Plasma Proteins in Veterinary Medicine: Benefits for Animal Health

Plasma proteins play a key role in animal nutrition and health, especially in modulating the immune system and maintaining intestinal function in various species. They also have a potential role in supporting joint health. Their application in the nutrition of companion and production animals has shown promising results in reducing inflammation and improving nutrient metabolism.

What are plasma proteins¹?

The Plasma proteins they are present in the liquid fraction of the blood after the removal of blood cells. These include:

• Albumins : Key proteins in maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting essential substances.
• Globulins : Involved in the immune response and defense against infections.
• Immunoglobulins : Antibodies that strengthen immunity and reduce susceptibility to diseases.

For veterinary use, the plasma is carefully processed using fractionation and spray-drying techniques (Spray-Dried Plasma), a method that preserves the biological functionality of its components and ensures its safety and effectiveness in animal feed.

Benefits of plasma proteins in animal health

Plasma proteins provide multiple benefits in various areas of veterinary health:

1. Modulation of the immune system²

The use of plasma proteins in the diet has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation and balance the immune response, allowing the animal's body to fight infections without triggering excessive inflammatory responses.

In studies conducted on piglets, supplementation with plasma proteins resulted in lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a significant immunomodulatory effect. This effect may be useful in feeding pets with chronic inflammatory diseases.

2. Improvement of intestinal health and nutrient absorption²

One of the main uses of plasma proteins is their ability to strengthen the intestinal barrier and reduce intestinal permeability, which helps prevent digestive disorders such as diarrhea.

Additionally, studies have shown that these proteins stimulate the production of intestinal growth factors, which promotes the repair of digestive tract tissues and improves the absorption of essential nutrients.

3. Improvement of metabolic performance and recovery¹

Plasma proteins can improve energy efficiency in growing or convalescent animals. By promoting the absorption of essential amino acids and reducing metabolic stress, these supplements have been linked to better weight gain and a lower incidence of diseases in young and geriatric animals.

Do plasma proteins have an impact on joint health³?

While the benefits of plasma proteins have been extensively studied in digestive and immune health, recent research suggests they may play an important role in joint health.

• Reduction of joint inflammationBy modulating the immune response and decreasing the production of inflammatory mediators, these proteins could contribute to less joint wear in diseases like osteoarthritis.
• Joint lubrication: Some plasma proteins have been shown to improve the quality of synovial fluid, enhancing mobility and reducing friction between the cartilage.
• Stimulation of cartilage regeneration: Certain growth factors present in plasma may play a role in the recovery of damaged joint tissue.

Although research on the impact of plasma proteins on joint health is still ongoing, these findings open the door to their application in patients with degenerative joint diseases.

Conclusion

Plasma proteins are a valuable resource in veterinary nutrition, with well-documented benefits in digestive, immune, and metabolic health. Their potential in joint health still requires more studies, but their anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties suggest they could be a useful complement in the treatment of osteoarticular diseases.

Bibliography:

1. Pérez-Bosque A, Polo J, Torrallardona D. Spray dried plasma as an alternative to antibiotics in piglet feeds, mode of action and biosafety. Porcine Health Manag. 2016;2:16. Published 2016 Jul 23. doi:10.1186/s40813-016-0034-1
2. Vasconcellos RS, Henríquez LBF, Lourenço PDS. Spray-Dried Animal Plasma as a Multifaceted Ingredient in Pet Food. Animals (Basel). 2023;13(11):1773. Published 2023 May 26. doi:10.3390/ani13111773
3. Garcia-Just A, Miró L, Pérez-Bosque A, et al. Dietary Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma Prevents Cognitive Decline in Senescent Mice and Reduces Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress. J Nutr. 2020;150(2):303-311. doi:10.1093/jn/nxz239