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Watanangura A, Meller S, Farhat N, Suchodolski JS, Pilla R, Khattab MR, Lopes BC, Bathen-Nöthen A, Fischer A, Busch-Hahn K, Flieshardt C, Gramer M, Richter F, Zamansky A, Volk HA. Behavioral comorbidities treatment by fecal microbiota transplantation in canine epilepsy: a pilot study of a novel therapeutic approach. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1385469. [PMID: 38978633 PMCID: PMC11229054 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1385469] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Anxiety and cognitive dysfunction are frequent, difficult to treat and burdensome comorbidities in human and canine epilepsy. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to modulate behavior in rodent models by altering the gastrointestinal microbiota (GIM). This study aims to investigate the beneficial effects of FMT on behavioral comorbidities in a canine translational model of epilepsy. Methods Nine dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and behavioral comorbidities were recruited. The fecal donor had epilepsy with unremarkable behavior, which exhibited a complete response to phenobarbital, resulting in it being seizure-free long term. FMTs were performed three times, two weeks apart, and the dogs had follow-up visits at three and six months after FMTs. Comprehensive behavioral analysis, including formerly validated questionnaires and behavioral tests for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)- and fear- and anxiety-like behavior, as well as cognitive dysfunction, were conducted, followed by objective computational analysis. Blood samples were taken for the analysis of antiseizure drug (ASD) concentrations, hematology, and biochemistry. Urine neurotransmitter concentrations were measured. Fecal samples were subjected to analysis using shallow DNA shotgun sequencing, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based Dysbiosis Index (DI) assessment, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification. Results Following FMT, the patients showed improvement in ADHD-like behavior, fear- and anxiety-like behavior, and quality of life. The excitatory neurotransmitters aspartate and glutamate were decreased, while the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABA/glutamate ratio were increased compared to baseline. Only minor taxonomic changes were observed, with a decrease in Firmicutes and a Blautia_A species, while a Ruminococcus species increased. Functional gene analysis, SCFA concentration, blood parameters, and ASD concentrations remained unchanged. Discussion Behavioral comorbidities in canine IE could be alleviated by FMT. This study highlights FMT's potential as a novel approach to improving behavioral comorbidities and enhancing the quality of life in canine patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antja Watanangura
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
- Veterinary Research and Academic Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Sebastian Meller
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nareed Farhat
- Tech4Animals Lab, Information Systems Department, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, TX, United States
| | - Rachel Pilla
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, TX, United States
| | - Mohammad R. Khattab
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Bruna C. Lopes
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, TX, United States
| | | | - Andrea Fischer
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Busch-Hahn
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Martina Gramer
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Franziska Richter
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Zamansky
- Tech4Animals Lab, Information Systems Department, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Holger A. Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
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Atuahene D, Zuniga-Chaves I, Martello E, Stefanon B, Suen G, Balouei F, Meineri G. The Canine Gut Health: The Impact of a New Feed Supplement on Microbiota Composition. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1189. [PMID: 38672336 PMCID: PMC11047554 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the impact of a novel formulation of a supplement composed of the natural ingredients, bromelain, quercetin, and Lentinula edodes, on the gut microbiota of healthy adult dogs. Adult healthy female dogs were administered either a placebo (CTR, n = 15) or the supplement (TRT, n = 15) over 28 days. Stool samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing before supplement administration (T0), at completion of supplement administration (T28), and one week after the end of supplement administration (T35) to characterize changes in the gut microbial communities. QIIME was used to determine both alpha- and beta-diversity, and ANCOM-BC was used to identify differences in taxonomic abundances before and after supplementation. We found a significant decrease in overall diversity in the CTR group but no significant differences in overall diversity in the TRT group over time. Furthermore, we found differences in the abundance of several taxa in both the CTR and TRT groups, but differences in the abundance of beneficial bacteria were more pronounced in the TRT group. Specifically, we found increases in the abundance of sequences belonging to the genera Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus at T28 in the TRT group with significant increases in Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus persisting at T35 when compared to T0. Importantly, members of these genera are considered important for their anti-inflammatory properties, vital for fostering a balanced and robust gut microbiota in dogs. The results of our study show the potential of our supplement to selectively enhance specific beneficial bacterial taxa, offering a targeted approach to modulating the gut microbiome without causing disruptions to the overall equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Atuahene
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy;
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (I.Z.-C.); (G.S.)
| | - Ibrahim Zuniga-Chaves
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (I.Z.-C.); (G.S.)
- Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Elisa Martello
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK;
| | - Bruno Stefanon
- Department of Agrifood, Environmental and Animal Science, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (B.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Garret Suen
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (I.Z.-C.); (G.S.)
| | - Fatemeh Balouei
- Department of Agrifood, Environmental and Animal Science, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (B.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Giorgia Meineri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy;
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Chiu O, Gomez DE, Obrego D, Dunfield K, MacNicol JL, Liversidge B, Verbrugghe A. Impact of fecal sample preservation and handling techniques on the canine fecal microbiota profile. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0292731. [PMID: 38285680 PMCID: PMC10824447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine fecal microbiota profiling provides insight into host health and disease. Standardization of methods for fecal sample storage for microbiomics is currently inconclusive, however. This study investigated the effects of homogenization, the preservative RNAlater, room temperature exposure duration, and short-term storage in the fridge prior to freezing on the canine fecal microbiota profile. Within 15 minutes after voiding, samples were left non-homogenized or homogenized and aliquoted, then kept at room temperature (20-22°C) for 0.5, 4, 8, or 24 hours. Homogenized aliquots then had RNAlater added or not. Following room temperature exposure, all aliquots were stored in the fridge (4°C) for 24 hours prior to storing in the freezer (-20°C), or stored directly in the freezer. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, then sequencing were completed on all samples. Alpha diversity (diversity, evenness, and richness), and beta diversity (community membership and structure), and relative abundances of bacterial genera were compared between treatments. Homogenization and RNAlater minimized changes in the microbial communities over time, although minor changes in relative abundances occurred. Non-homogenized samples had more inter-sample variability and greater changes in beta diversity than homogenized samples. Storage of canine fecal samples in the fridge for 24 h prior to storage in the freezer had little effect on the fecal microbiota profile. Our findings suggest that if immediate analysis of fecal samples is not possible, samples should at least be homogenized to preserve the existing microbiota profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Chiu
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Diego E. Gomez
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Dasiel Obrego
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kari Dunfield
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer L. MacNicol
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Brooklynn Liversidge
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Adronie Verbrugghe
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Belà B, Coman MM, Verdenelli MC, Gramenzi A, Pignataro G, Fiorini D, Silvi S. In Vitro Assessment of Postbiotic and Probiotic Commercial Dietary Supplements Recommended for Counteracting Intestinal Dysbiosis in Dogs. Vet Sci 2024; 11:19. [PMID: 38250925 PMCID: PMC10819328 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Many environmental aspects influence the preservation of a beneficial microbiome in dogs, and gut dysbiosis occurs when imbalances in the intestinal ecosystem cause functional changes in the microbial populations. The authors evaluated the effects of two specific commercial dietary supplements: a combination of a postbiotic and prebiotics (Microbiotal cane®) and a probiotic product (NBF 1®) recommended for counteracting intestinal dysbiosis in dogs, on the gut canine microbiota composition and its metabolic activities (production of short-chain fatty acids). The investigation was performed using an in vitro fermentation system inoculated with dog fecal samples. Microbiotal cane® promoted a more immediate increase in Lactobacillus spp. after the first 6 h of fermentation, whereas NBF 1® promoted the increase at the end of the process only. The two supplements supported an increase in the Bifidobacterium spp. counts only after 24 h. The in vitro abilities of Microbiotal cane® and NBF 1® to increase selectively beneficial bacterial groups producing acetic, propionic, and butyric acids suggest a possible positive effect on the canine gut microbiota, even if further in vivo studies are needed to confirm the beneficial effects on the intestinal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Belà
- Department of Science of Veterinary Medicine Science, Public Health and Animal Wellness, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.B.); (A.G.); (G.P.)
| | - Maria Magdalena Coman
- Synbiotec Srl spin-off di UNICAM, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.M.C.); (M.C.V.)
| | - Maria Cristina Verdenelli
- Synbiotec Srl spin-off di UNICAM, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.M.C.); (M.C.V.)
| | - Alessandro Gramenzi
- Department of Science of Veterinary Medicine Science, Public Health and Animal Wellness, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.B.); (A.G.); (G.P.)
| | - Giulia Pignataro
- Department of Science of Veterinary Medicine Science, Public Health and Animal Wellness, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.B.); (A.G.); (G.P.)
