Acute Phase Protein Concentrations Research Articles

A multi-herd study shows that saliva is more than a reflection of serum biomarkers in pigs

This study evaluates if biomarkers of porcine health status in saliva samples is a mere reflection of serum to detect disease in pigs under field conditions. Four farms from the same commercial company were included to obtain samples from animals with different pathological conditions. A total of 10 healthy animals and 10–15 animals from each farm with clinical symptoms of the disease were sampled for paired saliva and blood during a veterinary clinical visit. The biomarker panel included acute-phase proteins (APPs), C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), an inflammatory marker, adenosine deaminase (ADA), the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the levels of essential trace elements, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), and the measurement of the total protein content (TP). After detailed statistical analysis, the results showed that saliva could replace serum for APP measurements since a good agreement has been observed between the concentrations of APPs in both body fluids. For any other biomarker, no agreement between the concentrations quantified in serum and saliva samples was observed visually. However, salivary ADA and TP concentrations were statistically significantly higher in the diseased, whereas the statistical tests with serum concentrations were inconclusive. Furthermore, greater differentiation between healthy and diseased animals could be observed when the distribution of biomarkers was analysed in saliva than in other serum samples. The diagnostic power to discriminate between healthy and diseased pigs is similar in saliva and in serum samples. Preliminary regression models may offer an optimal combination of biomarkers for disease detection in saliva (Hp, CRP, and TAC) and serum (Hp, CRP, and Cu), which demands less labour, sample, and financial cost for saliva determinations. The contradictory results observed for TAC, Cu, and Zn levels between body fluids indicate a need for further studies. To sum up, saliva-based biomarkers instead of serum-based biomarkers could contribute to more efficient detection of diseased animals.

Low molecular weight heparin reduces acute phase response and multiple organ dysfunction following Ovine experimental endotoxemia model

Endotoxemia is one of the most common inflammatory situations leading to death of ruminants. Owing to the importance of this condition, several therapeutic regimens have been proposed, evaluated and implemented to treat endotoxemia. It has recently been suggested that low molecular weight heparin may be effective in treating endotoxemia. Thus, the present experimental study was conducted to evaluate the acute phase response and multiple organ dysfunction following the treatment of the Ovine experimental endotoxemia model employing this compound. In this regard, 20 clinically healthy 1-year old Iranian fat-tailed ewes were randomly divided into 4 equal groups, comprising LMWH 50, LMWH 100, Ctrl+, and Ctrl-. Lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli serotype O55:B5 at 0.4 μg/kg was intravenously administered to the ewes. Low molecular weight heparin (at 50 and 100 IU/kg) was administrated to LMWH 50 and LMWH 100 groups, respectively. Positive control (Ctrl+) received lipopolysaccharide and treated only by intravenous fluid without any drugs, and negative control (Ctrl-) only received intravenous fluids without lipopolysaccharide or any drugs. All the ewes were clinically evaluated before and 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6 and 24 h after lipopolysaccharide injection, and blood samplings were also performed at those hours. Serum concentrations of serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, creatine kinase-MB, homocysteine, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatinine were measured. Serum concentrations of acute phase proteins, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, cardiovascular, hepatic and renal biomarkers, and clinical parameters were significantly increased following the induction of endotoxemia in the groups receiving lipopolysaccharide. Significantly lower concentration of these markers was observed at 4.5 and 6 h after lipopolysaccharide administration in the sheep treated with LMWH compared to the Ctrl + group. In conclusion, low molecular weight heparin could act as an anti-inflammatory drug by decreasing cytokines and acute phase proteins, modulating oxidative stress biomarkers, and by reducing multiple organ dysfunction following the induction of endotoxemia by Escherichia coli serotype O55:B5 in Iranian fat-tailed sheep in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of low molecular weight heparin at 100 IU/kg were significantly higher than 50 IU/kg in the treatment of endotoxemic sheep.

