Comparative study of select biochemical markers in cerebrospinal fluid of healthy dogs before and after treatment with nutraceuticals

Abstract

Background: Several studies indicate that changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition depend on the disease stage and reflect modification of brain energy metabolism (BEM). Also, it has been reported that a decline in cognitive functions may be mitigated by incorporating nutraceuticals in the diet. Objective: Assuming the beneficial effect of nutraceuticals on BEM and oxidative damage, the aim of this study was to determine if the administration of a nutraceutical compound results in changes of select CSF biomarkers in healthy adult Beagle dogs. Methods: Two separate CSF and blood samples were obtained from 11 healthy adult Beagle dogs, before and after 50 days of treatment with a veterinary combined nutraceutical. CSF analysis included a total nucleated cell count, total protein, glucose, sodium, chloride, potassium, pyruvate, and lactate concentrations, and calculation of lactate/pyruvate ratio. CBC and serum biochemistry were also performed. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the significance of the changes after nutraceutical treatment. Results: All studied variables remained within reference intervals, before and after treatment. A significant increase in CSF sodium and glucose concentration, and a decrease in lactate levels, was observed after treatment (P < .05), and the lactate/pyruvate ratio was decreased after treatment (P = .05). In serum, sodium and chloride concentrations were significantly increased (P < .05), and creatinine concentration was significantly decreased (P < .05) after treatment. Conclusions: After 50 days of treatment with a nutraceutical compound, CSF glucose, sodium, and lactate concentrations, and L/P ratio were significantly different, suggesting an influence of nutraceuticals' administration on CSF composition.

Anesthetic effects of isoflurane and propofol on cerebrospinal fluid biochemical markers in healthy dogs

“…Nevertheless, the assumption that CSF fluctuations directly reflect ongoing mechanisms in cerebral tissues has to be made with caution . In this study, CSF concentrations of lactate, pyruvate, glucose, CK, K + , Na + , Cl − , and Ca 2+ were within the ranges reported in previous investigations . Combined analysis of BEM markers could help to understand whether any observed fluctuations might be primarily induced by anesthesia or whether the fluctuations might be secondary to brain metabolic rate modifications in the brain.…”

“…CSF glucose is considered the fuel for neuronal energy metabolism . CSF glucose levels show larger variability when cerebral oxidative metabolism is impaired, and lactate and pyruvate are increased …”

“…Electrolytes such as sodium (Na + ), potassium (K + ), calcium (Ca 2+ ), magnesium (Mg + ), and chloride (Cl − ) play important roles in neuronal transportation, osmoregulation, and conduction . The electrical charge across cellular membranes is determined by the distribution of charged ions on either side of the membrane and is regulated by the Na+, K+‐ATPase pump.…”

“…CK is an enzyme derived from the cells within the CSF . Under physiologic conditions, CK concentrations in CSF and serum do not correlate with one another .…”

“…To date, BEM biomarkers have been evaluated regarding pathologic processes affecting the CNS; however, reference ranges for these metabolites in veterinary medicine are limited and variable. Anesthetic protocols have been postulated as potential reasons for the variability seen . The metabolic effects of common anesthetic drugs are poorly understood, though it has been shown that injectable and inhalant anesthetic agents strongly affect certain BEM marker levels in mice .…”