scholarly journals Cats at the Vet: The Effect of Alpha-s1 Casozepin

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2047
Author(s):  
Adjet Makawey ◽  
Christine Iben ◽  
Rupert Palme

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of α-s1 casozepin on cat stress responses at a veterinary practice. Cats feel confident in their familiar surroundings and daily routine. A visit, and transport, to the veterinarian is a stressful experience for cats and their owners. Stress can mask clinical signs and has physiological impacts. Alpha-s1 casozepin (Zylkène; Vétoquinol) could potentially minimize stress in cats with its calming and anxiolytic characteristics. A randomized, partial double-blind and placebo-controlled study was carried out with 60 adult cats. The trial was designed for three groups: low dose (15 mg/kg q24 h α-s1 casozepin for six days), high dose (75 mg/kg q24 h α-s1 casozepin for three days), and a placebo (one fructose capsule per day for three days). For the study, cats had a checkup at their trusted veterinarian without the dietary supplement, followed by a second one four weeks later. Alpha-s1 casozepin or a placebo was administered three to six days before the checkup. Fecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) were measured to non-invasively evaluate the impact of α-s1 casozepin on adrenocortical activity. The cat owners and veterinarians also assessed the physiological reactions (respiratory rate, sweaty paws, pupils, panting, and vocalization) of the cats at home, in the waiting area, and in the examination room. The only significant effect (kappa coefficient κ = 0.007 and κ = 0.003) found in this study was the absence of sweaty paws in cats who were treated with the high dose of α-s1 casozepin over three days, observed in the waiting area and examination room of the veterinarian’s practice, respectively. Alpha-s1 casozepin also showed a small but insignificant reduction in FCM levels. Alpha-s1 casozepin influences the autonomic nervous system, and can inhibit sweaty paws during stressful situations for cats.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christophe Lay ◽  
Collins Wenhan Chu ◽  
Rikky Wenang Purbojati ◽  
Enzo Acerbi ◽  
Daniela I. Drautz-Moses ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The compromised gut microbiome that results from C-section birth has been hypothesized as a risk factor for the development of non-communicable diseases (NCD). In a double-blind randomized controlled study, 153 infants born by elective C-section received an infant formula supplemented with either synbiotic, prebiotics, or unsupplemented from birth until 4 months old. Vaginally born infants were included as a reference group. Stool samples were collected from day 3 till week 22. Multi-omics were deployed to investigate the impact of mode of delivery and nutrition on the development of the infant gut microbiome, and uncover putative biological mechanisms underlying the role of a compromised microbiome as a risk factor for NCD. Results As early as day 3, infants born vaginally presented a hypoxic and acidic gut environment characterized by an enrichment of strict anaerobes (Bifidobacteriaceae). Infants born by C-section presented the hallmark of a compromised microbiome driven by an enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae. This was associated with meta-omics signatures characteristic of a microbiome adapted to a more oxygen-rich gut environment, enriched with genes associated with reactive oxygen species metabolism and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, and depleted in genes involved in the metabolism of milk carbohydrates. The synbiotic formula modulated expression of microbial genes involved in (oligo)saccharide metabolism, which emulates the eco-physiological gut environment observed in vaginally born infants. The resulting hypoxic and acidic milieu prevented the establishment of a compromised microbiome. Conclusions This study deciphers the putative functional hallmarks of a compromised microbiome acquired during C-section birth, and the impact of nutrition that may counteract disturbed microbiome development. Trial registration The study was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (Number: 2838) on 4th April 2011.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 427
Author(s):  
Stefania Cicolari ◽  
Chiara Pavanello ◽  
Elena Olmastroni ◽  
Marina Del Puppo ◽  
Marco Bertolotti ◽  
...  

