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Mefepronic acid is associated with a decrease in serum liver enzyme activities in dogs with suspected hepatopathy
Fausto Quintavalla1, Elisa Gelsi2, Luca Battaglia3
1Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Italy.
Veterinary Medicine and Science
|May 6, 2021
Summary
Mefepronic acid (PMPA), a PPAR agonist, significantly reduced liver enzyme activities in dogs with suspected hepatopathies faster than conventional ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment. These findings suggest PMPA as a potential supportive therapy for canine liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diagnosing canine hepatopathies can be challenging, often necessitating supportive treatments to manage fibrosis and support liver function.
- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors regulating lipid and glucose metabolism, emerging as therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of mefepronic acid (PMPA), a PPAR agonist, on liver enzyme markers in dogs with suspected hepatopathies.
- To compare PMPA's effects with conventional ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment.
Main Methods:
- Twenty dogs with suspected hepatopathies were divided into two groups.
- The treatment group (n=10) received daily subcutaneous PMPA (10 mg/kg) for 7 days.
- The control group (n=10) received oral UDCA (10 mg/kg) for 45 days.
Main Results:
- PMPA demonstrated a more rapid decrease in liver enzyme activities compared to UDCA.
- The beneficial effects of PMPA on liver enzymes were largely sustained after treatment cessation.
- UDCA treatment showed slower reduction in liver enzyme activities.
Conclusions:
- PMPA shows promise as an effective supportive treatment for dogs suffering from suspected hepatopathies.
- The faster and sustained reduction in liver enzymes suggests PMPA's potential in managing canine liver conditions.
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