Induction of Autophagy Improves Skin and Hair Conditions in Dogs with Underlying Diseases

The study involved 22 dogs with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) or pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and examined the effects of a topical autophagy inducer, Aquatide™, over an 8-week period. Results showed significant improvements in skin barrier function, as measured by transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and hair surface damage. Clinical scores for skin conditions also improved, although there was no significant difference in the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-4) and Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS). In vitro tests indicated that Aquatide™ activated the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines. The study concludes that Aquatide™ can be beneficial for improving skin and hair conditions in dogs with certain underlying diseases, potentially through mechanisms related to autophagy, oxidative stress, and inflammation. However, the study's small sample size and short duration were noted as limitations, indicating a need for further research.