Azodyl, a synbiotic, fails to alter azotemia in cats with chronic kidney disease when sprinkled onto food

Insights into the gut-kidney axis and implications for chronic kidney disease management in cats and dogs

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats and dogs presents significant clinical challenges, with emerging research highlighting the pivotal role of the gut-kidney axis in its pathogenesis and management. Gut dysbiosis, characterized by alterations in the gut microbiome composition and function, contributes to microbial dysmetabolism of key nutrients causing uremic toxin accumulation and disruptions in amino acid, bile acid and fatty acid profiles. These disturbances in turn exacerbate renal dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Recent research in veterinary medicine, particularly in cats, supports the gut microbiome and microbial-derived metabolites as novel therapeutic targets. Potential therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome and microbial dysmetabolism, including dietary management, probiotics, adsorbents, and addressing constipation, offer promising avenues for intervention to restore metabolic balance and preserve renal function. This review highlights the microbial influence on renal health and focuses on potential therapeutic strategies available to veterinarians to optimize the management of CKD in cats and dogs.

Investigating the Efficacy of Kidney-Protective Lactobacillus Mixture-Containing Pet Treats in Feline Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Possible Mechanism

Microbiota-based strategies are a novel auxiliary therapeutic and preventative way of moderating chronic kidney disease (CKD). Lactobacillus mixture (Lm) was previously demonstrated to exert a renal-protective function in the CKD mice model. The efficacy of probiotics in pet foods is a relatively new area of study, and thus verifying the potential health benefits is necessary. This study evaluated the efficacy of Lm treats in feline CKD and elucidated the mechanisms underlying host-microbe interactions. CKD cats (2 and 3 stages) were administrated probiotic pet treats daily (10 g) for 8 weeks. The results demonstrated that during the eight weeks of Lm administration, creatinine was reduced or maintained in all cats with CKD. Similarly, gut-derived uremic toxin (GDUT), indoxyl sulfate (IS), were potential clinical significance in IS after Lm treatment (confidence intervals = 90%). The life quality of the cats also improved. Feline gut microbiome data, metabolic functional pathway, and renal function indicator analyses revealed the possible mechanisms involved in modulating CKD feline microbial composition. Further regulation of the microbial functions in amino acid metabolism after Lm administration contributed to downregulating deleterious GDUTs. The current study provides potential adjuvant therapeutic insights into probiotic pet foods or treats for pets with CKD.

Effect of Plantago ovata Forsk seed mucilage on survivability of Lactobacillus acidophilus, physicochemical and sensory attributes of produced low-fat set yoghurt

Nowadays, consumers' attention to the functional foods has increased significantly. In this study, the effect of different concentration (0.5, 1, and 2%) of P.ovata Forsk seed mucilage (PFM) on survivability of L.acidophilus, physicochemical, and sensory attributes of produced low-fat yoghurt were investigated in 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage period. Results showed that at the beginning of the storage period, the number of L.acidophilus in yoghurt samples containing PFM was significantly higher than control sample. The highest number of L.Acidophilus was observed in yoghurt sample contain 2% PFM (6.68 log CFU/g) on the first day of storage period. The lowest decrease of L.Acidophilus (0.2 log CFU/g) was observed in the sample contain 2% PFM. Treatments containing PFM had lower pH and higher acidity than the control sample. Addition of PFM to the yoghurt samples increased water holding capacity (WHC) during storage period significantly while syneresis decreased. The highest WHC (89%) and the lowest syneresis (6%) were observed in yoghurt sample containing 2% PFM. Sensory evaluation results showed that the treatments containing PFM were not significantly different in taste, but the probiotic yogurt containing 1% PFM had the highest acceptability in terms of total appearance and texture. Evaluation of L, a, and b values indicated that yoghurt sample containing 2% PFM was significantly lower in L and b values and higher in a value than the control sample. Therefore, using P.ovata Forsk seed mucilage in yoghurt sample formulation improved the physicochemical attributes and probiotic survivability of produced yoghurt sample.

