Abstract
Decreased serum apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1) concentration is associated with mortality in human sepsis. The diagnostic and prognostic role of serum Apo-A1 concentrations in canine sepsis was evaluated. Serum samples from septic dogs (n = 91) and healthy controls (n = 15) were retrospectively analyzed. According to the sepsis origin, four categories were identified: parvoviral enteritis (n = 26), pyometra (n = 20), septic peritonitis (n = 19), and miscellanea (n = 26). The canine acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation fast score (APPLEfast), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin concentrations were reviewed in all enrolled dogs. Increased CRP (252.6 ± 119.2 mg/L; Reference Interval: 0–8.5 mg/L) and significant lower serum albumin and Apo-A1 concentrations were documented in dogs with sepsis (22.8 ± 5.3 g/L and 1.17 ± 0.27 g/L, respectively) compared to healthy ones (33.1 ± 2.5 g/L and 1.32 ± 0.05 g/L, respectively) (P < 0.0001). According to the origin of sepsis, only the subgroup of dogs with septic peritonitis had significantly lower Apo-A1 (1.03 ± 0.26 g/L) concentrations compared to healthy dogs (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in serum albumin and CRP concentrations, and in APPLEfast score values among the different subgroups of sepsis. Diagnosis of septic peritonitis was associated with a higher frequency of death (P = 0.006). In septic dogs, significant lower Apo-A1 concentrations were detected in non-survivors (1.02 ± 0.28 g/L; n = 27) compared to survivors (1.23 ± 0.24 g/L; n = 64; P = 0.0007). Moreover, significant higher values of the APPLEfast score were calculated in non-survivors (26 ± 4; n = 19) compared to survivors (23 ± 4; n = 51) (P = 0.0114). According to the area under the ROC curve analysis, Apo-A1 <96 mg/dl had a fair accuracy (AUC = 0.72) to correctly predict mortality (P = 0.0004). Apo-A1 might support a diagnosis of canine septic peritonitis with a potential prognostic significance. Further prospective studies are warranted.
Highlights
Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1) is a major protein component of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and a key determinant of HDL formation
Mean serum albumin and Apo-A1 concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with sepsis compared to healthy ones, while mean serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were above the reference interval in the entire population of septic dogs (Table 2)
When comparisons were made according to the origin of sepsis, only the subgroup of dogs with septic peritonitis had significantly lower Apo-A1 concentrations compared to healthy dogs (Table 3)
Summary
Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1) is a major protein component of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and a key determinant of HDL formation. HDL, which play a major role in reverse cholesterol transport, may be involved in modulating the inflammatory response during sepsis. Apo-A1 has been recently measured in a group of dogs with leishmaniosis, which had significantly decreased serum concentrations of this protein compared to healthy controls; dogs with a good response to anti-Leishmania treatment displayed a significant increase of Apo-A1, suggesting its role as a potential biomarker of treatment monitoring during this disease [5]. Reported a parallel Apo-A1 and SAA serum concentration increase in a population of dogs with acute infection by Babesia canis compared to control dogs; the latter finding is still unexplained and warrants further assessment [6] Milanovicet al. reported a parallel Apo-A1 and SAA serum concentration increase in a population of dogs with acute infection by Babesia canis compared to control dogs; the latter finding is still unexplained and warrants further assessment [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
