02651: Discovery of Novel Biomarkers of Canine Atopic Dermatitis through Lipid Profiling

Grant Amount: $99,105

Harm HogenEsch, DVM, PhD; Purdue University

May 1, 2019 - April 30, 2021

Sponsor(s): American Bullmastiff Association, Bichon Frise Club of America, Boston Terrier Club of America, Labrador Retriever Club, Inc., Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Westie Foundation of America, Inc.

Breed(s): -All Dogs

Research Program Area: Dermatology and Allergic Disease

Abstract

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a common allergic skin disease of dogs with a strong genetic basis. CAD can severely affect the health and well-being of dogs and current diagnosis of CAD requires time-consuming and expensive procedures for the owner.  Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying this condition are not well understood. Evidence from human studies suggests that several variants of atopic dermatitis (AD) exist with different mechanisms and responses to treatment. Therefore, new approaches to identify molecular markers that can help with better diagnosis and management are warranted. CAD and human AD are associated with changes in the composition of lipids in the epidermis which may precede the inflammation or result from the inflammation. The investigators will analyze the lipid composition of the epidermis and blood of healthy dogs in comparison to dogs with CAD using a novel analytical method developed by their interdisciplinary team.  The results of this work could lead to new, minimally-invasive tests for the diagnosis of CAD and for the prediction and monitoring of the response of CAD patients to treatment.

Publication(s)

Franco, J., Rajwa, B., Gomes, P., & HogenEsch, H. (2021). Local and Systemic Changes in Lipid Profile as Potential Biomarkers for Canine Atopic Dermatitis. Metabolites, 11(10), 670. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11100670