Alpha Globulin Fraction Research Articles

Clinical insights to address canine strongyloidosis in daily practice

Canine strongyloidosis by Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasitic disease emerging in Europe, which represents both a veterinary clinical issue and a public health challenge because of the zoonotic potential. The disease, not yet frequent in Europe, could induce severe clinical signs in dogs; thus, an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are desirable. The aim of the present work is to retrospectively investigate the clinical and paraclinical findings in sick dogs naturally infected by S. stercoralis, with particular attention to ultrasound (US) changes at the gastrointestinal level. Twelve dogs were included in the study. The diagnosis was made by means of larval morphological identification on faecal samples and PCR. Most dogs presented with gastrointestinal signs; diarrhea and weight loss were the most common presenting complaint. Only one dog showed respiratory signs, associated to a parasitic cutaneous nodule. Hypoproteinaemia, anaemia, leucocytosis and an increase in alpha2-globulin fraction at serum protein electrophoresis were common (>50%) but not constant findings. The most reported US picture was a fluid-filled, distended, atonic small intestine mostly associated with altered wall layering, while the wall thickness commonly associated with chronic enteritis was only rarely reported. These changes, associated with other clinical and paraclinical alterations, could increase the suspicion of canine strongyloidosis and may direct clinicians to include strongyloidosis in the differential diagnosis of dogs with diarrhea. The histological examination at the intestinal level, available in five dogs, revealed the presence of parasites from the full-thickness biopsy, but not from the endoscopic biopsy. The critical points of diagnosis in clinical practice are also discussed.

Serum protein concentration and amino acid profile of HIV/HBV co-infected subjects on HAART in Plateau State, Nigeria.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are currently two important blood-borne human pathogens of major public health concern with high prevalence rates in Africa. The study assessed the impact of HIV and HBV mono- and co-infections on serum total protein, albumin, globulin fractions and plasma free amino acids concentrations. This was a cross-sectional study on adult (25 - 64 years old) patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy attending AIDS Preventive Initiative in Nigeria Centre, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria. It involved 80 subjects; 20 HIV/HBV co-infected, 20 each of HIV and HBV mono-infected controls, and 20 seronegative controls. Significant (p<0.05) increases in total protein and gamma globulin but a reduction in albumin concentrations were observed in the HIV/HBV co-infected group. Similarly, significant (p<0.05) increases in alpha-1 and alpha-2 globulin concentrations were observed in the mono- and co-infected groups compared to the seronegative control group. There were significant (p<0.05) increases in the glucogenic, aromatic and branched-chain amino acid concentrations of the HIV/HBV co-infected subjects. The study suggests prognostic importance of alpha and gamma globulin fractions of serum protein as well as amino acid profile in the management of HIV/HBV co-infection.

Applied capillary electrophoresis system affects screening for monoclonal gammopathy in serum: verification study of two eight-capillary systems

Capillary electrophoresis is a method with a long history of developments which enables monitoring of several pathological processes and has an irreplaceable role in screening for presence of M-protein. The aim of this study was to assess analytical performance of Sebia and Helena systems, as well as their screening efficiency for M-protein by identifying characteristic electrophoretic pattern abnormalities. The controls were analyzed in triplicate over a five-day period. Comparability testing was performed on 46 (Capillarys3Octa) and 49 (V8Nexus) serum samples with routinely used Capillarys2. Electropherograms (EPGs) were reviewed by two specialists independently to select samples for further processing by immunofixation. All precision test results met the eligibility criteria by Ricos et al. The correlation coefficients higher than 0.8 indicated excellent comparability although the results were slightly more comparable among the same manufacturer systems. There were no variations in observed abnormalities in EPGs when Capillarys systems were compared, but a disparity was detected in 11/49 EPGs on comparing Capillarys2 and V8Nexus. The cause of the detected difference could be in a different graphical presentation of the findings and in a lesser resolution of the applied buffer. The impression is that the V8Nexus system combined with the utilized buffer provides greater resolution in the alpha-1 and alpha-2 globulin fractions, but that it declines in the gamma globulin fraction. The precision and estimated accuracy criteria were met by both systems. Comparison results implied that capillary systems are not equally effective in M-protein screening, highlighting the necessity to include system screening efficiency in analytical evaluation.

