We are thrilled to announce the winners of the PURINA® PRO PLAN® and FVE Research Grants for 2024! This year, three outstanding projects have been selected to receive funding, reflecting innovation, dedication, and a commitment to advancing knowledge in companion animal nutrition.
The winners are:
- Georgia Bussone
Project Summary: In recent years, pet nutrition has gained significant importance in both the pet industry and the veterinary field, driven by growing interest from pet owners. Pet caregivers have become increasingly aware of the role nutrition plays in animal health, demanding higher-quality products, especially concerning nutrient composition. The quality of a diet is determined not only by its nutrient content but also by the digestibility of its components. Traditionally, digestibility determination required in vivo trials involving animals housed in metabolic cages, and in some cases, fistulated dogs. However, such methods are now considered incompatible with modern animal welfare standards. Consequently, there is a clear need for more ethical and cost-effective alternatives. To address this, an in vitro digestibility method for dogs was recently developed. This lab-based method eliminates the need for live animals, promoting animal welfare while allowing for the evaluation of a wider range of products. However, this method is species-specific, leaving a critical gap in digestibility studies for cats. Our study aims to bridge this gap by developing a species-specific in vitro digestibility method for cats. This approach would enable the pet food industry to avoid in vivo trials, reducing the number of experimental animals involved in these studies and advancing ethical standards in pet nutrition research. By extending the application of in vitro methods to cats, we aim to contribute to both scientific innovation and improved animal welfare practices.
Funding Awarded: 5957€
- Diana Brozić
Project Summary: Canine chronic enteropathies (CE) is a term used to describe persistent or recurrent signs of digestive dysfunction. The chronic nature of the condition is defined by clinical signs that persist for 3 weeks or longer. CE are categorized based on their responsiveness to treatment, where food-responsive enteropathies (FREs) constitute the majority of chronic enteropathies in dogs, with a prevalence of over 60% in several studies. Therefore, dietary intervention lies at the basis of chronic enteropathy treatment. This study aims to determine the effects of disease remission in FREs dogs on oxidative and antioxidant status monitored through the concentration of malondialdehyde, SOD, and GPx and protein fractions in serum. Recent studies demonstrated that canine acute diarrhea could induce redox imbalance. Nevertheless, its role in the etiopathogenesis and evolution of the disease should be further investigated. We hypothesize a difference in oxidative and antioxidative status in symptomatic dogs versus dogs in remission and marked differences in protein fractions in plasma. Capillary serum protein electrophoresis (CSPE) is used in animals with hyperglobulinemia to differentiate between monoclonal and polyclonal gammopathies. CSPE can also highlight acute or chronic inflammatory patterns that are useful for disease monitoring. With our results, we aim to improve potential ways of nutritional management in food-responsive chronic enteropathies. The knowledge gained from the proposed study will better explain the environment of patients in remission compared to symptomatic patients based on oxidative and antioxidant status and serum protein fractions, with the results ultimately being used to improve nutritional interventions.
Funding Awarded: €8257.31
- Sara Hoummady
Project Summary: Recent research highlights a potential link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with hypotheses suggesting mechanisms involving amyloid-beta (Aβ) homeostasis alterations and changes in blood-brain barrier permeability. Amyloid deposits have also been found in the gastrointestinal tracts of AD patients, linking brain function to gut health. However, the origin of these deposits remains unclear. Feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD), affecting up to 50% of pet cats aged 15 or older, resembles AD but has poorly been studied. FCD cannot be cured, but interventions such as environmental enrichment, and dietary supplements are more and more recommended by veterinarians. However, more research is needed to better understand this condition and improve support for affected animals, enhancing the quality of life for both cats and their families. Literature describes promising links between gut microbiota behaviour, and cognitive performance in dogs but this remains to be confirmed in cats. This project aims to explore the relationship between gut microbiota alteration and cognitive performance in senior cats. A cohort of 30 aged cats will undergo cognitive testing in their home environment, alongside faecal sample analysis of their microbiome. The findings could pave the way for a better understanding and management of FCD in cats, improving their well-being and providing insights into the gut-brain connection in animals.
Funding Awarded: €5,785.69
We are inspired by the groundbreaking work of these researchers and the potential impact their findings will have on the companion animal nutrition field. Each project exemplifies the spirit of innovation and scientific curiosity that PURINA® PRO PLAN® and FVE grants aim to support.
Congratulations to all the winners! 🎉