Isomaltose and maltose in the urine of severely injured humans

The fecal microbiome and metabolome differs between dogs fed Bones and Raw Food (BARF) diets and dogs fed commercial diets

INTRODUCTION

Feeding a Bones and Raw Food (BARF) diet has become an increasing trend in canine nutrition. Bones and Raw Food diets contain a high amount of animal components like meat, offal, and raw meaty bones, combined with comparatively small amounts of plant ingredients like vegetables and fruits as well as different sorts of oil and supplements. While many studies have focused on transmission of pathogens via contaminated meat and on nutritional imbalances, only few studies have evaluated the effect of BARF diets on the fecal microbiome and metabolome. The aim of the study was to investigate differences in the fecal microbiome and the metabolome between dogs on a BARF diet and dogs on a commercial diet (canned and dry dog food).

METHODS

Naturally passed fecal samples were obtained from 27 BARF and 19 commercially fed dogs. Differences in crude protein, fat, fiber, and NFE (Nitrogen-Free Extract) between diets were calculated with a scientific nutrient database. The fecal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative PCR assays. The fecal metabolome was analyzed in 10 BARF and 9 commercially fed dogs via untargeted metabolomics approach.

RESULTS

Dogs in the BARF group were fed a significantly higher amount of protein and fat and significantly lower amount of NFE and fiber. There was no significant difference in alpha-diversity measures between diet groups. Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) revealed a significant difference in beta-diversity (p < 0.01) between both groups. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LefSe) showed a higher abundance of Lactobacillales, Enterobacteriaceae, Fusobacterium and, Clostridium in the BARF group while conventionally fed dogs had a higher abundance of Clostridiaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae. The qPCR assays revealed significantly higher abundance of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Clostridium (C.). perfringens and an increased Dysbiosis Index in the BARF group. Principal component analysis (PCA) plots of metabolomics data showed clustering between diet groups. Random forest analysis showed differences in the abundance of various components, including increased 4-hydroxybutryric acid (GBH) and 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the BARF group. Based on univariate statistics, several metabolites were significantly different between diet groups, but lost significance after adjusting for multiple comparison. No differences were found in fecal bile acid concentrations, but the BARF group had a higher fecal concentration of cholesterol in their feces compared to conventionally fed dogs.

CONCLUSION

Microbial communities and metabolome vary significantly between BARF and commercially fed dogs.

Screening for Inherited Metabolic Disorders: A New Look at Metabolic Screening Tests

Simple methods for the detection of inborn errors of metabolism which result in the accumulation of metabolites in blood or urine are described and the significance of abnormal findings reviewed.

The identity and origin of oligosaccharides present in the faeces and urine of sick infants

A systematic identification scheme, based on improved paper and thin-layer chromatography, acidic and enzymatic hydrolysis, and the reaction of carbohydrates with several location reagents, has been applied to the analysis of oligosaccharides present in the urine and faeces of sick children and the diets they are fed. The identity and origin of these oligosaccharides is described and their relevance to the diagnosis and treatment of children with suspected disorders of carbohydrate metabolism is discussed.

Lactosuria - a new metabolic feature of severe cerebrocranial trauma

Under controlled dietary conditions the urinary excretion of lactose was studied in 15 healthy persons, 15 patients with cerebrocranial trauma and 15 patients with extracranial trauma. Urinary lactose levels were found to be markedly increased in patients with head injury and ranged from 10.3 to 147.7 mg/24 h with a mean 63.4 mg/24 h in contrast to patients with other injuries (3.1 to 17.0 mg/24 h, mean 9.4 mg/24 h; P less than 0.001), and healthy individuals (3.3 to 17.93 mg/24 h, mean 7.6 mg/24h; P less than 0.001). In the head injury group the lowest values were found in drowsy or disoriented patients with cerebral concussion and the highest in comatose subjects. The level of lactosuria decreases after approximately 12 to 16 days to normal levels even when the patient remains unconscious. An earlier return to normal excretion parallels or preceeds the reappearance of consciousness. Unlike alimentary lactosuria, caused by ingestion of milk or other dairy products in large quantities, the elevated lactose levels in head injury patients were not usually accompanied by a comparable rise in galactose excretion, mean 11.45 mg/24 h versus 9.17 mg/24 h in controls; P less than 0.2. The mechanism of enhanced lactose excretion in severe cerebrocranial trauma remains unknown. It is suggested that it may be associated with either an increased catabolism of brain gangliosides or a stimulated lactose synthesis in peripheral tissues probably due to the participation of the lactogenic hormone prolactin.