Investigation of the Clinical Efficacy of Quercetin in Feline Atopic Dermatitis Syndrome

Authors

  • Tunahan Carpan Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 09100, Aydın, Turkey
  • Ilayda Tendar Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 09100, Aydın, Turkey
  • Tahir Ozalp Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 09100, Aydın, Turkey
  • Songül Erdogan Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 09100, Aydın, Turkey
  • Hasan Erdoğan Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 09100, Aydın, Turkey
  • Kerem Ural Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 09100, Aydın, Turkey

Keywords:

Atopy, cat, Quercetin

Abstract

Feline Atopic Skin Syndrome (FASS) is a common dermatological condition in cats, linked to oxidative stress and variable skin lesions. While glucocorticoids and antihistamines are standard treatments, the inconsistent feasibility of allergen avoidance and immunotherapies necessitates the use of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents like prednisolone or cyclosporine. However, their side effects can limit long-term use, driving research into alternative therapies to mitigate these drawbacks.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of quercetin on oxidative stress parameters and clinical findings in cats with FASS. Thirty-six cats were included in the study and divided into two groups: cats diagnosed with FASS (n = 27) and healthy cats (n = 9). Additionally, cats diagnosed with FASS were grouped according to their clinical presentations, which included Head-and-Neck Pruritus (HNP), Self-Induced Alopecia (SIA), Miliary Dermatitis (MD), Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (EGC), and Dermatitis. Quercetin treatment (3 mg.kg-1) was administered orally for 14 days in both groups. Clinical findings were assessed on days 0, 7, and 14 using SCORFAD, FEDESI, and VAS scoring systems, alongside blood analyses for thiol-disulfide balance. Significant reductions in clinical scores (FEDESI, SCORFAD, VAS) were observed in the HNP and MD groups, while improvement was limited to one cat in the SIA group. Although no significant differences in thiol-disulfide balance were detected between groups, slight reductions in total thiol and disulfide levels were noted. These results indicate that quercetin may alleviate oxidative stress and improve clinical outcomes in FASS treatment.

References

Beken, B., Serttas, R., Yazicioglu, M., Turkekul, K., & Erdogan, S. (2020). Quercetin improves inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired wound healing in atopic dermatitis model of human keratinocytes. Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology, 33(2), 69–79. https://doi.org/10.1089/ped.2019.1137

Chen, H., Lu, C., Liu, H., Wang, M., Zhao, H., Yan, Y., & Han, L. (2017). Quercetin ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice via the NF-κB pathway. International Immunopharmacology, 48, 110–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2017.04.022

Chirumbolo, S. (2010). The role of quercetin, flavonols, and flavones in modulating inflammatory cell function. Inflammation & Allergy-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets-Inflammation & Allergy) (Discontinued), 9(4), 263–285. https://doi.org/10.2174/187152810793358741

Erden Inal, M., Kahraman, A., & Köken, T. (2001). Beneficial effects of quercetin on oxidative stress induced by ultraviolet A. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 26(6), 536–539. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2230.2001.00884.x

Fürst, R., & Zündorf, I. (2014). Plant-derived anti-inflammatory compounds: Hopes and disappointments regarding the translation of preclinical knowledge into clinical progress. Mediators Inflamm, 2014(1). https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/146832

Ganz, E. C., Griffin, C. E., Keys, D. A., & Flatgard, T. A. (2012). Evaluation of methylprednisolone and triamcinolone for the induction and maintenance treatment of pruritus in allergic cats: A double-blinded, randomized, prospective study. Veterinary Dermatology, 23(5), 387–e72. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3164.2012.01058.x

Halliwell, R., Pucheu‐Haston, C. M., Olivry, T., Prost, C., Jackson, H., Banovic, F., ... & Mueller, R. S. (2021). Feline allergic diseases: introduction and proposed nomenclature. Veterinary Dermatology, 32(1), 8–e2. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12899

Hobi, S., Linek, M., Marignac, G., Olivry, T., Beco, L., Nett, C., ... & Favrot, C. (2011). Clinical characteristics and causes of pruritus in cats: A multicentre study on feline hypersensitivity-associated dermatoses. Veterinary Dermatology, 22(5), 406–413. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3164.2011.00962.x

Jafarinia, M., Sadat Hosseini, M., Kasiri, N., Fazel, N., Fathi, F., Ganjalikhani Hakemi, M., & Eskandari, N. (2020). Quercetin with the potential effect on allergic diseases. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, 16, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13223-020-00434-0

Kanzaki, N., Saito, K., Maeda, A., Kitagawa, Y., Kiso, Y., Watanabe, K., ... & Yamaguchi, H. (2012). Effect of a dietary supplement containing glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, and quercetin glycosides on symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 92(4), 862–869. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.4643

Karuppagounder, V., Arumugam, S., Thandavarayan, R. A., Pitchaimani, V., Sreedhar, R., Afrin, R., ... & Watanabe, K. (2015). Tannic acid modulates NFκB signaling pathway and skin inflammation in NC/Nga mice through PPARγ expression. Cytokine, 76(2), 206–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2015.05.016

