A glutamine and glutamate mixture and its effects on the hematological and biochemical biomarkers in dogs

Abstract

Glutamine has been considered an important agent in the treatment of diseases that lead to hypermetabolic states. Its administration can improve immune response and maintain the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and nitrogen balance, minimizing catabolic effects of diseases. To evaluate the absorption curve of mixture of glutamine and glutamate and its effects on different blood biomarkers in canines, ten clinically healthy dogs of large breeds were evaluated. Blood samples were collected seven times: pretest (fasted for 12 h) and then 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h after supplementation for dosage of Gln, Glu, and hematological and biochemical biomarkers. Results showed increase in Gln during postprandial period with the peak at 5 h after supplementation (P 0.05). Reductions in urate (P 0.05) after supplementation. The concentrations of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit decrease 1 and 2 h after supplementation, while the MCV, MCHC, RDW-SD, and RDW-CV showed no difference (P > 0.05). The platelet count, leukocytes, other cells, lymphocytes, and eosinophils did not change (P > 0.05) throughout the postprandial period. In conclusion, supplementation with a mixture of glutamine and glutamate was able to raise the concentration of these amino acids in the blood of healthy dogs, without changes in blood protein biomarkers and any adverse reaction.