Effects of Silybin Supplementation on Nutrient Digestibility, Hematological Parameters, Liver Performance, and Liver-specific mi-RNA Concentration in Dogs

Abstract BackgroundHepatopathies are an important group of disorders in dogs, where proper nutritional care is crucial. Supplementation with a hepatoprotectant like silybin can improve liver performance, subsequently it should not interfere with nutrient digestibility. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of either pure silybin or commercial hepatoprotectant on nutrients digestibility, liver performance and health status in healthy dogs (EXP1). Moreover, the second experiment (EXP2) investigated the effect of commercial hepatoprotectant on liver laboratory test and liver-associated miRNA concentrations in dogs with idiopathic liver disorder. ResultsNutrient digestibility was not affected by treatment in EXP1. Supplementation did not affect serum fatty acid profile, with the exception of C20:5 n3. The levels of liver markers such as ALT, AST and GGT significantly decreased. In EXP2, supplementation with commercial hepatoprotectant containing silybin improved liver laboratory test. A decrease was observed in liver serum markers and miR122 concentration.ConclusionsEXP1 confirmed that silybin (whether pure or as a commercial hepatoprotectant) does not interfere with digestion and subsequently exerts no detrimental effect on dogs’ health and metabolism. In EXP2, dietary supplementation with commercial hepatoprotectant containing silybin resulted in decreased activity of serum liver markers, accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of liver-specific miRNA molecules. Liver performance was consequently improved. Silybin supplementation can thus serve as an effective therapeutical tool in dogs with hepatopathies.