A Critical Review on the Synthesis of Natural Sodium Alginate Based Composite Materials: An Innovative Biological Polymer for Biomedical Delivery Applications

Sodium alginate (Na-Alg) is water-soluble, neutral, and linear polysaccharide. It is the derivative of alginic acid which comprises 1,4-β-d-mannuronic (M) and α-l-guluronic (G) acids and has the chemical formula (NaC6H7O6). It shows water-soluble, non-toxic, biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-immunogenic properties. It had been used for various biomedical applications, among which the most promising are drug delivery, gene delivery, wound dressing, and wound healing. For different biomedical applications, it is used in different forms with the help of new techniques. That is the reason it had been blended with different polymers. In this review article, we present a comprehensive overview of the combinations of sodium alginate with natural and synthetic polymers and their biomedical applications involving delivery systems. All the scientific/technical issues have been addressed, and we have highlighted the recent advancements.

The Multicomponent, Multitarget Therapy SUC in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational, Nonrandomized Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

We compared the natural multicomponent, multitarget therapy SUC (Solidago compositum ad us. vet., Ubichinon compositum and Coenzyme compositum, Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany) to the well-known angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor benazepril in a prospective, observational, nonrandomized, two-arm cohort study of cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective was to assess the tolerability and the effectiveness of SUC in cats with CKD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred thirty-six cats were screened for CKD, and 70 cats were eligible for the study. Thirty-three cats were assigned to the SUC treatment, and 35 cats received benazepril. All cats were diagnosed with CKD. The follow-up period was 168 days. Response was assessed as an improved or stable serum creatinine from baseline to the end of the study. Additionally, a clinical summary score, as measure of quality of life, was evaluated.

RESULTS

Serum creatinine remained close to baseline in both study groups with slightly improved values in the SUC group. The clinical summary score improved significantly in the SUC group on days 3, 7, 28, 56 and 112, but not on day 168.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of the study, the results carry implications for the usefulness of SUC as an interesting new treatment option for feline CKD. The results indicate that SUC might be more effective if given at least twice weekly.

Modulations in the offspring gut microbiome are refractory to postnatal synbiotic supplementation among juvenile primates

Background

We and others have previously shown that alterations in the mammalian gut microbiome are associated with diet, notably early life exposure to a maternal high fat diet (HFD). Here, we aimed to further these studies by examining alterations in the gut microbiome of juvenile Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) that were exposed to a maternal HFD, weaned onto a control diet, and later supplemented with a synbiotic comprised of psyllium seed and Enterococcus and Lactobacillus species.

Results

Eighteen month old offspring (n = 7) of 36% HFD fed dams were fed a control (14% fat) diet post weaning, then were synbiotic supplemented for 75 days and longitudinal stool and serum samples were obtained. All stool samples were subjected to 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing, and microbiome profiles and serum lipids and triglycerides were compared to untreated, healthy age matched and diet matched controls (n = 7). Overall, 16S-based metagenomic analysis revealed that supplementation exerted minimal alterations to the gut microbiome including transient increased abundance of Lactobacillus species and decreased abundance of few bacterial genera, including Faecalibacterium and Anaerovibrio. However, serum lipid analysis revealed significant decreases in triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, supplemented juveniles challenged 4 months later were not protected from HFD-induced gut dysbiosis.

Conclusions

Synbiotic supplementation is temporally associated with alterations in the gut microbiome and host lipid profiles of juvenile Japanese macaques that were previously exposed to a maternal HFD. Despite these presumptive temporal benefits, a protective effect against later HFD-challenge gut dysbiosis was not observed.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-018-1169-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of psyllium and gum Arabic biopolymers on the survival rate and storage stability in yogurt of Enterococcus duransIW3 encapsulated in alginate

