Source: WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
DIETARY ASTAXANTHIN IN INFLAMMATORY DISEASE: A RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS MODEL IN DOGS AND CATS
 
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Chew, B. P. Park, J. S.
 
PERFORMING ORGANIZATION
FOOD SCIENCE & HUMAN NUTRITION
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
PULLMAN,WA 99164
 
NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Millions of dogs, cats and human suffer from crippling rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is immune-based and results from an inflammatory condition induced by harmful free radicals. We propose to use astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant that has immune-modulating activity, to reduce the harmful effects of reactive oxidative products, and thereby reduce rheumatoid arthritis.
 
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the action of dietary astaxanthin in reducing rheumatoid arthritis in domestic dogs and cats, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action of this antioxidant.
 
APPROACH: Large-scale clinical studies will be conducted to investigate the action of astaxanthin in reducing rheumatoid arthritis in dogs and cats. Animals with confirmed RA conditions will be recruited from private homes and fed (1) control, (2) 10 mg astaxanthin/day, or (3) 20 mg astaxanthin/day (n = 30/treatment). In addition, 30 dogs without signs of RA will be used as negative controls. The following procedures will be performed by a veterinarian on each dog at 0 (initiation of dietary supplementation), 1, 2, 3, and 6 months: body weight, physical exam, lameness exam, radiographs, and skin/ coat evaluation. Blood will be drawn during those periods for the analyses of the following immune and oxidative markers: lymphocyte phenotyping, cell adhesion molecules, plasma IgG, IgM IgA, IL-1, IL-6, TNFa, and rheumatoid factors, C-reactive proteins, DNA damage, and nitric oxide synthase activity.
 
CRIS NUMBER: 0182965 SUBFILE: CRIS
PROJECT NUMBER: WNP00331 SPONSOR AGENCY: NIFA
PROJECT TYPE: HATCH PROJECT STATUS: TERMINATED MULTI-STATE PROJECT NUMBER: (N/A)
START DATE: Oct 1, 2003 TERMINATION DATE: Sep 30, 2006

GRANT PROGRAM: (N/A)
GRANT PROGRAM AREA: (N/A)

CLASSIFICATION
Knowledge Area (KA)Subject (S)Science (F)Objective (G)Percent
311383010104.220%
311383010404.210%
311383010904.220%
702383010105.120%
702383010405.110%
702383010905.120%

CLASSIFICATION HEADINGS
KA702 - Requirements and Function of Nutrients and Other Food Components
KA311 - Animal Diseases
S3830 - Pets (companion animals)
F1090 - Immunology
F1010 - Nutrition and metabolism
F1040 - Molecular biology
G5.1 - Ensure Access to Nutritious Food
G4.2 - Reduce Number and Severity of Pest and Disease Outbreaks


RESEARCH EFFORT CATEGORIES
BASIC 50%
APPLIED 50%
DEVELOPMENTAL (N/A)%

KEYWORDS: antioxidants; arthritis; dogs; cats; diet; inflammation; animal diseases; joint diseases; nutrient function; nutrient disease relations; molecular biology; immunology; mechanism of action; animal physiology; cell physiology; cell mediated immunity; immune response; humoral immunity; cancer; mammary glands; anti carcinogenicity; immunostimulants; cell growth; growth inhibitors; xanthophyll

PROGRESS: Jan 1, 2005 TO Dec 31, 2005
The immune modulation and antiinflammatory action of individual carotenoids were combined to study their possible additive or synergistic actions. Cats were given a combination of b-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin and bixin for 16 wk and immune response measured. At low amounts, the carotenoid combination stimulated immune response and protected immune cells against oxidative damage. In another experiment, dogs given a combination of b-carotene and vitamin E showed enhanced immune function and antiinflammatory action.

IMPACT: 2005-01-01 TO 2005-12-31 Combinations of certain carotenoids promote immune function and protect immune cells from oxidative damage.

PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 2005-01-01 TO 2005-12-31
Fransson, B. A., Lagerstedt, A-S, Bergstrom, A., Hagman, R., Park, J. S., Chew, B. P., Evans, M. A. & Ragle, C. A. 2005. C-Reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6 in dogs with pyometra and SIRS J. Vet. Emergency Critical Care (in press).

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION
NAME: Chew, B. P.
PHONE: 509-335-1427
FAX: 509-335-4246