Development of a Hydrashift 2/4 Isatuximab Assay to Mitigate Interference with Monoclonal Protein Detection on Immunofixation Electrophoresis in Vitro Diagnostic Tests in Multiple Myeloma

Introduction Evaluation of multiple myeloma (MM) response through quantification of M-protein, by serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and immuno-fixation electrophoresis (IFE) is challenging for clinical laboratories because therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can confound IFE when they converge with serum M-protein. This can be misleading when interpreting patients' response to therapy. Isatuximab (Isa), an IgG-kappa anti-CD38 mAb is approved based on the pivotal ICARIA-MM study in combination with pomalidomide (P) and dexamethasone (d), in the United States, the European Union, Canada, Australia, Switzerland and Japan for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed/refractory MM who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor. Recently, the Phase 3 IKEMA study evaluating Isa plus carfilzomib (K) and d met its primary endpoint at the first planned interim analysis, demonstrating significantly prolonged progression free survival (PFS) compared with Kd alone in patients with relapsed MM. Methods To overcome the interference mediated by Isa on the IFE test, we have developed an Isa-specific assay "HYDRASHIFT 2/4 Isa" using a highly specific rabbit, anti-Isa mAb. The HYDRASHIFT 2/4 Isa test is used in conjunction with the regular Hydragel IF procedure and the semi-automated Hydrasys 2 electrophoresis apparatus. The HYDRASHIFT 2/4 Isa test displaces Isa (IgG kappa) interference during the electrophoresis process by forming Isa/anti-Isa complex which is moved out of the gamma zone toward the alpha globulin fractions. Results: Sensitivity of the HYDRASHIFT 2/4 Isa assay was demonstrated on serum samples, including normal serum samples. Isa control and serum samples with different monoclonal components spiked with Isa (final concentrations in the range of 0.1 and 3.0 g/L) were analyzed with the HYDRASHIFT 2/4 Isa procedure used in conjunction with Hydragel 4 IF Acid Violet. The detection limit of Isa and/or the Isa / anti-Isa antibody complex visualized was 0.2 g/L. Importantly, efficient removal of Isa from the gamma globulin zone, with no trace signal evident, was demonstrated for all Isa concentrations tested, even for 3 g/L. Reproducibility of the HYDRASHIFT 2/4 Isa assay was also demonstrated between gels, between product lots, between instruments and on different test days. Ten different serum samples, including 1 normal serum sample and 9 serum samples with monoclonal components spiked with Isa at 1 g/L, were run using the HYDRASHIFT 2/4 Isa procedure in conjunction with Hydragel 4 IF Acid Violet. All samples gave 100% concordant results between gels on the different instruments and with different HYDRASHIFT 2/4 Isa lots. To evaluate specificity, 50 serum samples from MM patients were spiked with 1 g/L Isa and the anti-Isa mAb shifted Isa specifically with no impact on the patients' M-spike, demonstrating 100% specificity. Finally, the HYDRASHIFT 2/4 Isa test was evaluated on 15 samples from treated patients enrolled in Isa clinical trials at different therapy cycles. The evaluated samples demonstrated efficient removal of Isa from G and Kappa tracks on the gamma globulins zone and visualization of the Isa/anti-Isa complex on alpha zone and/or Isa on ELP track. For the pre-treatment samples, there was as expected no Isa detection, and no impact on M-protein was observed, further confirming the specificity of the assay toward Isa. Conclusions Therapeutic mAb inclusion in MM treatment regimens offer patients significant improvements in clinical outcomes. With rapid evolution of therapeutic options in MM, there is a clear need for a standardized and reliable method to ensure authentic IFE-based clinical assessment. Development of the Isa-specific HYDRASHIFT 2/4 Isa assay offers the advantage of high clinical utility due to the simplicity of the method as an add-on to the conventional IFE In vitro diagnostic test. Consequently, this assay will facilitate the correct assessment of clinical outcomes for patients receiving Isa as part of their MM treatment. Submission for global regulatory clearance for Isa-specific HYDRASHIFT 2/4 assay is planned in 2020. Disclosures Finn: Sanofi: Current Employment. Macé:Sanofi: Current Employment. Chu:Sanofi: Current Employment. van de Velde:Sanofi: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Melki:Sebia: Current Employment.

