Calcium Reuptake Related Genes as a Cardiac Biomarker in Dogs with Chronic Mitral Valvular Insufficiency

Abstract

Gene expression linked to sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium reuptake (SRCR) is altered in humans and animals with heart failure. The expression of SRCR genes in peripheral blood cells have the potential to be cardiac biomarkers of heart failure in dogs with chronic mitral valvular insufficiency (CMVI). Client-owned 15 healthy control dogs and 23 small breed dogs with CMVI classified by severity, based on the classification system determined by the international small animal cardiac heart council. Prospective, controlled, observational study. The expression levels of SRCR genes (SERCA2alpha, PLN, and HAX-1) were evaluated in peripheral blood of dogs at different stages of CMVI via real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The mRNA expression levels of PLN and HAX-1, but not SERCA2alpha were significantly (P=.08), reduced in dogs with moderate to severe CMVI. The fold change in PLN expression compared with control were 0.38+/-0.07 (in group II) and 0.20+/-0.10 (in group III), while HAX-1 expression were 0.37+/-0.06 (group II) and 0.41+/-0.12 (group III). The expressions of PLN and HAX-1 were significantly reduced in groups II and III (P<.05) but not in group I (P>.05). The reduced PLN and HAX-1 expressions were highly correlated with the severity of heart failure (P<.001), vertebral heart score (P<.05), and left atrium to aortic root ratio (P<.05). PLN and HAX-1 can be potential biomarkers for heart failure caused by CMVI.