Clinicopathological and Fecal Proteome Evaluations in 16 Dogs Presenting Chronic Diarrhea Associated with Lymphangiectasia

Fecal Proteome Profile in Dogs Suffering from Different Hepatobiliary Disorders and Comparison with Controls

In the present study, the fecal proteomes of clinically healthy dogs (HD = n. 10), of dogs showing clinical, ultrasonographic, and/or laboratory evidence of different hepatobiliary dysfunction (DHD = n. 10), and of dogs suffering from chronic hepatitis (CHD = n. 10) were investigated with an Ultimate 3000 nanoUPLC system, coupled to an Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Tribrid mass spectrometer. Fifty-two different proteins of canine origin were identified qualitatively in the three study groups, and quantitative differences were found in 55 proteins when comparing groups. Quantitatively, a total of 41 and 36 proteins were found differentially abundant in the DHD and CHD groups compared to the control HD, and 38 proteins resulted dysregulated in the CHD group as compared to the DHD group. Among the various proteins, differently abundant fecal fibronectin and haptoglobin were more present in the feces of healthy and DHD dogs than in chronic ones, leading us to hypothesize its possible diagnostic/monitoring role in canine chronic hepatitis. On the other hand, the trefoil factor 2 was increased in DHD dogs. Our results show that the analysis of the fecal proteome is a very promising field of study, and in the case of dogs suffering from different hepatobiliary disorders, it was able to highlight both qualitative and quantitative differences among the three groups included. Results need to be confirmed with western blotting and in further studies.

Effect of an Enteroprotective Complementary Feed on Faecal Markers of Inflammation and Intestinal Microbiota Composition in Weaning Puppies

Weaning entails numerous modifications of the intestinal structure and microbiota composition, making puppies at high risk of sickness during this delicate life stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a four-week administration of a supplement composed of ultramicronised Palmitoylethanolamide, bovine colostrum and Bacillus subtilis (Normalia® Extra, Innovet Italia Srl, Saccolongo, Italy) on markers of gut health and microbiome of weaning puppies. Twenty-nine four-week-old Golden Retriever puppies were randomly assigned to control (CG, n = 13) and treated (TG, n = 16) groups. During the whole experimental time, there were no differences between the groups with regard to average daily gain and faecal score. In TG, faecal calprotectin and zonulin values were statistically significantly decreased compared to CG, especially at week 8 (zonulin: 42.8 ± 1.54 ng/mL and 55.3 ± 42.8 ng/mL, and calprotectin: 2.91 ± 0.38 µg/g and 5.71 ± 0.43 µg/g, in TG and CG, respectively; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Bacteria belonging to phylum Campylobacterota decreased (p = 0.04), while those referring to genera Coprococcus and Pseudomonas increased (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively). The supplementation of the tested complementary feed can promote the intestinal health of puppies and therefore facilitate weaning by lowering gut inflammation.

Fecal Protein Profile in Eight Dogs Suffering from Acute Uncomplicated Diarrhea before and after Treatment

Acute diarrhea is a very frequent condition affecting dogs; nevertheless, little is known about what happens in the GI tract during such conditions. Proteomics allows the study of proteins present in a specific biologic substrate, and fecal proteomic investigations have been recently implemented to study GI diseases in dogs. In the present study, the fecal protein profiles of eight dogs suffering from acute uncomplicated diarrhea at the time of inclusion was investigated for the first time, and then the same patients were followed, replicating two further evaluations at two subsequent time points (after 2 and 14 days from the first presentation), with the aim of gaining possible new insights regarding the pathologic changes in the gastrointestinal environment during such conditions. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) was performed, followed by mass spectrometry. Nine spots, corresponding to four (groups of) proteins (i.e., albumin, alkaline phosphatase, chymotrypsin-C-like, and some immunoglobulins), showed significant differences at two or more of the three time points investigated, almost all behaving similarly and decreasing at T1 (2 days after the onset of the condition) and significantly increasing at T2 (14 days after the onset), mainly evidencing a reaction of the organism. Further studies including a greater number of patients and possibly different techniques are needed to confirm the present findings.

Clinical response in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome following randomized probiotic treatment or fecal microbiota transplant

Probiotics and fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) are two microbiome-targeted therapies that have been investigated for use in gastrointestinal diseases associated with dysbiosis. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of an oral multi-strain probiotic and enema-administered FMTs on clinical signs and serum lipopolysaccharide in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS). A total of 18 client-owned dogs with a diagnosis of AHDS were enrolled in a randomized, blinded study at the time of hospital admission. The dogs were randomized into two groups: the probiotic group received a daily oral probiotic (200 × 10⁹ CFU/10kg q 24 h) for 14 days and a single sham enema; the FMT group received a single FMT via retention enema (10 mL/kg) and placebo oral capsule for 14 days. All dogs received concurrent standard-of-care therapy, including intravenous fluids and anti-emetics; no dogs received antimicrobials. The fecal score, disease severity scores, and serum lipopolysaccharide were measured on days 0, 3, and 14. Fourteen of eighteen enrolled dogs completed the study (n = 9 probiotics; n = 5 FMT). Lipopolysaccharide decreased on days 3 and 14 from baseline and correlated with fecal and disease severity scores. There was no difference in the duration or severity of clinical signs in dogs with AHDS following an enema-administered FMT compared to probiotic treatment. Further evaluation of serum lipopolysaccharide as a marker of disease severity and recovery is warranted.