WAYS OF IMPROVE THE TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS OF PATIENTS WITH SACROCOCCYGEAL SINUS AND ANAL FISSURE

The anal fissure and the sacrococcygeal sinus in the structure of coloproctological pathology take third and fourth places after hemorrhoids and paraproctitis. The results of their treatment do not satisfy coloproctologists: the frequency of postoperative complications and relapses of the disease is high, rough scars and discomfort in the area of surgical intervention are formed. Aim - to improve the treatment results of patients with sacrococcygeal sinus and anal fissure. Materials and methods: 152 patients were operated on: 79 (52.0%)-with a sacrococcygeal sinus in the stage without clinical manifestations and 73 (48.0%) – with a chronic anal fissure. In addition to the standard laboratory and instrumental examination, the following were studied: predisposition to the development of excessive scarring; anal sphincter contractility. The importance of acute-phase inflammatory proteins in predicting the pathological scars formation was studied; measures were taken to prevent their occurrence. Surgical treatment methods of the sacrococcygeal sinus using an intradermal suture are proposed. Result. Long-term results comparison of traditional treatment patients with uncomplicated sacrococcygeal sinus and an integrated approach, a decrease was revealed: the development of gross scar deformation in the surgical intervention area – by 2.7 times; discomfort in the sacrococcygeal region - by 3.7 times, the number of relapses of the disease – by 2.4 times. In the chronic anal fissure treatment, the relapses number of the disease was reduced by 3.3 times. Conclution. 1. To predict the pathological scarring formation after proctological operations, it is necessary to study the changes dynamics in the concentrations of acute-phase inflammatory proteins in the patients peripheral blood sample. 2. To improve the treatment of patients with a tendency to excessive scarring it is necessary to include anti-scar therapy in the complex of postoperative measures

LABORATORY MARKERS FOR PREDICTING AGGRAVATION AND POOR PROGNOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19

IntroductionCovid-19 is an infectious disease with systemic involvement, which causes intense changes in the blood system, such as neutrophilia and lymphopenia, as well as changes in coagulation function and the concentration of acute phase proteins. Infected patients require laboratory follow-up to assist in clinical and therapeutic management. It is important to define efficient parameters to predict the clinical course of the disease, especially when the overall symptoms are becoming worse, in an attempt to anticipate therapeutic measures and to ensure the most appropriate assistance.PurposeTo correlate neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and their subtypes with the severity and outcome of patients with Covid-19.Materials and methodsPatients hospitalized for severe Covid-19, of both genders and without evidence of bacterial pneumonia, seen at the CHC-UFPR between April and June 2020, were included. Lymphocyte subpopulation analysis was performed by multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) on whole blood sample using antibodies against CD45, CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD19. A BD FACSCanto™ II cytometer and Infinicyt™ 2.0 analysis software were used. ROC curve and other statistical relationships were performed with IBM SPSS™ v. 25 software.ResultsPatients were divided as moderate (not intubated, n = 41) and severe (intubated, n = 35). From the median total leukocyte, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and their subsets, we define the cutoff values with the highest correlation with hospital discharge. Patients with lymphocyte counts higher than 489/μL, CD4 counts higher than 326 and CD8 counts higher than 121 had a greater chance of evolving with a better prognosis (p < 0.001). Patients who had neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) higher than 15.2 showed greater correlation with worse prognosis. Patients with lymphopenia below cutoff values are 40 to 55% more likely to be intubated and 50 to 63% to progress to death. Patients with NLR higher than 15.2 have 53.1% more chances of being intubated and 78.1% of evolving to death.DiscussionLaboratory evaluation is essential in the follow-up of patients with Covid-19. In addition to routinely used biochemical markers, cellular analysis can provide valuable information about the clinic and its progression. Lymphopenia and neutrophilia are common parameters in patients with severe disease, so NLR analysis presents itself as an objective scale for stratification of infected patients with a high correlation with possible outcomes. Associated with this, assessment of the immune profile with low levels of T-cells and especially low levels of positive CD4 cells has been associated with worse prognosis in patients with severe Covid-19.ConclusionWe conclude that analysis of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio routinely obtained from the complete blood count may provide relevant prognostic information for patients with Covid-19. In addition, flow cytometry analysis of CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocytes can complement the screening of patients with Covid-19 by providing information on the immune profile of the disease.