Different herbal biopolymers were used to encapsulate Enterococcus durans IW3 to enhance its storage stability in yogurt and subsequently its endurance in gastrointestinal condition. Nine formulations of encapsulation were performed using alginate (ALG), ALG-psyllium (PSY), and ALG-gum Arabic (GA) blends. The encapsulation efficiency of all formulations, tolerance of encapsulated E. durans IW3 against low pH/high bile salt concentration, storage lifetime, and release profile of cells in natural condition of yogurt were evaluated. Result revealed 98.6% encapsulation efficiency and 76% survival rate for all formulation compared with the unencapsulated formulation cells (43%). The ALG-PSY and ALG-GA formulations have slightly higher survival rates at low pH and bile salt condition (i.e., 76-93% and 81-95%, respectively) compared with the ALG formulation. All encapsulated E. durans IW3 was released from the prepared beads of ALG after 90 min, whereas both probiotics encapsulated in ALG-GA and ALG-PSY were released after 60 min. Enterococcus durans IW3 was successfully encapsulated in ALG, ALG-GA, and ALG-PSY beads prepared by extrusion method. ALG-GA and ALG-PSY beads are suitable delivery carriers for the oral administration of bioactive compounds like probiotics. The GA and PSY gels exhibited better potential for encapsulation of probiotic bacteria cells because of the amendment of ALG difficulties and utilization of therapeutic and prebiotic potentials of these herbal biopolymers.

Evaluation of the Effect of Psyllium on the Viability of Lactobacillus Acidophilus in Alginate-Polyl Lysine Beads

Purpose: Psylliumseeds are used in traditional herbal medicine to treat various disorders. Moreover, as a soluble fiber, psyllium has potential to stimulate bacterial growth in digestive system. We aimed to substitute alkali-extractable polysaccharides of psyllium for alginate in beads with second coat of poly-l-lysine to coat Lactobacillus acidophilus. Methods: Beads were prepared using extrusion technique. Poly-l-lysine as second coat was incorporated on optimum alginate/psyllium beads using immersion technique. Beads were characterized in terms of size, encapsulation efficiency, integrity and bacterial survival in harsh conditions. Results: Beads with narrow size distribution ranging from 1.85 ± 0.05 to 2.40 ± 0.18 mm with encapsulation efficiency higher than 96% were achieved. Psyllium concentrations in beads did not produce constant trend in bead sizes. Surface topography by SEM showed that substitution of psyllium enhanced integrity of obtained beads. Psyllium successfully protected the bacteria against acidic condition and lyophilization equal to alginate in the beads. Better survivability with beads of alginate/psyllium-poly-l-lysine was achieved with around 2 log rise in bacterial count in acid condition compared to the corresponding single coat beads. Conclusion: Alginate/psyllium (1:2) beads with narrow size distribution and high encapsulation efficiency of the bacteria have been achieved. Presence of psyllium produced a much smoother and integrated surface texture for the beads with sufficient protection of the bacteria against acidic condition as much as alginate. Considering the health benefits of psyllium and its prebiotic activity, psyllium can be beneficially replaced in part for alginate in probiotic coating.

Effect of short-term probiotic Enterococcus faecium SF68 dietary supplementation in overweight and obese cats without comorbidities

Obesity in cats is associated with metabolic abnormalities and increased susceptibility to diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Studies in mouse models and human beings have shown that probiotics can reduce food intake, promote weight loss and improve metabolic profile. Studies assessing the effects of probiotics on these same parameters are absent in cats. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if probiotic Enterococcus faecium strain SF68 dietary supplementation reduces food intake, promotes weight loss and improves metabolic profile in overweight and obese cats without comorbidities. Twenty overweight and obese specific pathogen-free cats without comorbidities were acclimatised to a dry diet for four weeks. After exclusion of four cats for unrelated reasons, eight cats received a daily oral probiotic for eight weeks and eight control cats received no probiotic. All cats were fed ad libitum with food intake measured daily and bodyweight weekly. Blood was collected at three time points: after four weeks of acclimatisation to the diet, after eight weeks of intervention and after six weeks of washout for measurement of glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, fructosamine, insulin, leptin, total adiponectin and deuterium oxide for body composition. There were no differences in food intake, metabolic parameters and body composition between the probiotic and control groups after eight weeks of intervention and six weeks of washout (P≥0.050). Short-term use of E faecium SF68 dietary supplementation had no significant effect on food intake, bodyweight, body composition or metabolic parameters in overweight and obese specific pathogen-free cats without comorbidities.

ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in older cats. In most cats, CKD is also a progressive disease and can be accompanied by a wide range of clinical and clinicopathological changes. These ISFM Consensus Guidelines have been developed by an independent panel of clinicians and academics to provide practical advice on the diagnosis and management of this complex disease.

CLINICAL CHALLENGES

Although CKD is a common clinical problem in cats, the manifestations of disease vary between individuals. Thus there is a need for careful and repeat evaluation of cats with CKD and adjustment of therapy according to individual needs. In addition to addressing problems arising from CKD and improving quality of life (QoL) for the patient, therapy may also target slowing the underlying progression of disease and hence prolonging life. While maintaining QoL is of paramount importance in our patients, this can be challenging when multiple therapies are indicated. In some cases it is necessary to prioritise therapy, given an understanding of what is likely to most benefit the individual patient.

EVIDENCE BASE

In preparing these Guidelines, the Panel has carefully reviewed the existing published literature, and has also graded the quality of evidence for different interventions to help to provide practical recommendations on the therapeutic options for feline CKD. This is a field of veterinary medicine that has benefited from some excellent published clinical research and further research findings will undoubtedly modify the recommendations contained in these Guidelines in the future.

Feline CKD: Current therapies - what is achievable?

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE

Treatment of feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) tends to focus on minimising the adverse effects of reduced renal function, rather than addressing an underlying cause. Despite this, and the progressive nature of CKD, treatment can improve quality of life and enable many cats to have long survival times.

EVIDENCE BASE

Strong evidence supports the provision of renal diets, which are protein and phosphorus restricted; compliance is improved by gradual dietary transition. Additional phosphorus restriction is achieved by the use of phosphate binding agents, although it is unknown if these yield similar survival benefits to those provided by renal diets. Interventions to control hypokalaemia and hypertension in affected cats are important to prevent serious complications. Administration of benazepril to cats with proteinuric kidney disease has been shown to significantly improve their appetite but not their survival. As CKD progresses, many cats will benefit from treatment to control clinical signs of uraemic gastroenteritis and anaemia.

Chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs commonly in older dogs and cats. Advances in diagnostics, staging, and treatment are associated with increased quality and quantity of life. Dietary modification has been shown to increase survival and quality of life and involves more than protein restriction as diets modified for use with CKD are lower in phosphorous and sodium, potassium and B-vitamin replete, and alkalinizing, and they contain n3-fatty acids. Additionally, recognition and management of CKD-associated diseases such as systemic arterial hypertension, proteinuria, and anemia benefit patients. This article summarizes staging and management of CKD in dogs and cats.

Preparation and characterization of alginate and psyllium beads containing Lactobacillus acidophilus

This paper describes preparation and characterization of beads of alginate and psyllium containing probiotic bacteria of Lactobacillus acidophilus DMSZ20079. Twelve different formulations containing alginate (ALG) and alginate-psyllium (ALG-PSL) were prepared using extrusion technique. The prepared beads were characterized in terms of size, morphology and surface properties, encapsulation efficiency, viabilities in acid (pH 1.8, 2 hours) and bile (0.5% w/v, 2 hours) conditions, and release in simulated colon pH conditions. The results showed that spherical beads with narrow size distribution ranging from 1.59 ± 0.04 to 1.67 ± 0.09 mm for ALG and from 1.61 ± 0.06 to 1.80 ± 0.07 mm for ALG-PSL with encapsulation efficiency higher than 98% were achieved. Furthermore, addition of PSL into ALG enhanced the integrity of prepared beads in comparison with ALG formulations. The results indicated that incorporation of PSL into alginate beads improved viability of the bacteria in acidic conditions as well as bile conditions. Also, stimulating effect of PSL on the probiotic bacteria was observed through 20-hour incubation in simulated colonic pH solution. According to our in vitro studies, PSL can be a suitable polymer candidate for partial substitution with ALG for probiotic coating.