AUTHOR=Kim Yoonji , Lee Seung-Hwa , Song Yunji , Jeong Sekyoo , Kim Ha-Jung 

TITLE=Induction of autophagy improves skin and hair conditions in dogs with underlying diseases

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1078259

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2023.1078259

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Background</title><p>Autophagy was reported to play a crucial role in maintaining general and skin health.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>The study used a synthesized autophagy inducer (AI) (Aquatide™ cospharm Inc.; Daejeon, Korea), for evaluating the effects of autophagy on skin and hair in dogs. Twenty-two dogs with poor skin and hair which were diagnosed with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) or pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) were included. Clinical scores using Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index-04 (CADESI-04), Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) and skin barrier function using measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were evaluated and canine keratinocytes were also used <italic>in vitro</italic> investigation of pro-inflammatory cytokines after AI treatment.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>In the AI group, clinical scores and skin barrier function were improved at week 8 significantly compared to in the other groups. In particular, the AI significantly improved the hair surface damage at 8 weeks compared to the baseline. <italic>In vitro</italic>, the AI reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines by activating the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78).</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>AI improve skin barrier function and hair damage and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in dogs.</p></sec>