The Effect of Feed Supplementation with EM Bokashi® Multimicrobial Probiotic Preparation on Selected Parameters of Sow Colostrum and Milk as Indicators of the Specific and Nonspecific Immune Response

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of EM Bokashi® on selected parameters of the specific and nonspecific immune response of sows by in colostrum and milk samples. The percentage of cells with expression of CD19+, CD5+CD19+, CD21+, SWC3a (macrophage/monocyte), and CD11b+ molecules on the monocytes and granulocytes as well as the concentrations of lysozyme and acute phase proteins — serum amyloid-A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) were evaluated. The study was carried out on a commercial pig farm, including 150 sows (Polish Large White × Polish Landrace) at the age of 2–4 years. Sixty female sows were divided into two groups: I — control and II — experimental. For the experimental group, a probiotic in the form of the preparation EM Bokashi® in the amount of 10 kg/tonne of feed was added to the basal feed from mating to weaning. The material for the study consisted of colostrum and milk. The samples were collected from all sows at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h after parturition. The study showed that exposure of the pregnant sow to the probiotic microbes contained in EM Bokashi® significantly affects the immunological quality of the colostrum and milk and caused an increase in the percentage of the subpopulations of B cells with CD19+, CD21+, and CD5+CD19+ expression in the colostrum and milk, which demonstrates an increase in the protective potential of colostrum and indicates stimulation of humoral immune mechanisms that protect the sow and the piglets against infections.

Differential acute-phase protein responses in dogs seropositive or seronegative for Neospora caninum.

Neospora caninum is one of the most prevalent Apicomplexa parasites that causes abortion in cattle, as it infects dogs as its definitive host, causing subclinical disease or active neosporosis, marked by meningoencephalitis, and myopathies with muscle and neuromuscular signs of disease. This study aimed to evaluate the acute phase protein response in dogs seropositive and seronegative for N. caninum. Serum samples of 72 dogs were tested by an immunofluorescence antibody test using N. caninum NC-1 strain, and the study population was divided into four groups: symptomatic - muscular and/or neuromuscular signs - and seropositive (n = 16); symptomatic and seronegative (n = 9); asymptomatic and seropositive (n = 34); and asymptomatic and seronegative (n = 13). C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured via immunoturbidimetric assay and serum haptoglobin (Hp) via hemoglobin-binding capacity assay. In the symptomatic groups, seropositive dogs had higher levels of Hp, but not CRP, while seronegative dogs had higher CRP levels. There was no difference in CRP concentration in asymptomatic dogs. Dogs with neuromuscular signs had higher concentrations for Hp in the group seropositive. Hp concentration did not differ between dogs seropositive and seronegative dogs for each group. Serum Hp and CRP could not sufficiently alone flag subclinical infections. Measurement of CRP and Hp concentrations could be clinically valuable to the diagnosis of neurological diseases, and their relative change may indicate the stage of the infection, although their sole use is not able to support the diagnosis of canine neosporosis. Further studies are encouraged to evaluate the specific dynamics of acute phase proteins in canine neosporosis. Serum samples of 72 dogs were tested by an immunofluorescence antibody test using N. caninum NC-1 strain, and the study population was divided into four groups: (1) dogs with muscular and/or neuromuscular signs and seropositive for N. caninum; (2) dogs with muscular and/or neuromuscular signs and seronegative for N. caninum; (3) dogs seropositive for N. caninum with no neuromuscular signs; and (4) healthy dogs and seronegative for N. caninum. The study evaluated if N. caninum infection could have pathophysiological changes activating the acute phase response and an increase in the concentration of acute phase proteins in serum.

The Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygenation on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Angiogenesis.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is commonly used as treatment in several diseases, such as non-healing chronic wounds, late radiation injuries and carbon monoxide poisoning. Ongoing research into HBOT has shown that preconditioning for surgery is a potential new treatment application, which may reduce complication rates and hospital stay. In this review, the effect of HBOT on oxidative stress, inflammation and angiogenesis is investigated to better understand the potential mechanisms underlying preconditioning for surgery using HBOT. A systematic search was conducted to retrieve studies measuring markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, or angiogenesis in humans. Analysis of the included studies showed that HBOT-induced oxidative stress reduces the concentrations of pro-inflammatory acute phase proteins, interleukins and cytokines and increases growth factors and other pro-angiogenesis cytokines. Several articles only noted this surge after the first HBOT session or for a short duration after each session. The anti-inflammatory status following HBOT may be mediated by hyperoxia interfering with NF-κB and IκBα. Further research into the effect of HBOT on inflammation and angiogenesis is needed to determine the implications of these findings for clinical practice.

Variations in the levels of acute-phase proteins and lactoferrin in serum and milk during bovine subclinical mastitis.

