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Timlin CL, Dickerson SM, Fowler JW, Mccracken FB, Skaggs PM, Ekmay R, Coon CN. The effects of torula yeast as a protein source on apparent total tract digestibility, inflammatory markers, and fecal microbiota dysbiosis index in Labrador Retrievers with chronically poor stool quality. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae013. [PMID: 38267019 PMCID: PMC10858388 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of varying protein sources on apparent total tract digestibility, inflammatory markers, and fecal microbiota in Labrador Retrievers with historically poor stool quality. Thirty dogs (15 male, 15 female; aged 0.93 to 11.7 yr) with stool quality scores ≤2.5 on a 5-point scale (1 representing liquid stool and 5 representing firm stool) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 nutritionally complete diets with differing protein sources and similar macronutrient profiles: 1) chicken meal (n = 10); 2) 10% brewer's yeast (n = 10); or 3) 10% torula yeast (n = 10). Another 10 dogs (five male, five female) with normal stool quality (scores ranging from 3 to 4) received diet 1 and served as negative control (NC). All dogs were fed diet 1 for 7 days, then provided their assigned treatment diets from days 7 to 37. Daily stool scores and weekly body weights were recorded. On days 7, 21, and 36, blood serum was analyzed for c-reactive protein (CRP), and feces for calgranulin C (S100A12), α1-proteinase inhibitor (α1-PI), calprotectin, and microbiota dysbiosis index. Apparent total tract digestibility was assessed using the indicator method with 2 g titanium dioxide administered via oral capsules. Stool scores were greater in NC (P < 0.01) as designed but not affected by treatment × time interaction (P = 0.64). Body weight was greater (P = 0.01) and CRP lower (P < 0.01) in NC dogs. Dry matter and nitrogen-free extract digestibility did not differ among groups (P ≥ 0.14). Negative controls had greater fat digestibility compared to BY (94.64 ± 1.33% vs. 91.65 ± 1.25%; P = 0.02). The overall effect of treatment was significant for protein digestibility (P = 0.03), but there were no differences in individual post hoc comparisons (P ≥ 0.07). Treatment did not affect S100A12 or α1-PI (P ≥ 0.44). Calprotectin decreased at a greater rate over time in TY (P < 0.01). The dysbiosis index score for BY and TY fluctuated less over time (P = 0.01). Blautia (P = 0.03) and Clostridium hiranonis (P = 0.05) abundances were reduced in BY and TY. Dogs with chronically poor stool quality experienced reduced body weights and increased serum CRP, but TY numerically increased protein digestibility, altered the microbiome, and reduced fecal calprotectin. Torula yeast is a suitable alternative protein source in extruded canine diets, but further research is needed to understand the long-term potential for improving the plane of nutrition and modulating gut health.
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Weinekötter J, Gurtner C, Protschka M, von Bomhard W, Böttcher D, Alber G, Kiefer I, Steiner JM, Seeger J, Heilmann RM. Tissue S100/calgranulin expression and blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in prostatic disorders in dogs. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:234. [PMID: 37946179 PMCID: PMC10633940 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03792-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostatic carcinoma (PCA) is a rare but severe condition in dogs that is similar to the androgen-independent form of PCA in men. In contrast to humans, PCA is difficult to diagnose in dogs as reliable biomarkers, available for PCA screening in human medicine, are currently lacking in small animal oncology. Calprotectin (S100A8/A9) and S100A12 are Ca2+-binding proteins of the innate immune system with promising potential to distinguish malignant from benign urogenital tract conditions, similar to the blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-ratio (NLR). However, both have not yet been extensively investigated in dogs with PCA. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the expression of the S100/calgranulins (calprotectin, S100A12, and their ratio [Cal-ratio]) in prostatic biopsies from nine dogs with PCA and compare them to those in dogs with benign prostatic lesions (eight dogs with prostatitis and ten dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]) as well as five healthy controls. In addition, blood NLRs were investigated in twelve dogs with PCA and 22 dogs with benign prostatic conditions. RESULTS Tissue S100A8/A9+ cell counts did not differ significantly between tissue from PCA and prostatitis cases (P = 0.0659) but were significantly higher in dogs with prostatitis than BPH (P = 0.0013) or controls (P = 0.0033). S100A12+ cell counts were significantly lower in PCA tissues than in prostatitis tissue (P = 0.0458) but did not differ compared to BPH tissue (P = 0.6499) or tissue from controls (P = 0.0622). Cal-ratios did not differ significantly among the groups but were highest in prostatitis tissues and significantly higher in those dogs with poor prostatitis outcomes than in patients that were still alive at the end of the study (P = 0.0455). Blood NLR strongly correlated with prostatic tissue S100A8/A9+ cell counts in dogs with PCA (ρ = 0.81, P = 0.0499) but did not differ among the disease groups of dogs. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the S100/calgranulins play a role in malignant (PCA) and benign (prostatic inflammation) prostatic conditions and supports previous results in lower urinary tract conditions in dogs. These molecules might be linked to the inflammatory environment with potential effects on the inflammasome. The blood NLR does not appear to aid in distinguishing prostatic conditions in dogs. Further investigation of the S100/calgranulin pathways and their role in modulation of tumor development, progression, and metastasis in PCA is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Weinekötter
- Department for Small Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 23, DE-04103, Leipzig, SN, Germany
| | - Corinne Gurtner
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Bern, BE, CH-3001, Switzerland
| | - Martina Protschka
- Institute of Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnological-Biomedical Center, Leipzig University, Deutscher Platz 05, DE-04103, Leipzig, SN, Germany
| | - Wolf von Bomhard
- Synlab Specialty Center for Veterinary Pathology, Hartelstrasse 30, DE-80689, Munich, BY, Germany
| | - Denny Böttcher
- Institut for Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 33, DE-04103, Leipzig, SN, Germany
| | - Gottfried Alber
- Institute of Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnological-Biomedical Center, Leipzig University, Deutscher Platz 05, DE-04103, Leipzig, SN, Germany
| | - Ingmar Kiefer
- Department for Small Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 23, DE-04103, Leipzig, SN, Germany
| | - Joerg M Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, TAMU, College Station, TX, 4474, 77843-4474, USA
| | - Johannes Seeger
- Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 43, DE-04103, Leipzig, SN, Germany
| | - Romy M Heilmann
- Department for Small Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 23, DE-04103, Leipzig, SN, Germany.
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Meineri G, Cocolin L, Morelli G, Schievano C, Atuahene D, Ferrocino I. Effect of an Enteroprotective Complementary Feed on Faecal Markers of Inflammation and Intestinal Microbiota Composition in Weaning Puppies. Vet Sci 2023; 10:434. [PMID: 37505839 PMCID: PMC10385893 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10070434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Weaning entails numerous modifications of the intestinal structure and microbiota composition, making puppies at high risk of sickness during this delicate life stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a four-week administration of a supplement composed of ultramicronised Palmitoylethanolamide, bovine colostrum and Bacillus subtilis (Normalia® Extra, Innovet Italia Srl, Saccolongo, Italy) on markers of gut health and microbiome of weaning puppies. Twenty-nine four-week-old Golden Retriever puppies were randomly assigned to control (CG, n = 13) and treated (TG, n = 16) groups. During the whole experimental time, there were no differences between the groups with regard to average daily gain and faecal score. In TG, faecal calprotectin and zonulin values were statistically significantly decreased compared to CG, especially at week 8 (zonulin: 42.8 ± 1.54 ng/mL and 55.3 ± 42.8 ng/mL, and calprotectin: 2.91 ± 0.38 µg/g and 5.71 ± 0.43 µg/g, in TG and CG, respectively; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Bacteria belonging to phylum Campylobacterota decreased (p = 0.04), while those referring to genera Coprococcus and Pseudomonas increased (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively). The supplementation of the tested complementary feed can promote the intestinal health of puppies and therefore facilitate weaning by lowering gut inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Meineri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Luca Cocolin
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Giada Morelli
- CeDIS (Science Information and Documentation Center), Innovet Italia Srl, Via Leonardo Da Vinci 3, 35030 Saccolongo, Italy
| | - Carlo Schievano
- Innovative Statistical Research Srl, Prato della Valle 24, 35123 Padova, Italy
| | - David Atuahene
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Ilario Ferrocino
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