Plasma protein electrophoresis in green iguanas (Iguana iguana) suffering from hepatic, renal and inflammatory skin diseases

The goals of this study were to evaluate electrophoretograms in green iguanas suffering from hepatic, renal and inflammatory skin diseases. Plasma samples were obtained from 14 green iguana patients. The diagnosis was based on clinical examination, evaluation of biochemical and haematological profiles or histopathological examination. Agarose gel electrophoresis was performed using an automated HYDRASYS system. A decrease in the albumin/globulin ratio was observed in 11 out of 14 patients (three out of four patients with liver failure, one out of one patient with chronic renal insufficiency and suspected hepatopathy, two out of two patients with chronic interstitial nephritis, four out of five patients with chronic renal insufficiency and one out of two patients with dermatitis). The alpha globulin fraction was elevated in 1 out of 14 patients (patient with dermatitis). The fraction of beta globulins was increased in 8 out of 14 patients (two out of four patients with liver diseases, four out of eight patients with various forms of renal failure and two out of two patients with inflammatory skin diseases). Increased gamma globulin levels were observed in 4 out of 14 patients (one out of four patients with impaired function of the liver, two out of eight patients with renal diseases and one out of two patients with dermatitis). Changes in the electrophoretograms of green iguanas are not disease-specific, but in conjunction with other biochemical blood tests the electrophoresis of plasma proteins may be a useful indicator in the diagnosis of metabolic and infectious diseases and in the monitoring of disease progress.

Can alpha-1-acid glycoprotein affect the outcome of treatment in a cancer patient?

Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) is a glycoprotein found in the alpha-1 globulin fraction of human plasma proteins. AGP is an important representative of acute-phase proteins. Although numerous articles have been devoted to AGP, its exact biological function remains obscure. AGP levels increase with a number of diseases. One of them is a tumor disease. In our paper, we discuss the role of increased AGP levels in cancer patients. We deal with the role of AGP as a drug-binding protein and its effect on the efficacy of chemotherapy in oncological patients. Other problems that are discussed in our paper include the role of AGP as an immunomodulatory protein and its relationship to angiogenesis because angiogenesis plays an important role in the progression of cancer (Ref. 57). Keywords: alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, orosomucoid, cancer, disease marker, immunomodulatory protein,drug-binding protein.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in a French General Hospital: fortuitous detection rather than efficient screening.

We studied the characteristics of the screening procedure for alpha-1 antitrypsin at Nevers Hospital (France), together with the performance of serum protein gel electrophoresis for the fortuitous detection of patients with deficiency. We carried out a retrospective study of requests for alpha-1 antitrypsin determination referred to the laboratory during 3 years. We compared these requests with the numbers of patients seen at the hospital and requiring screening according to international recommendations. In parallel, we reviewed all the serum protein gel electrophoresis results obtained during the same period. The laboratory received 102 direct requests for alpha-1 antitrypsin determination, whereas more than 1397 patients presented an indication for screening. No case of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency was detected among the 102 patients screened. In parallel, 5551 serum protein gel electrophoresis analyses were carried out at the laboratory. A decrease in the size of the alpha-1 globulin fraction was detected in 68 patients. Seventeen of these patients underwent alpha-1 antitrypsin determinations and 14 were found to have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency was more frequently detected fortuitously, by electrophoresis, than through efficient screening. The exploration of alpha-1 globulin deficiencies by serum protein gel electrophoresis thus appears to be still a particularly efficient approach to the detection of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and should be carried out systematically. Furthermore, the testing of all patients with an indication for screening according to international recommendations should be encouraged.

Avaliação clínica, laboratorial e perfil eletroforético na determinação do prognóstico de cães hospitalizados

There are several diseases that can affect pets. Recognize the infirm at risk of death would allow early medical interventions and the establishment of different monitoring protocols, increasing survival. The objective of this work was to analyze the potential for prognostic markers of clinical and laboratory accessible variables in 185 hospitalized dogs. The animals were divided into two groups: those who had hospital outcome and those who have died, being the clinical nutritional status (NS) defined by the interpretation of body condition score (BCS), muscle mass score (MMS) and body mass index (BMI). The following laboratory variables were assessed: blood cell count, total leukocyte count, fibrinogen concentration, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, cholesterol, total protein, albumin and serum protein profile defined by electrophoresis. In the present study, were indicative of poor prognosis: low values of BCS, low values of MMS, decreased total number of lymphocytes, hyperphosphatemia, reduced concentrations of albumin and total protein and betaglobunin fraction, in electrophoresis. Good prognostic indicators were: normal or high BSC, appropriate MMS and discreet lift of alpha2-globulin fraction on electrophoresis. The authors did not consider blood glucose, cholesterol and calcium as prognostic indicators.

