Objectives

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with accumulation of uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate (IS) in blood and tubular epithelial cells, which contribute to the progression of CKD. The aim of this prospective, randomised, two-centre clinical pilot study was to evaluate the effect of oral spherical carbonaceous adsorbent Renaltec (Porus One) on IS plasma concentration, progression of CKD, parameters of calcium/phosphate homeostasis (total calcium [tCa], phosphorus, fibroblast growth factor 23 [FGF-23]), urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) and faecal dysbiosis index (FDI) in cats with stable CKD International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 2 and 3 over a 6-month period.

Methods

A total of 19 cats with CKD were randomly assigned to the Renaltec group (n = 10, eight stage 2, two stage 3) or control group (n = 9, eight stage 2, one stage 3). All cats received standard of care treatment according to IRIS guidelines. Cats in the Renaltec group received an additional 500 mg q24h of Renaltec administered mixed with food or a liquid cat treat. All cats were examined on day 0 (t0), after 3 months (t1) and after 6 months (t2). Statistical analysis was performed using generalised linear mixed models.

Results

At t0, the Renaltec group cats had significantly lower tCa (P = 0.026) than the control group cats. At t1, there were no differences between the groups, while at t2, the Renaltec group cats had significantly lower IS (P = 0.045) and UPC (P = 0.001) than cats in the control group. Progression of CKD was noted in two cats from each group. The Renaltec group cats had a significantly lower FDI at t2 compared with t1 (P = 0.023) and t0 (P = 0.009).

Conclusions and relevance

Administration of Renaltec over 6 months was associated with the mitigation of parameters linked to CKD progression. Given the pilot nature of the study, these findings should be interpreted with caution and warrant further investigation.

Plain language summary

Study on the effect of Renaltec in cats with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common condition in older cats. It causes waste products such as indoxyl sulfate (IS) to rise in the blood. These substances can further damage the kidneys and accelerate the progression of the disease. The aim of this study was to find out whether the dietary supplement Renaltec (Porus One) can lower IS levels and whether it has other positive effects on the health of cats with CKD. A total of 19 cats with stable stage 2 or 3 CKD were randomly divided into two groups. All cats received the usual treatment in accordance with international guidelines. Ten cats were also given Renaltec once a day, while the other nine were not. The animals were examined at the start of the study, after 3 months and after 6 months. Various blood and urine values were measured, and the state of gut bacteria was examined. After 6 months, the cats that received Renaltec had lower levels of IS in their blood and less protein in their urine than the cats that did not receive Renaltec. Both are important factors that can influence the progression of the disease. The state of the intestinal bacteria also improved in the Renaltec group. In two cats in each group, the kidney disease worsened despite treatment. The results show that Renaltec could help to slow the progression of CKD in cats. However, as this was only a small pilot study, further research with more cats is needed to confirm the results.

Search results

Evaluation of the effect of Renaltec in cats with IRIS stage 2 and 3 chronic kidney disease

Search results

Evaluation of the effect of Renaltec in cats with IRIS stage 2 and 3 chronic kidney disease