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Weinekötter J, Gurtner C, Protschka M, von Bomhard W, Böttcher D, Schlinke A, Alber G, Rösch S, Steiner JM, Seeger J, Oechtering GU, Heilmann RM. Tissue S100/calgranulin expression and blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in dogs with lower urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:412. [PMID: 36411489 PMCID: PMC9680134 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03513-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most common neoplasm of the canine lower urinary tract, affecting approximately 2% of dogs. Elderly female patients of certain breeds are predisposed, and clinical signs of UC can easily be confused with urinary tract infection or urolithiasis. Diagnosis and treatment are challenging given the lack of disease-specific markers and treatments. The S100A8/A9 complex and S100A12 protein are Ca2+-binding proteins expressed by cells of the innate immune system and have shown promise as urinary screening markers for UC. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can also aid in distinguishing certain neoplastic from inflammatory conditions. Our study aimed to evaluate the tissue expression of S100/calgranulins and the blood NLR in dogs with UC. Urinary bladder and/or urethral tissue samples from dogs with UC (n = 10), non-neoplastic inflammatory lesions (NNUTD; n = 6), and no histologic changes (n = 11) were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Blood NLRs were analyzed in dogs with UC (n = 22) or NNUTD (n = 26). RESULTS Tissue S100A12-positive cell counts were significantly higher in dogs with lower urinary tract disease than healthy controls (P = 0.0267 for UC, P = 0.0049 for NNUTD), with no significant difference between UC and NNUTD patients. Tissue S100A8/A9-positivity appeared to be higher with NNUTD than UC, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. The S100A8/A9+-to-S100A12+ ratio was significantly decreased in neoplastic and inflamed lower urinary tract tissue compared to histologically normal specimens (P = 0.0062 for UC, P = 0.0030 for NNUTD). NLRs were significantly higher in dogs with UC than in dogs with NNUTD, and a cut-off NLR of ≤ 2.83 distinguished UC from NNUTD with 41% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Higher NLRs were also associated with a poor overall survival time (P = 0.0417). CONCLUSIONS These results confirm that the S100/calgranulins play a role in the immune response to inflammatory and neoplastic lower urinary tract diseases in dogs, but the tissue expression of these proteins appears to differ from their concentrations reported in urine samples. Further investigations of the S100/calgranulin pathways in UC and their potential as diagnostic or prognostic tools and potential therapeutic targets are warranted. The NLR as a routinely available marker might be a useful surrogate to distinguish UC from inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Weinekötter
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department for Small Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 23, 04103 Leipzig, SN Germany
| | - Corinne Gurtner
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3001 Bern, BE Switzerland
| | - Martina Protschka
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Institute of Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnological-Biomedical Center, Leipzig University, Deutscher Platz 5, 04103 Leipzig, SN Germany
| | - Wolf von Bomhard
- Specialty Center for Veterinary Pathology, Hartelstrasse 30, E80689 Munich, BY Germany
| | - Denny Böttcher
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Institute for Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An Den Tierkliniken 33, E04103 Leipzig, SN Germany
| | - Annika Schlinke
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department for Small Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 23, 04103 Leipzig, SN Germany
| | - Gottfried Alber
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Institute of Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnological-Biomedical Center, Leipzig University, Deutscher Platz 5, 04103 Leipzig, SN Germany
| | - Sarah Rösch
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department for Small Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 23, 04103 Leipzig, SN Germany ,grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, NI Germany
| | - Joerg M. Steiner
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, TAMU 4474, College Station, TX 77843-4474 USA
| | - Johannes Seeger
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 43, 04103 Leipzig, SN Germany
| | - Gerhard U. Oechtering
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department for Small Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 23, 04103 Leipzig, SN Germany
| | - Romy M. Heilmann
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department for Small Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 23, 04103 Leipzig, SN Germany
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Enderle LL, Köller G, Heilmann RM. Verification of the fCAL turbo immunoturbidimetric assay for measurement of the fecal calprotectin concentration in dogs and cats. J Vet Diagn Invest 2022; 34:813-824. [PMID: 35879875 PMCID: PMC9446300 DOI: 10.1177/10406387221114031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The concentration of calprotectin in feces (fCal) is a clinically useful marker