INFLUENCE OF ALPHA-1-ACID GLYCOPROTEIN UPON PRODUCTION OF CYTOKINES BY PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONONUCLEARS

Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) is a multifunctional acute phase reactant belonging to the family of lipocalines from plasma alpha-2 globulin fraction. In present study, we investigated dosedependent effects of orosomucoid upon secretion of IL-1â, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4 by mononuclear cells from venous blood of healthy volunteers. Mononuclear cells were separated by means of gradient centrifugation, followed by incubation for 24 hours with 250, 500, or 1000 mcg of orosomucoid per ml RPMI-1640 medium (resp., low, medium and high dose). The levels of cytokine production were assayed by ELISA technique. Orosomucoid-induced secretion of IL-1â and IL-4 was increased, whereas IL-3 secretion was inhibited. IL-2 production was suppressed at low doses of orosomucoid, and stimulated at medium and high doses. The effect of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein upon production of IL-2, IL-3 and IL-4 was dose-dependent. Hence, these data indicate that orosomucoid is capable of modifying IL-1â, IL-2, IL-3, and IL-4 secretion by blood mononuclear cells.

Proteinas Sericas. Estudio en Madres y Recién Nacidos a Nivel del Mar

Se estudiaron las proteínas séricas en 50 gestantes a término, aparentemente sanas, atendidas en el Area Hospitalaria del Callao. También se hicieron las mismas determinaciones en 50 recién nacidos sanos, inmediatamente después del parto. Las cifras de proteínas totales fueron ligeramente bajas para las madres y los neonatos. En cuanto a las fracciones globulínicas alfa 2 y beta fueron significativamente más altos en las madres que en el recién nacido. Los valores de gamma globulina fueron significativamente más altos en los recién nacidos que en las madres. Para las proteínas totales, albúminas y globulinas alfa 1, no se encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas.

Comparative analysis of immunoglobulin free light chains quantification by Freelite™ (The Binding Site) and N Latex FLC (Siemens) methods

Serum immunoglobulin free light chain assay has proved to be an invaluable biological tool for diagnosis and monitoring of monoclonal gammopathies including multiple myeloma, primary amyloidosis, solitary plasmocytoma or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Free light chain quantification, although essential, cannot be achieved by serum protein electrophoresis either because there is no monoclonal peak or because the peak is hidden in beta or alpha-globulin fraction. As for serum protein immunofixation, this major test allows the typing of the paraprotein but does not provide any quantitative evaluation. Hence, the development of free light chain assays constitutes a significant improvement in the management of these patients. In this context, we compared the results of serum free light chains quantification and of calculation of the ratio kappa/lambda, indicator of monoclonality, in forty samples performed on BN ProSpec(®) analyzer, with the two methods available on the European market. This comparative analysis provided evidence of a good correlation of results between the two methods. However, we noticed clinically significant differences in four samples. In addition, this evaluation highlighted the fact that all free light chain results must be biologically validated on the light of different criteria such as serum protein electrophoresis, serum protein immunofixation, presence of proteinuria, presence of renal failure, and additional clinical data, in order to ascertain the best interpretation for clinical use.

The effect of colostral supplement on the serum protein fractions, health status and growth of calves

Abstract. The study aimed at evaluation of the effect of colostral supplement on humoral immunity, growth and health state of calves until the 3rd month of life. Examinations were carried out on 40 Polish Black-and-White Holstein-Friesian calves. After birth, the calves were separated into two groups (20 calves each): control group – without addition of colostral supplement, and experimental one – with colostral supplement in diet. Blood was sampled from each calf on day 5 and 30 of life, and total protein, albumin, and alpha, beta and gamma globulin levels were determined in it. Evaluation of calves’ growth and development course was carried out basing on weighing and daily gain results. The favourable effect of colostral supplement on calves’ health state and body weight gains was found. No significant effect of colostral supplement on total protein level or gamma-globulin fraction level was found. The effect of colostral supplement on reduction of alpha-globulin fraction decrease was found in a time period until the 30th day of calves’ life (P≤0.01). The study so far point to the purposefulness of using this supplement, in particular in the case of colostrum deficiency or its poor quality.

Serum proteinogram of cats experimentally infected by Trypanosoma evansi

This study was aimed at evaluating the electrophoretic profile of serum proteins in Trypanosoma evansi-infected cats during different periods of infection. Thirteen adult females non-breeding Felis catus were separated into two groups. Animals from the infected group (n=7) were inoculated intraperitoneally with a strain of T. evansi; whereas, animals from the control group (n=6) received a physiological solution. Blood samples were collected at days 0, 7, 21, and 35 for total protein evaluation and protein fractionation by electrophoresis. Albumin (P<0.01), alpha-2 globulin and gamma globulin (P<0.05) concentrations were statistically different from the seventh day post-inoculation onwards. Beta-globulin levels were increased from day 21 onwards (P<0.05). Alpha-1 globulin fraction did not differ statistically. These results indicate that the infection by T. evansi in cats alters the serum protein electrophoretic profile.

