Sustainable Way to Source and Use Fatty Acids???

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PPI’s May Help Chemotherapy in Dogs

Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are the most common skin cancer in dogs, with a prevalence of 8-20%. Humans also suffer from mast cell (MC) neoplasms, which, despite phenotypic differences, share similar pathogenic and behavioral traits with canine MCTs. Both species’ MCs respond to environmental allergens or parasites through degranulation, releasing pro-inflammatory compounds that can cause severe effects such as gastrointestinal (GI) ulceration due to excessive histamine release. This prompts the use of gastric acid suppressants like histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in treatment. 

Although PPIs are generally preferred for GI ulceration, H2RAs are still widely used for canine MCTs. There is no prior research on the direct effects of PPIs on canine neoplastic MCs. Both H2RAs and PPIs exhibit anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties against certain neoplasms. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of the H2RA famotidine and the PPI esomeprazole on the structure, viability, and degranulation of rodent, human, and canine neoplastic MCs in vitro. The hypothesis was that esomeprazole would have more significant effects on MCs compared to famotidine or vehicle-treated cells. 

The study utilized various MC lines, including healthy murine bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) and neoplastic MC models (human LAD2, canine C2, and BR cells). Control lines included rat basophilic leukemic (RBL-2H3) and canine B cell lymphoma (17-71) cells. The treatment effects on MC ultrastructure were assessed through light and transmission electron microscopy, while differences in MC viability were measured using MTS-based assays and flow cytometry. Degranulation was quantified by β-hexosaminidase release. 

Results indicated that esomeprazole caused time- and concentration-dependent structural changes, increased apoptosis, and altered degranulation in all MC lines compared to famotidine and vehicle controls. These changes included increased vacuolization and compromised cell membranes. The B cell lymphoma cells exhibited minimal cytotoxic response, suggesting specificity to MCs. This study concludes that esomeprazole induces significant cytotoxicity and structural alterations in neoplastic MCs, justifying further investigation into the specific mechanisms and potential clinical trials for treating canine MCTs with PPIs. 

Gould EN, Szule JA, Wilson-Robles H, Steiner JM, Lennon EM, Tolbert MK. Esomeprazole induces structural changes and apoptosis and alters function of in vitro canine neoplastic mast cells. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2023 Feb;256:110539. doi: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2022.110539. Epub 2022 Dec 22. PMID: 36592548. 

Bottom line — Something to consider but more research is needed.

Sustainable Fatty Acids Supplementation?

The document discusses the significance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FAs) in companion animal diets, emphasizing their roles in normal growth, development, and disease management. Research from the mid-20th century promoted vegetable oils rich in n-6 FAs, leading to dietary imbalances in both human and animal diets. The use of n-6 rich grains in livestock feed resulted in meat and eggs with higher n-6 and lower n-3 FA content. Early research on dogs and horses in the 1960s and 1970s demonstrated benefits from oil supplementation. 

Marine sources like fish oil are primary suppliers of long-chain n-3 FAs (EPA and DHA), but concerns about sustainability have prompted the search for alternatives like DHA-rich algal oil. Both n-6 and n-3 FAs are crucial for energy, vitamin absorption, cell membrane integrity, inflammation modulation, growth, development, and skin health. While n-6 FAs promote inflammation, n-3 FAs (EPA and DHA) have anti-inflammatory effects, making the balance between them vital for health. 

Dogs and horses can convert linoleic acid (LA) to arachidonic acid (AA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to EPA and DHA, whereas cats have a limited capacity to convert LA to AA, necessitating dietary AA. The document highlights the importance of balancing dietary LA and ALA to ensure proper conversion rates and prevent excessive inflammation. 

Regulatory bodies like NRC, AAFCO, and FEDIAF provide guidelines for minimum FA requirements, focusing on a balanced intake of LA, ALA, EPA, and DHA for growth and maintenance. The recommended n-6ratio is below 10:1 for optimal health. Sustainable sources of n-3 FAs include plant oils like flaxseed, camelina, and canola, which are rich in ALA. Combining marine and plant-based sources can offer balanced benefits, though practical formulation considerations in commercial diets are essential. 

The conclusion emphasizes the need for balanced n-6 and n-3 FA intake for companion animal health. Sustainable sourcing and careful formulation can support optimal health and environmental sustainability, with further research needed to refine dietary recommendations and optimize FA sources in pet food and equine supplements. 

Scarlett Burron, Taylor Richards, Giovane Krebs, Luciano Trevizan, Alexandra Rankovic, Samantha Hartwig, Wendy Pearson, David W L Ma, Anna K Shoveller, The balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in canine, feline and equine nutrition: exploring sources and the significance of alpha-linolenic acid, Journal of Animal Science, 2024;, skae143, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae143 

Bottom line — Possible but will require careful formulation

Best Bronchodilator for Horses

Severe asthma (SA) in horses, affecting about 14% of the equine population in the northern hemisphere, is characterized by airway obstruction due to inflammation, bronchoconstriction, mucus accumulation, and structural changes in the airways. The main treatments for equine asthma are environmental and dietary changes to avoid inhaled antigens. When these changes are insufficient, corticosteroids and bronchodilators are used. Bronchoconstriction, the primary cause of airflow obstruction, is managed using β2-adrenergic agonists (e.g., inhaled salbutamol) and anticholinergic drugs (e.g., muscarinic receptor antagonists like atropine and hyoscine butylbromide (HBB)). HBB is preferred for its shorter half-life, despite its adverse effects like tachycardia and decreased intestinal motility. 

A study compared the bronchodilation duration and adverse effects of salbutamol and HBB in horses with SA. Both drugs rapidly relieved airway obstruction, but salbutamol's effect lasted longer (up to 3 hours vs. 1 hour for HBB) and had fewer adverse effects. Salbutamol, administered via inhalation, primarily affects the respiratory tract, minimizing systemic adverse events. Its bronchodilation duration (>180 minutes) aligns with human studies, though variability in efficacy and duration exists across different doses and administration methods. 

HBB, administered intravenously, had a shorter duration of effect and was associated with tachycardia and decreased intestinal motility. The study noted variability in individual responses to both drugs, influenced by the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and nonadrenergic noncholinergic systems. Salbutamol's prolonged bronchodilation and fewer adverse effects suggest it is preferable for short-term bronchoconstriction relief in horses with asthma. 

The study's limitations included a uniform drug dose for horses of varying weights and a small sample size. Future studies should consider individual dosing and larger sample sizes for more conclusive results. Overall, salbutamol is recommended over HBB for managing acute bronchoconstriction in equine asthma due to its longer duration of action and better safety profile. 

Mozo Vives B, Mainguy-Seers S, Lavoie J-P. Comparative study of the bronchodilator efficacy and adverse effects of salbutamol and hyoscine butylbromide in horses with severe asthma. J Vet Intern Med. 2024; 38(3): 1835-1841. doi:10.1111/jvim.17057

Bottom line — Salbutamol is best.

Just putting things in perspective …