Essential fatty acids supplementation in different‐stage atopic dogs fed on a controlled diet

Abstract

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation in different-stages atopic dogs fed on a controlled diet. Twenty-two non-seasonal atopic dogs of different breeds and ages were included in the 2-month trial. All the patients were given an essential fatty acid (EFA) supplementation [17 mg/kg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + 5 mg/kg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + 35 mg/kg gammalinolenic acid (GLA)], the global (diet + supplementation) omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was 5.5-1. Two groups of dogs were considered: group A 'pre-immunotherapy' (15 cases) included dogs with early stages atopy, which had not been submitted to any treatment yet; group B 'post-immunotherapy' (seven cases) included dogs with chronic atopy immunotherapy non-responsive. Clinical evaluations were performed at the beginning, on day 30 and at the end of the trial. Blood serum fatty acids profile was determined at the beginning and at the end of the study. Better clinical results were obtained in group A, a great difference was found between the two groups on pruritus score. Serum arachidonic acid (AA) was significantly lower at the end of the trial in group A while GLA was significantly higher in group B. We hypothesized that different-stages atopic dogs could have different response to EFA supplementation, maybe because of a different fatty acids metabolism. Early stages cases seem to be more responsive to EFA supplementation.

Dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid does not ameliorate pruritus in murine models of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis

“…Given that pruritus is a secondary symptom arising from skin diseases, investigating the net effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acids solely on pruritus is challenging because these fatty acids often ameliorate the primary signs of the disease. Indeed, in most of the previous studies demonstrating the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce pruritus in various dermatitis models, the signs of the dermatitis were also ameliorated [4][5][6]. In contrast, in the present study, the signs of the AD or psoriasis that developed did not differ between EPA-fed and control mice.…”

Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Canine Dermatological Disorders

“…The essential fatty acids (EFAs) from n-6 (gammalinolenic acid (GLA)) and n-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) families have been proven to have anti-inflammatory effects and immunomodulating properties on skin [35,36]. They modulate the eicosanoid production by competing with arachidonic acid (AA) resulting in a shift from pro-inflammatory molecules toward production of leukotriens with anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines [37]. Although natural anti-inflammatory agents are perceived as side-effect free [38], PUFAs have been shown to have potential side effects, including impairment of platelet and immune function, possible nutrient-drug interactions, gastrointestinal adverse effects, negative consequences on wound healing, and weight gain [39].…”

Poly(ADP) ribose polymerase-1 ablation alters eicosanoid and docosanoid signaling and metabolism in a murine model of contact hypersensitivity

“…A reduction in PARP-1 expression results in a reduced pro-inflammatory and increased pro-resolving or anti-inflammatory environment in the skin. Higher levels of the DHA and EPA metabolites, and reduced COX-pathway metabolites were previously implicated in a reduction of DNFB-induced CHS (36), peritonitis (31), atopy (37) or allergy (38).…”