Free radicals are constantly generated in vivo and contribute significantly to the development of chronic degenerative disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms. Overproduction of ROS leads to oxidation of lipids and proteins, damaging cells under both normal and pathological conditions.
Some studies have indicated that consumption of food products high in antioxidants or antioxidant supplements is correlated with a decrease in the risk rate of the aforementioned diseases.
Researchers in Thailand wanted to study the effects on dogs of Rice Bran Hydrolysate (RBH) protein hydrolysate, as it possesses potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiotensin (ACE) and hypolipidemic effects already known in humans. In addition, rice bran is abundantly used by the pet food industry.
Eighteen adult dogs were divided into 2 groups: control group (n = 7) and group supplemented with rice bran hydrolysate (n = 11), which received a diet with the same nutritional compositions. The supplemented group was fed RBH 500 mg/kg body weight mixed with food for 30 days. Body weight, blood glucose, lipid profiles, liver enzymes, electrocardiogram, plasma ACE activity, oxidative stress, and antioxidant biomarkers were determined on day 0 and day 30 from the start of supplementation.
The antioxidant effects
The results showed that RBH reduced oxidative stress and increased antioxidant biomarkers by significantly reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl in plasma, increasing blood glutathione (GSH), and improving GSH redox ratio. In addition, a reduction in LDL-C levels and an increase in HDL-C levels were found after RBH supplementation, while body weight, blood glucose, liver enzymes, plasma ACE activity and cardiac function were not significantly changed.
The results of this study show that oxidative stress can be found in adult dogs and thatRBH supplementation can improve and alleviate oxidative stress by modulating oxidative stress biomarkers and enhancing the GSH antioxidant defense system.
In addition, the beneficial effect of RBH on serum lipid profiles is evident in adult dogs.
Considering the health benefits of rice bran hydrolysate, its supplementation could be useful for many disease conditions in dogs, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and even aging.
Reference
Reference: SUWANNACHOT et al. Supplementation with rice bran hydrolysate reduces oxidative stress and improves lipid profiles in adult dogs. 2023 The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science. DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0513.
