Entelon (vitis vinifera seed extract) reduces degenerative changes in bovine pericardium valve leaflet in a dog intravascular implant model

Pleiotropic Effects of Resveratrol on Aging-Related Cardiovascular Diseases-What Can We Learn from Research in Dogs?

Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenol with natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is found in abundance in plants, i.e., grapes and mulberry fruit. In addition, synthetic forms of RES exist. Since the discovery of its specific biological properties, RES has emerged as a candidate substance not only with modeling effects on the immune response but also as an important factor in preventing the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Previous research provided strong evidence of the effects of RES on platelets, mitochondria, cardiomyocytes, and vascular endothelial function. In addition, RES positively affects the coagulation system and vasodilatory function and improves blood flow. Not only in humans but also in veterinary medicine, cardiovascular diseases have one of the highest incidence rates. Canine and human species co-evolved and share recent evolutionary selection processes, and interestingly, numerous pathologies of companion dogs have a human counterpart. Knowledge of the impact of RES on the cardiovascular system of dogs is becoming clearer in the literature. Dogs have long been recognized as valuable animal models for the study of various human diseases as they share many physiological and genetic similarities with humans. In this review, we aim to shed light on the pleiotropic effects of resveratrol on cardiovascular health in dogs as a translational model for human cardiovascular diseases.

The Role of Plant Extracts in Enhancing Nutrition and Health for Dogs and Cats: Safety, Benefits, and Applications

Plant extracts, derived from various natural sources, encompass primary and secondary metabolites, which include plant polysaccharides, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenes, and volatile oils. These compounds exhibit a range of biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial functions. Currently, polyphenols and other bioactive compounds are being incorporated into the diets of farm animals, fish, and pets to promote health benefits. Despite this, the application and potential of plant extracts in canine and feline nutrition have not been comprehensively explored. Many aspects of the mechanisms underlying the action of these plant metabolites remain to be analyzed and elucidated. Furthermore, leveraging natural plant extracts for the treatment of clinical conditions in dogs and cats is a crucial component of clinical nutrition. Consequently, this review aims to highlight the impact of plant extracts on overall health, gastrointestinal health, immune health, cardiovascular health, redox balance, and pathology in dogs and cats.

Entelon150® (Vitis vinifera Seed Extract) Attenuates Degenerative Changes in Intravascular Valve Prostheses in Rabbits

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The therapeutic strategy for inflammation and degenerative calcification is of utmost importance for bioprosthetic heart valve (BHV) implanted patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the anti-inflammatory and anti-calcification effects of Entelon150® (grape seed extract), losartan, and rosuvastatin, in a rabbit model of intravascular BHV leaflet implantation in bovine pericardium.

METHODS

A total of 28 rabbits were implanted with BHV leaflet in the external jugular veins. The Entelon150® group was administered 7.7 mg/kg Entelon150® twice daily for 6 weeks after surgery. The losartan and rosuvastatin groups received 5.14 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, respectively, once per day. The control group received 1 ml of saline once daily. And then, calcium concentration was measured in the implanted BHV, and histological and molecular analyses were performed on the surrounding tissues.

RESULTS

The calcium content of the implanted tissue in the Entelon150® group (0.013±0.004 mg/g) was lower than that in the control group (0.066±0.039 mg/g) (p=0.008). The losartan (0.024±0.016 mg/g, p=0.032) and rosuvastatin (0.022±0.011 mg/g, p=0.032) groups had lower calcium content than the control group, and higher tendency than the Entelon150® group. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the expressions of bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2), S-100, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor in the Entelon150® group showed lower tendency than those in the control group. The protein expression levels of BMP2 were reduced in the Entelon150® group compared with those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Entelon150® exhibited a significant effect, similar to other drugs, in reducing calcification and inflammation in the intravascular bovine pericardium.

Investigation of Bone Regeneration Efficacy of New Bovine Bone Minerals in a Canine Mandibular Critical Defect Model

This study aims to investigate the bone regeneration effect of bovine hydroxyapatite-processed biomaterials Bone-XB and S1-XB in a beagle mandibular defect model. A total of four saddle-type critical sizes (15 mm × 10 mm) bone defects are created in each dog: two defects in the left mandible and two defects in the right mandible. The defect control (DC) group is kept unfilled, and the other three defects are filled with three different biomaterials as follows: positive control Bio-Oss (Bio-Oss group), Bone-XB (XB group), and S1-XB (S1-XB group). Bone regeneration is evaluated by radiography, micro-computed tomography, and histological analysis. It is revealed that Bone-XB and S1-XB significantly increase newly formed bone, defect filling percentage, and bone healing score compared to the DC group, which is confirmed by bone microstructure augmentation (bone volume/total volume, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness). Interestingly, no significant differences are observed between the Bone-XB, S1-XB, and Bio-Oss groups. It is suggested that Bone-XB or S1-XB stimulates bone regeneration demonstrated by the increase in newly formed bone and bone microstructure, thereby improving bone defect filling, which is equivalent to the Bio-Oss. Therefore, bovine hydroxyapatite-processed Bone-XB or S1-XB can be considered effective biomaterials for correcting critical-size bone defects or fractures.