Veterinary researcher Chonnam National University of Veterinary medicine Buk-gu Yong-bong dong, Cholla-namdo, Republic of Korea
Abstract: Abstract
Background: Trimethylamine N-oxide(TMAO) is known as a biomarker for cardiovascular diseases in humans. Recently, it has been reported to increase in cases of renal failure in humans and is recognized as a biomarker of kidney injury in mouse model studies.
Objective: To evaluate the utility and potential of TMAO as a supportive biomarker for the diagnostic and prognostic of canine chronic kidney disease(CKD). Animals: The CKD group (n = 26) consisted of dogs with CKD as the chief complaint, selected retrospectively. For detailed analysis, the CKD group was classified into Stage 2(n=11), Stage 3(n=8), and Stage 4(n=7) according to the IRIS guidelines. The control group (n = 25) consisted of healthy dogs with no evidence of CKD, confirmed through medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies.
Methods: Serum TMAO levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods.
Results: Dogs with CKD exhibited significantly higher circulating TMAO levels compared to the control group(p < 0.0001). As CKD stage advanced, median TMAO concentrations tended to increase, and each stage showed a statistically significant difference compared to healthy controls(Control vs CKD 2;p < 0.0015, Control vs CKD 3;p < 0.0001, Control vs CKD 4; p<0.0001). Additionally, at the 6-month follow-up, TMAO concentrations were significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors within the CKD group(p=0.0020) Conclusions and Clinical Importance: This pilot study demonstrates the potential diagnostic and prognostic utility of TMAO as a novel biomarker in canine CKD.
