Analysis of the fecal microbiota of healthy dogs and dogs with chronic kidney disease

• Grant number: 25/07459-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Animal Nutrition and Feeding
• Principal Investigator: Thiago Henrique Annibale Vendramini
• Grantee: Evelyn Pasqualini
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/06499-6 - Multi-omic analysis of metabolism and microbiota of healthy and sick dogs and cats, AP.GR

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota is involved in several metabolic and immunological processes in the organism of both healthy and sick dogs. Microbial diversity and its symbiotic relationship with the host are essential for homeostasis and animal well-being. Several factors can unbalance the intestinal microbiota, favoring the development of diseases. In this context, given the many metabolic and endocrine alterations involved in chronic kidney disease (CKD), the observed dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota can also contribute to its progressive content. In this context, the present study aims to analyze and understand the complexity of the intestine-kidney axis in healthy dogs and dogs with chronic kidney disease. For this purpose, ten dogs of different breeds, aged between 8 and 12 years, diagnosed with CKD in stages 2 or 3 according to the IRIS guidelines, and without associated diseases will be selected; and ten healthy dogs, with age characteristics and body composition similar to those with CKD, which will compose the control group. After screening, all animals will receive the same diet for 60 days, followed by 15 days of collection (D60-D75) for fecal microbiota analysis. Fresh feces will be collected with sterile gloves and submitted to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Analysis of bacterial genera will be performed by LEfSe; alpha and beta diversity, by Kruskal-Wallis and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity tests, respectively; and differences in the general microbiota profile, by PERMANOVA (P<0.05).