Published: 25 Mar 2015 | Last Updated: 25 Mar 2015 16:16:51

A new RVC study published in PLoS One has investigated the role of inflammasome in canine chronic enteropathy (CCE).

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease( IBD) in dogs is still unknown, and in particular, the cytokines involved in the local inflammatory process have not been elucidated so far. This new study looked at the expression of cytokines of the inflammasome complex in dogs with IBD , and in particular IL-1beta and IL-18.  It shows that IL-1β protein expression in dogs with IBD is elevated and  decreases after dietary treatment.  

The data of this study suggest that the inflammasome or its components may be partially involved in the pathogenesis of IBD in dogs, but distinct from intestinal inflammation in humans.  These findings could lead to novel avenues to explore treatment options with immunomodulatory drugs in canine IBD.  

Schmitz, S; Werling, D; Allenspach, K.
Effects of Ex-Vivo and In-Vivo Treatment with Probiotics on the Inflammasome in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathy.(2015)
PLoS One, 10;3:e0120779.