Effects of Silybin Supplementation on Nutrient Digestibility, Hematological Parameters, Liver Performance, and Liver-specific mi-RNA Concentration in Dogs

Abstract

BackgroundHepatopathies are an important group of disorders in dogs, where proper nutritional care is crucial. Supplementation with a hepatoprotectant like silybin can improve liver performance, subsequently it should not interfere with nutrient digestibility. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of either pure silybin or commercial hepatoprotectant on nutrients digestibility, liver performance and health status in healthy dogs (EXP1). Moreover, the second experiment (EXP2) investigated the effect of commercial hepatoprotectant on liver laboratory test and liver-associated miRNA concentrations in dogs with idiopathic liver disorder. ResultsNutrient digestibility was not affected by treatment in EXP1. Supplementation did not affect serum fatty acid profile, with the exception of C20:5 n3. The levels of liver markers such as ALT, AST and GGT significantly decreased. In EXP2, supplementation with commercial hepatoprotectant containing silybin improved liver laboratory test. A decrease was observed in liver serum markers and miR122 concentration.ConclusionsEXP1 confirmed that silybin (whether pure or as a commercial hepatoprotectant) does not interfere with digestion and subsequently exerts no detrimental effect on dogs’ health and metabolism. In EXP2, dietary supplementation with commercial hepatoprotectant containing silybin resulted in decreased activity of serum liver markers, accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of liver-specific miRNA molecules. Liver performance was consequently improved. Silybin supplementation can thus serve as an effective therapeutical tool in dogs with hepatopathies.

Silybum marianum seed extract supplementation positively affects the body weight of weaned piglets by improving voluntary feed intake

“…The renal histological damage protection effect of SMS extract has been demonstrated by Jaggi et al [5]. In addition, plenty of studies have demonstrated that dietary supplementation of SMS extract had no significant effects on the serum creatinine levels in ducks [36], horses [37], and dogs [29]. Therefore, the results of this study indicated that dietary supplementation of SMS extract had no adverse effects on the renal function in weaned piglets.…”

“…The immunostimulatory properties of SMS extract have been reported in human [5,40]. However, the levels of RBC, WBC, IgA, and IgM in blood were not affected by SMS extract supplementation in the diet of dogs [29], broiler chicks [41], and rabbit bucks [42]. At present study, feeding weaned piglets with SMS extract containing diet had no significant effects on the blood immune parameters.…”

“…However, in this study, dietary supplementation of SMS extract had no significant effects on nutrient digestibility and feed efficiency. Similarly, some researchers reported that dietary supplementation of SMS extract did not affect the dry matter and nitrogen digestibility in dogs [29], buffalos [30], and broiler chicks [23]. However, studies that evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of SMS extract on the nutrient digestibility in pigs were still limited, no study can be used for comparison with our study.…”

Use of Milk Thistle in Farm and Companion Animals: A Review

“…In other biochemical parameters, the authors observed a decrease in WBC, neutrophils, eosinophils, ALP, glucose, and α -amylase 101 . With minor relevance, an alteration of the serum fatty acid profile (lower concentration of C20:5-n3 and C22:0 and higher concentration of C15:0 and C17:0) was observed 103 . In the same study, in a dog group with hepatopathies, Hepaxan reduced the hepatic miR-122 gene expression 103 .…”

“…With minor relevance, an alteration of the serum fatty acid profile (lower concentration of C20:5-n3 and C22:0 and higher concentration of C15:0 and C17:0) was observed 103 . In the same study, in a dog group with hepatopathies, Hepaxan reduced the hepatic miR-122 gene expression 103 . The hepatic damage caused by toxic agents was studied in 1990 by Paulova and colleagues 104 , who tested the efficacy of SIL (100 mg/kg-BW/bid) for treating CCl4-induced liver disease in 16 beagles.…”