Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Oxidative stress and immune cell problems in cats with kidney failure
By Keegan, R F & Webb, C B·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2010·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Oxidative stress and neutrophil function in cats with chronic renal failure.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 20 cats with chronic kidney disease (CRF) showed signs of increased oxidative stress, which may affect their immune system. Tests revealed that these cats had higher levels of waste products in their blood and lower urine concentration compared to healthy cats. Their ability to fight infections was also altered, as their neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) reacted differently when exposed to bacteria. While the study suggests that these cats are activating their antioxidant defenses, it remains unclear if giving them additional antioxidants would help improve their condition.
People also search for: cat kidney disease symptoms · chronic renal failure in cats · antioxidant treatment for cats with kidney disease
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is an important component in the progression of chronic renal failure (CRF) and neutrophil function may be impaired by oxidative stress. HYPOTHESIS: Cats with CRF have increased oxidative stress and decreased neutrophil function compared with control cats. ANIMALS: Twenty cats with previously diagnosed renal failure were compared with 10 age-matched control cats. METHODS: A biochemical profile, CBC, urinalysis, antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH : GSSG), and neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst were measured. Statistical comparisons (2-tailed t-test) were reported as mean +/- standard deviation. RESULTS: The CRF cats had significantly higher serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and phosphorus concentrations than control cats, and significantly lower PCV and urine specific gravity than control cats. The GSH : GSSG ratio was significantly higher in the CRF group (177.6 +/- 197, 61.7 +/- 33; P < .02) whereas the antioxidant capacity was significantly less in the CRF group (0.56 +/- 0.21, 0.81 +/- 0.13 Trolox units; P < .005). SOD activity was the same in control and CRF cats. Neutrophil oxidative burst after Escherichia coli phagocytosis, measured as an increase in mean fluorescence intensity, was significantly higher in CRF cats than controls (732 +/- 253, 524 +/- 54; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The higher GSH : GSSG ratio and lower antioxidant capacity in CRF cats is consistent with activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms. It remains to be determined if supplementation with antioxidants such as SOD beyond the level of control cats would be of benefit in cats with CRF.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20384951/