Background: Oxysterol relationship with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors is poorly explored, especially in moderately hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Moreover, the impact of nutraceuticals controlling hypercholesterolaemia on plasma levels of 24-, 25- and 27-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC, 25-OHC, 27-OHC) is unknown. Methods: Subjects (n = 33; 18–70 years) with moderate hypercholesterolaemia (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C:): 130–200 mg/dL), in primary CV prevention as well as low CV risk were studied cross-sectionally. Moreover, they were evaluated after treatment with a nutraceutical combination (Bifidobacterium longum BB536, red yeast rice extract (10 mg/dose monacolin K)), following a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design. We evaluated 24-OHC, 25-OHC and 27-OHC levels by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. Results: 24-OHC and 25-OHC were significantly correlated, 24-OHC was correlated with apoB. 27-OHC and 27-OHC/total cholesterol (TC) were higher in men (median 209 ng/mL and 77 ng/mg, respectively) vs. women (median 168 ng/mL and 56 ng/mg, respectively); 27-OHC/TC was significantly correlated with abdominal circumference, visceral fat and, negatively, with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Triglycerides were significantly correlated with 24-OHC, 25-OHC and 27-OHC and with 24-OHC/TC and 25-OHC/TC. After intervention, 27-OHC levels were significantly reduced by 10.4% in the nutraceutical group Levels of 24-OHC, 24-OHC/TC, 25-OHC, 25-OHC/TC and 27-OHC/TC were unchanged. Conclusions: In this study, conducted in moderate hypercholesterolemic subjects, we observed novel relationships between 24-OHC, 25-OHC and 27-OHC and CV risk biomarkers. In addition, no adverse changes of OHC levels upon nutraceutical treatment were found.


2004 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 469-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bita Sadigh-Lindell ◽  
Christer Sylvén ◽  
Margareta Berglund ◽  
Björn E. Eriksson

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (10) ◽  
pp. 1374-1376
Author(s):  
Jack H Wilson ◽  
Amy H Criss ◽  
Sean A Spangler ◽  
Katherine Walukevich ◽  
Sandra Hewett

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work by non-selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes. Evidence indicates that metabolites of the cyclooxygenase pathway play a critical role in the process of learning and memory. We evaluated whether acute naproxen treatment impairs short-term working memory, episodic memory, or semantic memory in a young, healthy adult population. Participants received a single dose of placebo or naproxen (750 mg) in random order separated by 7–10 days. Two hours following administration, participants completed five memory tasks. The administration of acute high-dose naproxen had no effect on memory in healthy young adults.


2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 803-803
Author(s):  
K. Blum ◽  
E. Stice ◽  
Y. Liu ◽  
J. Giordano ◽  
S. Morse ◽  
...  

IntroductionThere is a need to classify patients at genetic risk for drug seeking behavior prior to or upon entry to chemical dependency programs.MethodsThe prevalence of seven risk alleles (DRD2 = A1; SLC6A3 (DAT) = 10R; DRD4 = 3R or 7R; 5HTTLPR = L or LA; MAO = 3R; COMT = G) and corresponding severity risk score (Low (LS) = 1–36%, moderate (MS) = 37–50%, and high (HS) = 51–100%) were calculated. Group 1 consisted of 16 Caucasian male psycho-stimulant addicts, and Group 2 consisted of 10 Chinese male heroin addicts (9 were genotyped). qEEG and fMRI visualized the impact of Neuroadaptagen Amino-Acid Therapy complex on mesolimbic system activation.Results[Findings by Group]74% of the combined groups had a moderate to high genetic addiction risk score (GARS). One acute dose of KB220-IV variant in heroin addicts having brain abnormalities was found to normalize qEEG. Additionally, a randomized double-blind placebo controlled study involving oral KB220-Z variant established qEEG normalization of reward circuitry in abstinent psycho-stimulant abusers (P < 0.03).ConclusionsWe cautiously suggest that long-term activation of dopaminergic receptors will lead to D2 receptor proliferation and enhanced “dopamine sensitivity,” thus reducing aberrant craving behavior especially in carriers of the DRD2 A1 allele. Although supported by 20 clinical trials, KB220-Z awaits PET scanning to determine its chronic effects on D2 receptor numbers.


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