Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access

An intriguing nutraceutical approach in dogs affected by Keratoconjunctivitis sicca in a human treatment perspective

4^th International Conference on Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology

July 14-16, 2014 DoubleTree by Hilton Baltimore-BWI Airport, USA

Beniamino Palmieri, Destefanis S, Giretto D, Muscolo C, Di Cerbo A, Guidetti G and Canello S

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Clin Exp Ophthalmol

Abstract :

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a corneo-conjunctiva progressive inflammatory disease affecting either humans and dogs with tears production impairment and several ocular symptoms triggered by autoimmune imbalance. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus ointment, steroids drops and artificial tears is the gold standard treatment. Our study is addressed to evaluate the complementary role of 2 months, administered nutraceutical food, in dogs whose immuno-suppressive treatment had proven inadequate. The formula encloses fish proteins, rice carbohydrates, mellonsuperoxid dismutase, Ascophyllum, Astaxantina, Aloe vera, papaya, Punica granatum, Green tea, Polygonum L., Curcuma, Piper nigrum, Zinc and an Omega 3/6 ratio of 1:0.8. The trial involved two group of animals: in the first group, unsatisfactorily responsive to the integrative feeding, after 30 days, the complementary effect of the functional food, joined with the local treatment, gave 120% Schirmer Test improvement and reduction of mean conjunctivitis intensity: 70%, cheratitis lesions: 65%, corneal pigmentation:50% and mucus production 80%. In the second group exclusively cured with the long term diet administration, a drop out of intraocular treatment was attempted to evaluate if functional feeding would support prolonged or permanent control of the symptoms. In 45% animals it was possible to definitely withdraw immunosuppressive treatment, with artificial tears administration follow up. The ongoing study is investigating whether the exclusion of the nutraceutical food might be responsible of KCS relapse or not. Translating our experimental pet investigation, in the human setting, the nutraceutical food administration in Sjogren syndrome should be challenged to relieve the symptoms and improve the life quality of the affected patients.

Biography :

Beniamino Palmieri is a Professor of Experimental Clinical Surgery, University of Modena, Italy. He runs an experimental and clinical group with original studies addressed to: new lactobacilli utilization in supporting tissues and organs failure, and new natural compounds use especially in antioxidant and preventive clinical setting. New diagnostics and therapeutic devices mainly based on point of care philosophy with high standardization criteria.