| | - Dennis Fiorini
- School of Science and Technology, Chemistry Division, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9/B, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Stefania Silvi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy
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McAtee R, Schmid SM, Tolbert MK, Hetzel S, Suchodolski JS, Pritchard JC. Effect of esomeprazole with and without a probiotic on fecal dysbiosis, intestinal inflammation, and fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations in healthy dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:2109-2118. [PMID: 37776099 PMCID: PMC10658524 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16886] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proton pump inhibitors can cause diarrhea and a transient increase in fecal dysbiosis index in dogs. It is unknown if concurrent probiotic administration mitigates these effects. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS To assess the fecal Canine Microbial Dysbiosis Index (CMDI), fecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA), and fecal calprotectin concentrations in dogs administered esomeprazole with and without a probiotic. ANIMALS Eleven healthy dogs. METHODS Prospective, within-subjects before and after study. All dogs received 7-day courses of esomeprazole (1 mg/kg PO q 24h) alone followed by esomeprazole with a probiotic (15 billion CFU/kg), separated by a 4-week washout period. Data were compared between phases using mixed effects ANOVA or generalized estimating equations with post-hoc Holm adjustment for 2-way comparisons. RESULTS Compared to baseline (mean CMDI -2.66, SD 3.04), fecal CMDI was not different with esomeprazole administration alone (mean CMDI -1.48, SD 3.32, P = .08), but there was a significant increase (Diff 3.05, 95% CI [1.37, 4.74], P < .001, Effect size 2.02) when esomeprazole and a probiotic were administered concurrently (mean CMDI 0.39, SD 2.83). CMDI was significantly higher when esomeprazole was administered with a probiotic than alone (Diff 1.87, 95% CI [0.19, 1.87], P = .02, Effect size 1.24). Fecal calprotectin and SCFA concentrations did not differ between phases. The occurrence of vomiting and diarrhea was not different from baseline when esomeprazole was administered alone (36%/27%) or with a probiotic (46%/9%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE In healthy dogs, concurrent administration of a probiotic is unlikely to lessen adverse effects associated with esomeprazole administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rae McAtee
- Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison School of Veterinary MedicineMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Sarah M. Schmid
- Department of Small Animal Clinical SciencesUniversity of Tennessee Knoxville College of Veterinary MedicineKnoxvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - M. Katherine Tolbert
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical SciencesSchool of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - Scott Hetzel
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical InformaticsUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical SciencesSchool of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - Jessica C. Pritchard
- Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of Wisconsin‐Madison School of Veterinary MedicineMadisonWisconsinUSA
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Yang Q, Wu Z. Gut Probiotics and Health of Dogs and Cats: Benefits, Applications, and Underlying Mechanisms. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2452. [PMID: 37894110 PMCID: PMC10609632 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pets (mostly domestic dogs and cats) play an important role in the daily lives of humans and their health has attracted growing attention from pet owners. The intestinal microbiota, a complex microbial community with barrier-protective, nutritional, metabolic, and immunological functions, is integral to host health. Dysbiosis has been related to a variety of diseases in humans and animals. Probiotics have been used in functional foods and dietary supplements to modulate intestinal microbiota and promote host health, which has been introduced in pet dogs and cats in recent years. Various canine- and feline-derived probiotic strains have been isolated and characterized. The administration of probiotics has shown positive effects on the gut health and can alleviate some intestinal diseases and disorders in dogs and cats, although the underlying mechanisms are largely unresolved. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the benefits of probiotics and discuss their possible mechanisms in dogs and cats in order to provide new insights for the further development and application of probiotics in pets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhenlong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Department of Companion Animal Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
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Zhao M, Liu K, Zhang Y, Li Y, Zhou N, Li G. Probiotic characteristics and whole-genome sequence analysis of Pediococcus acidilactici isolated from the feces of adult beagles. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1179953. [PMID: 37256049 PMCID: PMC10225567 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1179953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The beneficial effects of lactic acid bacteria are well known and recognized as functional foods that are health benefits for companion animals. This study, for the first time, reports the probiotic properties, safety, and whole-genome sequence of Pediococcus acidilactici GLP06 isolated from feces of beagles. In this study, candidate probiotic bacteria P. acidilactici GLP02 and GLP06 were morphologically characterized and tested for their antimicrobial capacity, tolerance to different conditions (low pH, bile salts, an artificial gastrointestinal model, and high temperature), antibiotic sensitivity, hemolytic activity, cell surface hydrophobicity, autoaggregation activity, and adhesion to Caco-2 cells. P. acidilactici GLP06 showed better probiotic potential. Therefore, P. acidilactici GLP06 was evaluated for in vivo safety in mice and whole-genome sequencing. The results showed, that the supplemented MG06 group (1010 cfu/mL), GLP06 was not only nontoxic to mice, but also promoted the development of the immune system, improved resistance to oxidative stress, and increased the diversity of intestinal microorganisms and the abundance of Lactobacillus. Whole-genome sequencing showed that P. acidilactici GLP06 was 2,014,515 bp and contained 1,976 coding sequences, accounting for 86.12% of the genome, with no drug resistance genes and eight CRISPR sequences. In conclusion, the newly isolated canine-derived P. acidilactici GLP06 had good probiotic potential, was nontoxic to mice and promoted the development of immune organs, improved the biodiversity of the intestinal flora, and had no risk of drug-resistant gene transfer, indicating that P. acidilactici GLP06 can be used as a potential probiotic for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Keyuan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yueyao Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning Zhou
- Shandong Chongzhiyoupin Pet Food Co., Ltd., Weifang, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
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