Effects of Passive Immunization by Anti-Gingipain IgY on the Oral Health of Cats Fed Kibble Diets

Abstract

Porphyromonas gulae is one of the key microorganisms in biofilm dysbiosis that leads to periodontal disease, a prevalent disease in cats. Gingipains are proteases secreted that promote the disruption of cell adhesion and the differentiation of osteoclasts. The use of anti-gingipain immunoglobulin Y (IgY-GP) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional prevention and treatment methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of IgY-GP on different parameters related to oral health in cats. Twenty adult mixed-breed cats were divided into 2 groups of 10 cats fed with 2 extruded diets differing only by coating. The control group received a coating of 4 g/kg of powdered egg and the test group received a coating of 4 g/kg of IgY-GP. The experiment followed a crossover design with 2 periods, each lasting 40 days with a washout period of 30 days. The evaluated parameters were plaque, calculus, gingivitis index, and percentage of Porphyromonas gingivalis of the oral cavity (%PG-OC) at baseline and after 40 days of diet consumption. All cats remained healthy throughout the study and no adverse reactions or side effects were observed. After 40 days of IgY-GP consumption, the plaque index was significantly lower compared to the baseline (P ¼ .0133). There were no significant changes in calculus index, gingivitis index, and %PG-OC between groups after 40 days (P > .05). The consumption of IgY-GP reduces plaque accumulation, which may lead to an improvement in the oral health of adult cats.

IgYs: on her majesty’s secret service

“…After 40 days of a diet enriched with specific IgY (around 213 mg of IgY/cat/day), the analyzed parameters such as plaque formation, dental calculus, gingivitis index, and percentage of Porphyromonas gingivalis of the oral cavity were evaluated. The plaque index was reduced when compared to the control group ( 325 ).…”

Production and characteristics of a novel chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) against periodontitis-associated pathogens

“…In addition, in vivo trials are introduced to investigate the therapeutic effects of IgY. For instance, Oba and colleagues demonstrated that the consumption of specific IgY against P. gingivalis gingipain reduces the accumulation of subgingival dental plaque in cats [ 35 ]. Also, treatment with IgY from hens immunized with whole F. nucleatum cells results in a marked decrease in alveolar bone loss after F. nucleatum infection in a mouse model [ 36 ].…”

Nutrition as a Tool to Control Periodontal Diseases in Dogs and Cats

“…By blocking the effect of gingipains it avoids the disruption of cell adhesion and therefore, prevent the formation of periodontal pocket and consequently the progression of periodontal disease [23,24]. In cats, the consumption this additive on the diet coat (4g/kg of diet) was able to reduce dental plaque [14]. In dogs, 35mg/kg of body weight once a day and 17.5mg/kg of body weight twice a day reduced significantly the dental calculus and gingivitis [13].…”

“…Blocking the effect of gingipain this additive prevents the formation of periodontal pocket and consequently the progression of periodontal disease. Positive results with the use of IgY-GP in the oral health of dogs and cats have been reported, reducing dental plaque in cats and dental calculus and gingivitis in dogs [13,14]. Omega-3 can control the production of inflammatory compounds aiding in cases where periodontal disease already causes inflammation and pain [15].…”