Urinary oxalate, citrate, and gamma glutamyl transferase alterations after administration of Cynodon dactylon extract in cats

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Urinary oxalate and citrate are the key<br />factors in caox urolithiasis of cats and Gamma Glutamyl<br />Transferase is a good test for assessment of kidney damage.<br />Favorable effects of Cynodon dactylon on calcium oxalate stone<br />formation have recently been proved in rats. OBJECTIVES: The<br />present study was designed to investigate the alteration of<br />urinary oxalate, citrate, and GGT after administration of the<br />hydroalcoholic extract of Cynodon dactylon to experimental<br />hyperoxaluric cats. No scientific study has been done so far to<br />demonstrate the beneficial effect of this plant in cats. METHODS:<br />13 mature male cats were randomly divided into 3 groups: group<br />Areceived standard diet and drinking water while, group B and<br />C also received ethylene glycol at sub-toxic dose (130 mg/kg)<br />daily for 30 days. Group C received hydroalcoholic extract of<br />C.dactylon (400 mg/kg) from day 0 to 30, as well. Urine samples<br />were collected on days 0, 15, and 30 and were analyzed for<br />oxalate, citrate, and GGT levels. RESULTS: Urine oxalate level<br />in group B was significantly higher than group C on days 15 and<br />30. Urinary citrate excretion was significantly higher in group C<br />compared to the other groups on day 15; however, it decreased<br />during the entire experiment in groups B and C. Urinary Gamma<br />Glutamyl Transferase level was increased in hyperoxaluric cats<br />and decreased in the treated group during the experiment.<br />CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, C.dactylon extract could<br />reduce the hyperoxaluria and has beneficial effects on<br />preventing the renal damage in cats. Such findings provide a<br />scientific explanation for applying C.dactylon in prevention and<br />possible treatment of CaOx kidney stones in cats and humans.