Improved Cardiovascular Tolerance to Hemorrhage after Oral Resveratrol Pretreatment in Dogs

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.

Editorial: Special Issue "Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models"

A disease model displays pathological processes observed in human or animal diseases [...].

The Proximal Tubule as the Pathogenic and Therapeutic Target in Acute Kidney Injury

BACKGROUND

In 2004, the term acute kidney injury (AKI) was introduced with the intention of broadening our understanding of rapid declines in renal function and to replace the historical terms of acute renal failure and acute tubular necrosis (ATN). Despite this evolution in terminology, the mechanisms of AKI have stayed largely elusive with the pathophysiological concepts of ATN remaining the mainstay in our understanding of AKI.

SUMMARY

The proximal tubule (PT), having the highest mitochondrial content in the kidney and relying heavily on oxidative phosphorylation to generate ATP, is vulnerable to ischaemic insults and mitochondrial dysfunction. Histologically, pathological changes in the PT are more consistent than changes to the glomeruli or the loop of Henle in AKI. Physiologically, activation of tubuloglomerular feedback due to PT dysfunction leads to an increase in preglomerular afferent arteriole resistance and a reduction in glomerular filtration. Pharmacologically, frusemide - a drug commonly used in the setting of oliguric AKI - is actively secreted by the PT and its diuretic effect is compromised by its failure to be secreted into the urine and thus be delivered to its site of action at the loop of Henle in AKI. Increases in the urinary, but not plasma biomarkers, of PT injury within 1 h of shock suggest that the PT as the initiation pathogenic target of AKI.

KEY MESSAGE

Therapeutic agents targeting specifically the PT epithelial cells, in particular its mitochondria - including amino acid ergothioneine and superoxide scavenger MitoTEMPO - show great promises in ameliorating AKI.