Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Xanthine oxidase inhibitor febuxostat reduces heart changes in dogs
By Yoshizawa, Tomoharu et al.·Published in International heart journal·2018·Department of Cardiovascular Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Antiremodeling Effect of Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition in a Canine Model of Atrial Fibrillation.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with atrial fibrillation (AF) were studied to see if a medication called febuxostat could help reduce heart problems caused by the condition. The dogs were divided into two groups: one received febuxostat while the other did not. The results showed that the dogs taking febuxostat had less heart tissue damage and lower levels of oxidative stress compared to those that did not receive the medication. This suggests that febuxostat may help protect the heart in dogs with AF and could be a beneficial treatment option.
People also search for: dog atrial fibrillation treatment · febuxostat for dogs heart problems · canine heart disease medication
Abstract
In a canine rapid atrial stimulation model of atrial fibrillation (AF), we have demonstrated an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) along with electrical and structural remodeling. In the present study, we hypothesized that antioxidants can suppress atrial remodeling canines with AF. We therefore evaluated the effect of febuxostat, a xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor and a pure antioxidant, on atrial remodeling.AF was produced by performing a 3-week rapid atrial pacing (400 bpm) in 13 dogs divided into three groups: pacing + febuxostat group (n = 5; atrial pacing with 50 mg/day of febuxostat (administration); pacing control group (n = 5; atrial pacing without any drug administration); and non-pacing group (n = 3). Electrophysiological studies were conducted in the first 2 groups every week. Atrial tissue fibrosis was evaluated by Azan and immunofluorescent staining of fibronectin. Oxidative stress was evaluated by DHE and FCF-DA staining.Shortening of the refractory period and increase in AF inducibility appeared gradually in the pacing control group, but such changes were suppressed in the pacing + febuxostat group (P = 0.05). The pacing control group showed increase in fibrosis, which was suppressed in the febuxostat group. In DHE and DCF-DA staining, the pacing control group showed an increase in oxidative stress, which was suppressed in the pacing + febuxostat group. The pacing control group exhibited fibronectin expression, which was suppressed in the pacing + febuxostat group.The antioxidant effect of febuxostat may achieve an inhibition of new-onset AF in canines.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30158379/