2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

No global changes in the microbiome and metabolome were observed based on multivariant analysis (ANOSIM, P > 0.05). However, some bacterial genera were altered following omeprazole administration including an increased relative abundance of Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, and Faecalibacterium spp. and decreased Bifidobacterium spp. in all cats. The results of this pilot study suggest that omeprazole might have little impact on the feline fecal microbiome and metabolome when administered for 60 days or less. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results. There is evidence that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IBD in human patients particularly in the initiation and perpetuation of inflammation and in subsequent tissue damage. Oxidative stress occurs when there is a marked imbalance between the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and their removal by antioxidants. Recent publications suggest that oxidative stress could also represent a significant factor in the pathogenesis of IBD in dogs. The objective of this study was to compare a panel of various serum biomarkers evaluating both the antioxidant response and the oxidative damage in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and healthy control dogs. Eighteen dogs with IBD and 20 healthy dogs were enrolled in the study. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing ability of the plasma (FRAP), total thiol concentrations, and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity were evaluated in serum to determine antioxidant response. To evaluate oxidative status, ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange (FOX), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species production (ROS) concentrations in serum were determined. Mean concentrations of all antioxidant biomarkers analyzed, with exception of FRAP, were significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in serum of dogs with IBD than healthy dogs. The oxidant markers studied were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in serum of dogs with IBD than in healthy dogs. These findings support the hypothesis that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IBD in dogs. L-lactate is generated from pyruvate via lactate dehydrogenase during normal cell metabolism. Lactobacillales (lactic acid bacteria) in the intestinal tract can synthesize both D-and L-lactate. Currently, serum lactate concentration is used as a marker of tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia. Cases of D-lactic acidemia have been reported in dogs and humans with intestinal disease. Fecal lactate has also been shown to be increased in humans with short bowel syndrome and calves with diarrhea. Fecal lactate concentrations might serve as a marker of the microbial activity in the intestine. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analytically validate an enzymatic method for the measurement of both D-and L-lactate in canine feces.