Certain metabolic events and environmental exposures can overwhelm the capacity of antioxidant systems and produce oxidative stress. One oxidative stressor first revealed in animal studies is intense physical exercise. A study of 14 mixed-breed dogs also conducted by the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition showed a 22 percent increase in lipid peroxidation products after 20 minutes of vigorous exercise. The dark side of oxidative stress often manifests itself through viral infections. FIV is characterized by a depletion of lymphocytes through a process called apoptosis, or programmed cell death.
Antioxidants can help.
The researchers noted an increase in glutathione, another key antioxidant, following incubation with either antioxidant. This reinforces the findings of in vitro work showing that NAC and vitamin C can favorably influence cellular glutathione content. These data, besides offering promise for FIV-infected cats, suggest vitamin C or NAC may be promising immunomodulators. Almost every pet supplement line offers at least one glucosamine-containing product. One proprietary product, a blend of sodium chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and manganese ascorbate, has been the subject of several canine and equine studies.