Oxidative stress and neutrophil function in cats with chronic renal failure

Oxidative stress is an important component in the progression of chronic renal failure (CRF) and neutrophil function may be impaired by oxidative stress.

Cats with CRF have increased oxidative stress and decreased neutrophil function compared with control cats.

Twenty cats with previously diagnosed renal failure were compared with 10 age-matched control cats.

A biochemical profile, CBC, urinalysis, antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH : GSSG), and neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst were measured. Statistical comparisons (2-tailed t-test) were reported as mean +/- standard deviation.

The CRF cats had significantly higher serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and phosphorus concentrations than control cats, and significantly lower PCV and urine specific gravity than control cats. The GSH : GSSG ratio was significantly higher in the CRF group (177.6 +/- 197, 61.7 +/- 33; P < .02) whereas the antioxidant capacity was significantly less in the CRF group (0.56 +/- 0.21, 0.81 +/- 0.13 Trolox units; P < .005). SOD activity was the same in control and CRF cats. Neutrophil oxidative burst after Escherichia coli phagocytosis, measured as an increase in mean fluorescence intensity, was significantly higher in CRF cats than controls (732 +/- 253, 524 +/- 54; P < .05).

The higher GSH : GSSG ratio and lower antioxidant capacity in CRF cats is consistent with activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms. It remains to be determined if supplementation with antioxidants such as SOD beyond the level of control cats would be of benefit in cats with CRF.