In canine allergic dermatitis, there is a vicious cycle of persistent itching and scratching that may be more common than you think. Recent research has shown that in the US alone, there are approximately 8.2 million medicalized dogs with acute or chronic itch.
What Causes Canine Itch?
Allergies due to fleas, particles in environment such as dust mites, and foods are among the most common triggers of itch, which can be either acute or chronic. One type of allergic disease is atopic dermatitis, which can look very similar to other allergic conditions, making the diagnosis challenging for the veterinarian.
By the time veterinarian is presented with an itchy dog, the owner is usually desperate to find a treatment that is fast, safe, provides relief to the pet, and restores normalcy to the family. For owners of dogs with allergic skin disease, current treatment options have limitations. Treatments may be associated with short-term and long-term side effects or slow onset of action, so pet owners often feel like they are trading one problem for another. A need exists for a new therapeutic approach, which offers quick relief and can be used safely both short-term and long-term.
What are cytokines and Janus Kinase (JAK) enzymes, and how do they contribute to itch?
Historically, allergic skin disease was thought to be a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction mediated by cutaneous mast cells and IgE. However, we now know that cytokines produced by lymphocytes and other cells contribute to canine itch.
Cytokines are secreted signaling proteins that play a key role in cell-to-cell communication; but, their dysregulation can contribute to a variety of diseases. Some cytokines are associated with itch and inflammation, such as those seen in allergic skin disease. When dogs have elevated levels of certain cytokines, they are likely to have itch behavior. Certain itch-inducing, or pruritogenic, cytokines can mediate itching or can signal other cells to release additional mediators of itching and inflammation.
The binding of these cytokines to receptors on the cell surface causes the activation of intracellular enzymes called janus kinase, or JAK, JAK enzymes, in conjunction with cytokine receptors, are integral to cytokine signaling. Activation of JAK enzymes causes a signal to be sent from the cell surface to the nucleus and propagates the signals that lead to inflammatory an pruritic responses. For instance, JAK-1 is involved in the signaling pathway of many cytokines including Interleukin (IL)-31, a recently identified cytokine that plays a key role in canine itch. Activation of JAK-1 can stimulate the production of proteins that transmit signal to the brain to trigger itching and inflammation of the skin.
Specialized Dog Supplements May be the Answer.
There remains a need for a novel therapeutic approaches that provide fast, safe, and effective control of itching and inflammation associated with allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis throughout the lifetime of the dog. New therapies that target JAK-1 may decrease the activity of pruritogenic and pro-inflammatory cytokines, rapidly stopping the continuous cycle of itch and inflammation without the side effects seen with current therapies. Breaking the itch cycle will also give the veterinarian time to diagnose the underlying cause of the itch while allowing the dog’s skin to heal. Ultimately, this will help improve the quality of life for the dogs and their owners.
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