mammary gland tumors. A marked decrease in its content with the age of animals may be the cause of increased cancer incidence in older animals due to the weakening of mechanisms that protect against the effects of peroxidation of cellular structures and immune system function.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate selenium content in the gonads of healthy cats and those with impaired homeostasis with the use of fluorescence spectroscopy. Higher concentrations of selenium were found in the gonads of the male domestic cats studied. The average content of this element in the testes of healthy males was: 0.59 mg·kg−1 while 0.47 mg·kg−1 wet weight was recorded in the ovaries of females. In the case of individuals with impaired homeostasis, higher values of selenium were found in the ovaries of obese females (0.40 mg·kg−1), while in the case of females with diagnosed malignancy of the mammary gland, the average values were lower and amounted to 0.31 mg·kg−1 wet weight of tissue. On the basis of statistical analysis, significant differences were found according to sex, age, and disturbed homeostasis of the individuals studied. An association was found between low Se in the gonads and obesity, as well as the presence of mammary gland neoplastic lesions. In addition, Se content was found to decrease with age in females, which can reduce resistance to oxidative stress.

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