Preclinical Interpretation of Oral Urolithin-A Against Respiratory Disease Among Calves: Unlocking The "Gut-Lung Axis"

Pomegranate, as a plant, has long been known for its rich content of ellagitannins. Ellagitannins are completely hydrolyzed to ellagic acid in the intestine, which then gives rise to urolithins. This natural compound may support pulmonary system health as a feed additive, not a pharmacological agent. The aim of the present study was to describe the efficacy of urolithin-a against 17 Holstein calves with respiratory disease. Written owner consent and ethical guidelines report were considered available. No etiological investigation was conducted (outside the purpose of this study, as it was a preclinical, not clinical study). With the support of 3 veterinary experts, respiratory disease among calves was diagnosed based on the University of Wisconsin Calf Health Scoring Schedule (WIN score). Urolithin-a compound was administered perorally to diseased calves at 3 mg/kg for 10 consecutive days. No adverse effects were observed during feed additive administration. WIN scores were investigated before (day 0) and after treatment (day 10). Mean (8.24 vs. 1.82) and median (8.00 vs. 2.00) WIN scores were decreased in association with urolithin-a treatment before and after treatment, respectively (p<0.0001). In this preclinical setting, it would not be unfair to suggest that urolithin-a should help in the regression of respiratory disease among the enrolled calves. This nutraceutical administered via the gastrointestinal route was able to reverse respiratory signs indicating the secrets of the ‘gut-lung axis’ in this field study. The results obtained should be able to change treatment protocols.