Systemic apolipoprotein C-III amyloidosis in an Asian lion (Panthera leo persica)

Apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III) amyloidosis is an extremely rare systemic amyloidosis previously reported only in humans and white lions. This report describes the first case of ApoC-III amyloidosis in an Asiatic lion (16-year-old male) that died with clinical manifestations of renal failure. Histopathological and ultrastructural examinations identified amyloid deposits predominantly at the renal corticomedullary junction. Mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry identified ApoC-III as an amyloid precursor protein. Sequencing of the lion's APOC3 gene found no pathogenic mutations, although lion species have a unique M30V substitution compared with other Panthera species, which may predispose them to Apo-CIII amyloidosis. This first case of a non-white lion indicates that ApoC-III amyloidosis is not restricted to white lions.