Kim, B. H., Choi, J. S., Yi, E. H., Lee, J. K., Won, C., Ye, S. K., & Kim, M. H. (2013). Relative antioxidant activities of quercetin and its structurally related substances and their effects on NF-κB/CRE/AP-1 signaling in murine macrophages. Molecules and Cells, 35, 410–420. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10059-013-0031-z

Kim, B., Choi, Y. E., & Kim, H. S. (2014). Eruca sativa and its flavonoid components, quercetin and isorhamnetin, improve skin barrier function by activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and suppression of inflammatory cytokines. Phytotherapy Research, 28(9), 1359–1366. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5138

Kobayashi, M., Okada, Y., Ueno, H., Mizorogi, T., Ohara, K., Kawasumi, K., ... & Arai, T. (2020). Effects of supplementation with an anti-inflammatory compound extracted from herbs in healthy and obese cats. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 39–44. https://doi.org/10.2147/VMRR.S240516

Lim, H. J., Kang, S. H., Song, Y. J., Jeon, Y. D., & Jin, J. S. (2021). Inhibitory effect of quercetin on Propionibacterium acnes-induced skin inflammation. International Immunopharmacology, 96, 107557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107557

Marsella, R. (2021). Atopic dermatitis in domestic animals: What our current understanding is and how this applies to clinical practice. Veterinary Sciences, 8(7), 124. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8070124

Marsella, R., & De Benedetto, A. (2017). Atopic dermatitis in animals and people: an update and comparative review. Veterinary Sciences, 4(3), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci4030037

Mueller, R. S. (2020). Feline Atopic Syndrome: Diagnosis. Feline Dermatology, 465–474. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29836-4_22

Mueller, R. S., Nuttall, T., Prost, C., Schulz, B., & Bizikova, P. (2021). Treatment of the feline atopic syndrome-a systematic review. Veterinary dermatology, 32(1), 43–e8.https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12909

Olivry, T., DeBoer, D. J., Prélaud, P., Bensignor, E., & International Task Force on Canine Atopic Dermatitis. (2007). Food for

thought: pondering the relationship between canine atopic dermatitis and cutaneous adverse food reactions. Veterinary Dermatology, 18(6), 390–391.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3164.2007.00625.x

Olivry, T., Saridomichelakis, M., & International Committee on Atopic Diseases of Animals (ICADA). (2013). Evidence‐ based guidelines for anti‐allergic drug withdrawal times before allergen‐specific intradermal and IgE serological tests in dogs. Veterinary dermatology, 24(2), 225–e49.https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12016

Pfeuffer, M., Auinger, A., Bley, U., Kraus-Stojanowic, I., Laue, C., Winkler, P., ... & Schrezenmeir, J. (2013). Effect of quercetin on traits of the metabolic syndrome, endothelial function and inflammation in men with different APOE isoforms. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 23(5), 403–409.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2011.09.006

Potenza, L., Calcabrini, C., De Bellis, R., Mancini, U., Cucchiarini, L., & Dachà, M. (2008). Effect of quercetin on oxidative nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage. Biofactors, 33(1), 33–48. https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.5520330104

Ravens, P. A., Xu, B. J., & Vogelnest, L. J. (2014). Feline atopic dermatitis: a retrospective study of 45 cases (2001–2012). Veterinary dermatology, 25(2), 95–e28.https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12116

Santoro, D., Pucheu‐Haston, C. M., Prost, C., Mueller, R. S., & Jackson, H. (2021). Clinical signs and diagnosis of feline atopic syndrome: detailed guidelines for a correct diagnosis. Veterinary dermatology, 32(1), 26–e6. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12935

Scott, D. W., & Miller, W. J. (2013). Feline atopic dermatitis: a retrospective study of 194 cases (1988–2003). Jpn J Vet Dermatol, 19(3), 135–147. https://doi.org/10.2736/jjvd.19.135

Scott, D. W., Miller, W. H., Griffin, C. E., & Muller, G. H. (2001). Canine scabies. Muller & Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology. 6th ed, WB Saunders, Philadelphia (pp. 476–485).

Weng, Z., Zhang, B., Asadi, S., Sismanopoulos, N., Butcher, A., Fu, X., & Theoharides, T. C. (2012). Quercetin is more effective than cromolyn in blocking human mast cell cytokine release and inhibits contact dermatitis and photosensitivity in humans. PloS one, 7(3), e33805.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0033805

Xiao, M., Huang, M., Dong, J., & Wang, D. (2023). Study on the Treatment of Experimental Dermatitis with Ginkgo biloba Leaf Extract and Quercetin.

Yang, H. H., Hwangbo, K., Zheng, M. S., Cho, J. H., Son, J. K., Kim, H. Y., & Kim, J. R. (2014). Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide isolated from Polygonum aviculare inhibits cellular senescence in human primary cells. Archives of pharmacal research, 37, 1219–1233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-014-0344-2

Downloads

Published

2025-03-31

Issue

Section

Animal Science