Preventative Maintenance For Pets – Oxidative Stress

Preventative Maintenance Series #3: Oxidative Stress

The endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis within the body during periods of oxidative stress (Atalay et al., 2019). The endocannabinoid system is regulated by the ingestion of cannabinoids via hemp products and the animal's cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) already present in the body (Atalay et al., 2019). Hemp seeds have been utilized as a resource for food, fiber, dietary oil, and for their medicinal properties for hundreds of years (Girgih et al., 2014). Hemp seeds are comprised of 30% oil and 25% protein, with current research focused on how hemp seeds have the ability to neutralize toxic free radicals in the body (Girgih et al., 2014). When an animal is constantly under high stress, free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are over-produced and can cause damage to nearby cells (Girgih et al., 2014). The increased number of free radicals and ROS can lead to inflammation and even cell death. Oxidative stress is part of the natural aging process and can also be induced if an animal is over-exercised (Sechi et al., 2017).

Causes and Dangers of Oxidative Stress in Dogs

Oxidative stress can be seen in dogs when they exert themselves to the point of exhaustion (Sechi et al., 2017). Oxidative stress caused by too much exercise may lead to increased muscle fatigue, muscle fiber damage, and may even affect the immune system (Sechi et al., 2017). This has been seen in animals that race, such as dogs and horses, as well as animals that compete in physical competitions. Within an animal's body, the muscles and blood system are enriched with antioxidants to combat free radicals. Natural metabolic reactions continually take place to maintain homeostasis between the creation of free radicals and antioxidants. If that balance is altered by overexertion, the body produces increased free radicals and ROS. Another factor that may influence the amount of oxidative stress a dog incurs is its size (Jimenez et al., 2018).

Aging and Oxidative Stress in Dogs Small and Large

Dog sizes vary from small chihuahuas to extremely large mastiffs; however, smaller breeds tend to have a longer lifespan compared to bigger breeds (Jimenez et al., 2018). The size of a dog is associated with its metabolic rate, including mitochondrial function. Mitochondria provide a critical source of energy within cells and are most affected by oxidative damage due to ROS production within mitochondrial organelles. When mitochondria are damaged from oxidative stress, gene expression can be altered, leading to structural damage. The "oxidative stress" theory of aging states that aging is not a genetically programmed phenomenon, but happens because of the damage of oxidative stress on the genetic machinery (Jimenez et al., 2018). Large dog breeds experience cell turnover more frequently, which may make them more prone to structural damage. Chronic oxidative stress in large dogs may lead to increased rates of disease and an earlier mortality rate compared to smaller breeds. In one study, large-breed dogs demonstrated a larger percentage of DNA damage compared to small-breed dogs. Incorporating hemp products into a dog's diet may be a preventative maintenance tool when taking action against oxidative stress as a part of the aging process.

Hemp Seed Meal Protein Hydrolysate (HMH)

Hemp seed meal protein hydrolysate (HMH) may be a possible preventative maintenance option for dogs facing oxidative stress. HMH was able to decrease oxidative stress in hypertensive rats (Girgih et al., 2014). In this study, it was concluded that HMH reduced the rate of lipid peroxidation, which had been causing oxidative stress and an overproduction of free radicals and ROS. This decrease in lipid peroxidation led to an increase in antioxidant enzymes in the body and a decreased oxidative stress response. HMH contains specific amino acids that form peptides with the ability to neutralize ROS and prevent metal-catalyzed lipid peroxidation. When ROS levels are lowered, non-enzymatic antioxidants are protected, which increases the number of antioxidants in the body (Atalay et al., 2019). Further research is needed on how HMH may affect dogs over their lifespan.

Research on CBD and Oxidative Stress

CBD also plays a major role in reducing oxidative stress within the body (Atalay et al., 2019). CBD has been found to contain 30-50% more antioxidant properties compared to alpha-tocopherol or vitamin C. CBD protects lipids and proteins against oxidative damage by modulating the level of oxidative stress, which participates in cell signaling pathways. CBD utilizes the redox system, which transfers electrons from free radicals and modifies them into less active molecules. CBD is also involved in the Fenton Reaction through the chelation of transition metal ions, which decreases the creation of ROS in the body. Reduced transition metal ion concentration has been demonstrated to slow down the formation of beta-amyloids in neurons, which is part of the aging process. Hemp products containing HMH and CBD may play an essential role in dogs and all animals as they naturally accumulate oxidative stress through free radical and ROS production. Further research is needed to see how hemp products may affect oxidative stress levels in a dog's body over its entire lifespan.

If you'd like to add organic, full-spectrum hemp to your dog's daily routine, explore our hemp for dogs collection, made with the same Colorado-grown hemp discussed in this research.

References

1. Girgih, A. T., Alashi, A. M., He, R., Malomo, S. A., Raj, P., Netticadan, T., & Aluko, R. E. (2014). A novel hemp seed meal protein hydrolysate reduces oxidative stress factors in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Nutrients, 6(12), 5652-5666.
2. Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.
3. Sechi, S., Fiore, F., Chiavolelli, F., Dimauro, C., Nudda, A., & Cocco, R. (2017). Oxidative stress and food supplementation with antioxidants in therapy dogs. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, 81(3), 206-216.
4. Jimenez, A. G., Winward, J., Beattie, U., & Cipolli, W. (2018). Cellular metabolism and oxidative stress as a possible determinant for longevity in small breed and large breed dogs. PLoS One, 13(4), e0195832.