Acute phase protein concentrations in retired racing Greyhounds

Retired racing Greyhounds are popular as pets. Greyhounds have several differences in physiological values compared with other breeds, including lower serum alpha- and beta-globulin concentrations. We hypothesized that lower acute phase protein (APP) concentrations could contribute to lower alpha- and beta-globulin concentrations in this breed. The purpose of this study was to compare serum concentrations of several APPs in Greyhounds with those of other dog breeds. We measured the serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), acid-soluble glycoprotein (ASG), ceruloplasmin (CP), and serum amyloid A (SAA) in 15 clinically healthy retired racing Greyhounds and 11 age- and gender-matched healthy nonGreyhound controls using previously validated methods. Results were compared by Student's t-tests. The concentration of Hp by both colorimetric and immunoturbidimetric methods was significantly lower in Greyhounds than in nonGreyhound dogs (P=.0009 and .019, respectively). The concentration of ASG was also significantly (P=.007) lower in Greyhounds, but CRP and CP concentrations were not significantly different between groups. SAA concentration was below the detection limit of the method in all dogs. The low serum concentrations of Hp and ASG should be taken into consideration when interpreting APP results in Greyhounds. Because both Hp and some ASG migrate in the alpha-globulin fraction, these results may explain the low alpha-globulin concentrations in Greyhounds.

Apport du protidogramme sérique dans la sélection de donneurs de sang à Abidjan

Summary Blood donation constitutes a noble act of health service. Any time, the realization respect criteria which have on one hand, to guarantee the safety of blood transfusion, and on the other hand to protect the health of the donor. In Ivory Coast, the collection and the distribution of the bloody products recover from the national centre of blood transfusion. The base of selection of the donors at the level of this centre takes into account clinical and biologic criteria. If it is true that these criteria minimize the risks of transmission by blood of contagious diseases, they would not know how to guarantee the state of good health of the blood donors; because a good part of the evaluation of their health based on their own statements during the interrogation. So, the realization of the protein electrophoresis at 247 reserved blood donors in CNTS showed (especially at the new donors), an increase of gammaglobulin and alphaglobulin fractions respectively to 19,43 % and 8,91 %. These abnormalities reveal infectious and inflammatory processes not detected during medical examination and expose the donor and the conductor. So the realization of the protein electrophoresis was proposed as a supplementary test in the selection of the blood donors in Abidjan.

Efficacy of the Detection of the α1-Antitrypsin “Z” Deficiency Variant by Routine Serum Protein Electrophoresis

Deficiency of alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is a common but underdiagnosed genetic disorder. Severe AAT deficiency may be detected by the absence of alpha1-globulin protein fraction by serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP). Routine SPEP may represent an underused resource for the identification of AAT deficiency. Total alpha1-globulin protein was measured in 47 MM, 24 MZ, and 19 ZZ phenotype serum samples by a Sebia CAPILLARYS (Norcross, GA) capillary electrophoresis system. Measured serum AAT concentrations by immunoassay exhibited moderate correlation with measured SPEP alpha1-globulin fraction concentrations. In this sample set, 16 (84%) of the ZZ, 7 (29%) of the MZ, and none of the MM sample phenotypes exhibited alpha1-globulin concentrations of less than 0.21 g/dL. From estimates of MZ and ZZ phenotype prevalence, it can be calculated that 1 ZZ phenotype should be present in approximately every 31 samples with alpha1-globulin concentrations of less than 0.21 g/dL. Clinicians should consider investigation of potential AAT deficiency in patients who exhibit low alpha1-globulin protein levels by routine SPEP.

