The Effect of Atopic Dermatitis and Diet on the Skin Transcriptome in Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Abstract

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) has a hereditary basis that is modified by interactions with the environment, including diet. Differentially expressed genes in non-lesional skin, determined by RNA sequencing before and after a dietary intervention, were compared between dogs with naturally occurring CAD (n = 4) and healthy dogs (n = 4). The dogs were fed either a common commercial heat-processed high carbohydrate food (kibble diet) (n = 4), or a non-processed high fat food (raw meat-based diet) (n = 4). At the end of the diet intervention, 149 differentially expressed transcripts were found between the atopic and healthy dogs. The main canonical pathways altered by the dysregulation of these genes were angiopoietin signaling, epidermal growth factor signaling, activation of angiogenesis, and alterations in keratinocyte proliferation and lipid metabolism. On the other hand, 33 differently expressed transcripts were found between the two diet groups, of which 8 encode genes that are annotated in the current version of the dog genome: immunoglobulin heavy constant mu (IGHM), immunoglobulin lambda-like polypeptide 5 (IGLL5), B-cell antigen receptor complex-associated protein beta chain (CD79B), polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1), secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor (SLPI), and mitochondrial ribosome recycling factor (MRRF). All genes were upregulated in the raw diet group. In conclusion the findings of this study suggest alterations in lipid and keratinocyte metabolism as well as angiogenesis in the skin of atopic dogs. Additionally, a possible enhancement of innate immunity and decrease in oxidative stress was seen in raw food fed dogs, which could have an important role in preventing hypersensitivities and disturbed immunity at young age.

Snail Mucus Filtrate Reduces Inflammation in Canine Progenitor Epidermal Keratinocytes (CPEK)

“…Notably, the transcriptional regulation of many of these markers was modulated by nutraceutical exposure [ 29 ] because it involves binding of toll-like receptors and downregulation of the predominately Th2-mediated allergic response [ 30 ]. It is now accepted that the regular utilization of food supplements (polyphenols, essential fatty acids, vitamins or probiotics) has beneficial effects on animals [ 31 ]. Epidemiological data regarding the development of cAD and the analysis of the impact on patients’ lives today justify the need to identify new and sustainable therapeutic strategies aimed at counteracting both the development and complications of atopic dermatitis.…”

Polyphenols and Cannabidiol Modulate Transcriptional Regulation of Th1/Th2 Inflammatory Genes Related to Canine Atopic Dermatitis

“…Of relevance, the transcriptional regulation of many of these markers was modulated by the nutraceutical exposure. It is well-established that the regular use of dietary supplements, such as essential fatty acids (EFAs), polyphenols, probiotics, or vitamins, has benefits for atopic animals (28)(29)(30)(31)(32). Their mechanisms of action in canine AD are not completely elucidated but may involve binding of toll-like receptors and downregulation of the predominately Th2mediated allergic response (3,33,34).…”

Puppyhood diet as a factor in the development of owner‐reported allergy/atopy skin signs in adult dogs in Finland

“…It has been widely assumed that early life dietary exposures might be a major contributor to the development of AD in dogs later in life 11 . Furthermore, it has been reported that gene expression may constantly be epigenetically regulated by the early diet, 19‐21 via promoting gut microbiota diversity 22 . Recent studies have demonstrated that the composition of the gut environment, including both its diversity in microbes and chemical compounds, differs between healthy and AD patients 23‐25 …”