Morphological Assessment and Biomarkers of Low-Grade, Chronic Intestinal Inflammation in Production Animals

Simple Summary

Production animals are continuously exposed to environmental and dietary factors that might induce a state of low-grade, chronic intestinal inflammation. This condition compromises the productive performance and well-fare of these animals, requiring studies to understand what causes it and to develop control strategies. An intestinal inflammatory process is generally associated with alterations in the structure and functionality of its wall, resulting in the release of cellular components into the blood and/or feces. These components can act as biomarkers, i.e., they are measured to identify and quantify an inflammatory process without requiring invasive methods. In this review we discuss the mechanisms of low-grade inflammation, its effects on animal production and sustainability, and the identification of biomarkers that could provide early diagnosis of this process and support studies of useful interventional strategies.

Abstract

The complex interaction between the intestinal mucosa, the gut microbiota, and the diet balances the host physiological homeostasis and is fundamental for the maximal genetic potential of production animals. However, factors such as chemical and physical characteristics of the diet and/or environmental stressors can continuously affect this balance, potentially inducing a state of chronic low-grade inflammation in the gut, where inflammatory parameters are present and demanding energy, but not in enough intensity to provoke clinical manifestations. It’s vital to expand the understanding of inflammation dynamics and of how they compromise the function activity and microscopic morphology of the intestinal mucosa. These morphometric alterations are associated with the release of structural and functional cellular components into the feces and the blood stream creating measurable biomarkers to track this condition. Moreover, the identification of novel, immunometabolic biomarkers can provide dynamic and predictors of low-grade chronic inflammation, but also provide indicators of successful nutritional or feed additive intervention strategies. The objective of this paper is to review the mechanisms of low-grade inflammation, its effects on animal production and sustainability, and the biomarkers that could provide early diagnosis of this process and support studies of useful interventional strategies.

Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Canine Intestinal Lymphangiectasia: A Comparative Review

Intestinal lymphangiectasia was first described in the dog over 50 years ago. Despite this, canine IL remains poorly understood and challenging to manage. Intestinal lymphangiectasia is characterized by variable intestinal lymphatic dilation, lymphatic obstruction, and/or lymphangitis, and is a common cause of protein-losing enteropathy in the dog. Breed predispositions are suggestive of a genetic cause, but IL can also occur as a secondary process. Similarly, both primary and secondary IL have been described in humans. Intestinal lymphangiectasia is definitively diagnosed via intestinal histopathology, but other diagnostic results can be suggestive of IL. Advanced imaging techniques are frequently utilized to aid in the diagnosis of IL in humans but have not been thoroughly investigated in the dog. Management strategies differ between humans and dogs. Dietary modification is the mainstay of therapy in humans with additional pharmacological therapies occasionally employed, and immunosuppressives are rarely used due to the lack of a recognized immune pathogenesis. In contrast, corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapies are more commonly utilized in canine IL. This review aims toward a better understanding of canine IL with an emphasis on recent discoveries, comparative aspects, and necessary future investigations.

Evaluation of the Fecal Proteome in Healthy and Diseased Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) Suffering from Gastrointestinal Disorders

Fecal proteomics allows for the identification of proteins and peptides present in stools and is useful in finding possible new biomarkers for diagnosing and/or monitoring gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In the present study, we investigated the fecal proteome in healthy and diseased cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Captive individuals of this species frequently show gastrointestinal disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of diarrhea, rare episodes of vomiting and weight loss, associated with Helicobacter spp. infection. Fecal proteomic evaluation has been performed by two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In healthy cheetahs, the results showed the presence of the following proteins: collagen alpha-1 (II) chain, transthyretin, IgG Fc-binding protein, titin, dystonin, isopentenyl-diphosphate Delta-isomerase 1, sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit alpha-1 and protein disulfide-isomerase A6. The presence of albumin isoforms was found only in diseased cheetahs. The present paper reports the study of the fecal proteome in the cheetah, evidences some differences between healthy and diseased patients and confirms, once again, the potential of fecal proteomics for the study of the GI environment, with promising developments regarding the identification of new diagnostic/monitoring markers.