of chronic gastrointestinal inflammation in humans and dogs. No commercial assay
is widely available to measure fCal in small animal medicine, to date. Thus, we
verified the immunoturbidimetric fCAL turbo assay (Bühlmann) of fCal for canine
and feline fecal extracts by determining linearity, spiking and recovery, and
intra-assay and inter-assay variability. We determined RIs, temporal variation
over 3 mo, and effect of vaccination and NSAID treatment. Observed:expected
(O:E) ratios (x̄ ± SD) for serial dilutions of feces were 89–131% (106 ± 9%) in
dogs and 77–122% (100 ± 12%) in cats. For spiking and recovery, the O:E ratios
were 90–118% (102 ± 11%) in dogs and 83–235% (129 ± 42%) in cats. Intra- and
inter-assay CVs for canine samples were ≤19% and ≤7%, and for feline samples
≤22% and ≤21%. Single-sample RIs were <41 μg/g for dogs and <64 μg/g for
cats. With low reciprocal individuality indices, using population-based fCal RIs
is appropriate, and moderate fCal changes between measurements (dogs 44.0%;
cats: 43.2%) are considered relevant. Cats had significant (but unlikely
relevant) fCal increases post-vaccination. Despite individual fCal spikes, no
differences were seen during NSAID treatment. The fCAL turbidimetric assay is
linear, precise, reproducible, and sufficiently accurate for measuring fCal in
dogs and cats. Careful interpretation of fCal concentrations is warranted in
both species during the peri-vaccination period and for some patients receiving
NSAID treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena L Enderle
- Department for Small Animals, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Gabor Köller
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Romy M Heilmann
- Department for Small Animals, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
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Heilmann RM, Guard MM, Toresson L, Unterer S, Grellet A, Grützner N, Suchodolski JS, Steiner JM. Association of clinical characteristics and lifestyle factors with fecal S100/calgranulin concentrations in healthy dogs. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:1131-1143. [PMID: 33751838 PMCID: PMC8294382 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fecal S100/calgranulin (S100A12 and calprotectin) concentrations are useful markers of gastrointestinal inflammation in dogs. In people, fecal S100/calgranulin concentrations are affected by age, obesity, diet and other lifestyle factors. Knowledge about the effects of such factors on fecal S100/calgranulin concentrations in dogs is currently scarce. Objective To evaluate the association between several factors and fecal S100/calgranulin concentrations in a large cohort of healthy adult dogs. Methods Single‐spot fecal samples from 181 healthy pet dogs and data derived from a standard questionnaire served to evaluate the effect of age, sex, reproductive status, body weight and body condition, breed type and size, vaccination, endoparasite treatment, diet, environment and travel history on fecal S100/calgranulin concentrations and the fecal calgranulin ratio (fCalR). Results Univariate analysis showed a significant association of reproductive status (in female dogs) and breed size with fecal S100A12, fecal calprotectin and fCalR. Breed type was linked to fecal S100A12 concentrations and fCalR; recent vaccination (particularly with a vaccine against canine parvovirus) to fCalR. In multivariate models, breed size was linked to fecal S100A12 and calprotectin concentrations, and recent vaccination affected S100A12 concentrations. Conclusions Breed size, recent vaccination and reproductive status in female dogs can affect fecal S100/calgranulin concentrations, and these biomarkers should be interpreted in light of those confounding factors. The utility of reference intervals for fecal canine S100/calgranulin concentrations might be improved through stratification by sex/reproductive status and breed size. Fecal canine S100/calgranulin concentrations are not confounded by age, body condition, deworming, diet, environment or travel history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy M Heilmann
- Department for Small Animals, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Melissa M Guard
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Linda Toresson
- Evidensia Specialist Animal Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden.,Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stefan Unterer
- Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Aurélien Grellet
- NeoCare, UMR INRA/ENVT 1225 IHAP, Reproduction, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Niels Grützner
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Joerg M Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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