Involvement of proteases in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus uncoating upon internalization in primary macrophages

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) replicates in differentiated macrophages. In macrophages, heparan sulphate glycosaminoglycans mediate the initial PRRSV attachment and the receptor sialoadhesin mediates both PRRSV attachment and internalization into endosomes. Upon a pH drop, PRRSV is uncoated and its genome is released from the endosomes into the cytoplasm, which allows virus replication. However, expression of heparan sulphate and sialoadhesin in non-susceptible cells only allows virus internalization, but no virus uncoating and infection, indicating that other factors are involved. In the present study, it is shown that treatment of macrophages with serum (mainly the alpha-globulin fraction) inhibited PRRSV infection without affecting attachment and internalization. Because alpha-globulins contain several protease inhibitors, macrophages were treated with different protease inhibitors to investigate the involvement of proteases in PRRSV uncoating. Treatment of macrophages with broadly active inhibitors of serine or aspartic proteases, but not cysteine- or metallo-proteases, inhibited PRRSV uncoating and infection. Further investigation using specific inhibitors indicated that the aspartic protease cathepsin E is involved during PRRSV uncoating, but did not allow identification of the serine protease involved. The involvement of cathepsin E during PRRSV uncoating was confirmed by partial co-localization of internalized PRRSV with cathepsin E. Furthermore, cathepsin E expression increased with macrophage cultivation, which was positively correlated with an increased susceptibility to PRRSV infection. Together, these data show that, in macrophages, both the aspartic protease cathepsin E and an unidentified trypsin-like serine protease are involved in uncoating of internalized PRRSV and subsequent infection.

Comparison of Selected Diagnostic Parameters in African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) with Normal Plumage and Those Exhibiting Feather Damaging Behavior

Feather damaging behavior is a common problem in African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). To determine if differences in clinical test results could be detected in parrots with feather damaging behavior (FDB), we studied 51 parrots, including 24 with FDB, with a variety of diagnostic tests. A predictable stress hemogram was found after administration of thyroid-stimulating hormone in both normal birds and birds with FDB. Birds with FDB had significantly lower lymphocyte counts and higher heterophil: lymphocyte ratios after thyroid-stimulating hormone injection than did normal birds. Although resting thyroxine (T4) levels were not different between the 2 groups, the magnitude of the post-thyroid-stimulating-hormone increase in T4 was significantly less in the FDB group. Alpha-1 and alpha-2 globulin fractions were significantly higher and gamma globulin fractions were significantly lower in birds with FDB. Birds with FDB also had higher Aspergillus antibody titers. No significant differences were found in Aspergillus antigen levels, Candida antibody titers, or blood concentrations of histamine, serotonin, or corticosterone. The clinical significance of these differences is not known.

Plasma Electrophoretogram in Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and/or Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) Infections

SummaryThe electrophoretogram of 89 cats, including those infected by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV+), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV+) and non‐infected, showed statistically significant differences in several of the fractions. FIV+ cats had very high protein values (mean, 8.10 g/dl), mostly because of hypergammaglobulinemia (mean, 2.81 g/dl) as compared with non‐infected animals and FeLV+. In addition, in these FIV+ animals, the albumin/globulins ratio (A/G) was very low (mean, 0.72). Statistically significant differences in A/G and α2‐globulin fraction were observed in FeLV+ group (A/G mean, 0.88 ± 0.08; α2‐globulin, mean, 0.84 ± 0.07 g/dl) when compared with non‐infected group (A/G mean, 1.06 ± 0.08; α2‐globulin mean, 0.68 ± 0.04 g/dl). The α1‐globulin fraction was higher in double infected animals (FIV and FeLV positive, F‐F) (3.55 g/dl), than in FeLV+ or FIV+ cats (3.10 and 3.07 g/dl respectively), but no statistical conclusions may be drawn from this fact because of the low number of F‐F animals. This technique may help to assess the initial clinical status of retrovirus‐infected cats, and the clinical course of these chronic diseases, specifically during and after suitable therapy.

Examination of the molecular diversity of alpha1 antitrypsin in urine: deficit of an alpha1 globulin fraction on cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis.

In the clinical field of nephrology, a noninvasive approach employing the analysis of electrophoretic patterns in urinary protein has been established. In this study a total of 52 urine samples with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antigen-associated crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN), and other types of GN were analyzed. Patients with high alpha1 globulin (alpha1G) fractions, which contained alpha1AT in cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis (CAE), tended to have alpha1 antitrypsin (alpha1AT) of normal molecular weight (57 kDa and 49 kDa), while patients with a deficit alpha1G fraction tended to have alpha1AT of low molecular weight (<49 kDa) (P < 0.01). The alpha1G fraction was significantly higher in patients with IgAN, and there were significantly more patients with normal molecular weight alpha1AT compared to patients with other diseases (P < 0.01). The isoelectric point of alpha1AT with lower-weight molecules was more on the alkali side compared to higher-weight molecules in two-dimensional electrophoresis. Detecting changes in alpha1G fractions in CAE may support the differential diagnosis of IgAN from other types of GN.