Variations in the levels of acute phase proteins and lactoferrin in serum and milk for diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows are described in this research paper. Milking animals from two organized dairy farms in Kerala, India, were screened by California Mastitis Test (CMT), Electrical Conductivity test (EC) and Somatic Cell Count (SCC) test to identify animals affected with sub clinical mastitis (SCM). The concentrations of acute phase proteins (APP) Haptoglobin (Hp), C- reactive protein (CRP), Albumin, Lactoferrin (Lf) and α- 1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) in milk and Hp, Albumin, Serum Amyloid A (SAA) and CRP in the serum of 40 normal cows and 40 cows affected with sub clinical mastitis were assessed. Solid phase ELISA was employed for assessment of all parameters except the albumin levels, for which spectrophotometry was used. The values of Hp in milk; and SAA, AGP and Lf in serum, were significantly elevated in the group with sub clinical mastitis. Such variations were found to be independent of the specific bacterial organism causing the disease. These results show that significant variations exist in the levels of acute phase proteins Hp, AGP and Lf in milk, and SAA in serum of animals affected with subclinical bovine mastitis that are not affected by specific bacterial etiology.

Impact of radioiodine treatment on acute phase proteins in hyperthyroid cats.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of radioiodine treatment (RIT) on the acute phase proteins (APPs) serum amyloid A (SAA), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and haptoglobin (Hp) in hyperthyroid cats.MethodsBetween June 2013 and November 2014, 33 hyperthyroid cats without clinical or laboratory signs of inflammatory or neoplastic disease and a body weight >2.5 kg were enrolled. Immediately before, and 12, 36, 72 h and 6 days after RIT, serum samples were obtained for determination of APP concentrations.ResultsBoth SAA and AGP concentrations changed significantly after RIT. The concentration of AGP increased gradually after treatment with a maximum concentration at the end of the study period (median baseline 398 μg/ml; median 6 days post-RIT 562 μg/ml [P = 0.001]). A relevant >two-fold increase in AGP was seen in 8/33 (24%) cats. SAA concentration increased significantly within 12 h (baseline 9.2 μg/ml; 12 h post-RIT 22.5 μg/ml [P = 0.012]). In 7/33 (21%) cats, a clinically relevant >10-fold increase in SAA was observed. Hp concentration showed no significant change (P = 0.12).Conclusions and relevanceRIT induced a mild, mainly not clinically relevant acute phase reaction (APR). AGP and SAA were useful APPs to determine RIT-induced APR.

Short communication: preliminary observations on the serum levels of HSP70 and its correlation with serum cortisol, thyroid hormones, and acute-phase protein concentration in cattle naturally infected with foot-and-mouth disease virus

The study aimed to explore the serum levels of HSP70 and identify its possible association with serum cortisol, thyroid hormones, and acute-phase protein concentrations in cattle naturally infected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus. After the FMD outbreak in an organized dairy cattle farm in India, blood samples were obtained from clinically infected (n = 40) and apparently healthy (n = 30) animals. Samples were processed and tested by an in-house DIVA assay for confirmation of FMD infection. Serum was analyzed forHSP70, cortisol, T4, T3, haptoglobin, and serum amyloid A by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HSP70 concentrations were significantly higher in the serum of clinically infected cattle (p < 0.01) than the healthy group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the elevated serum levels of HSP70 under infectious diseases of bovines. Cortisol (p < 0.05), haptoglobin (p < 0.001), and serum amyloid A (p < 0.05) concentrations also markedly increased in the diseased animals; however, no differences (p > 0.05) were found in T4 and T3 levels between healthy and infected cattle. Elevated HSP70 concentration correlated positively with high cortisol (p < 0.05) and haptoglobin (p < 0.001) levels suggesting an essential link between these acute events during clinical infectious phase of FMD.

Hepatic response in COVID-19

Introduction: World is facing a pandemic by novel coronavirus termed as COVID-19. Patients shows symptoms of fever, respiratory discomfort and myalgia along with liver injury and GI symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. GI symptoms were also common during the previous outbreak of coronavirus family. Hepatic injury was assessed with abnormal serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, concentration of cytokine and acute phase protein. Material and Methods: The present study was carried out in Govt. Medical College, Jalaun at Department of Biochemistry. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was made by at least one positive SARS-CoV-2 (RDRP) or Beta CoV (E-gene) or COVID-19 (E-gene/Orf1A) Truenat test performed on nasopharyngeal swab samples. 10 ml of fasting venous blood was collected from the antecubital vein in a plain, fluoride and EDTA vacutainers. The blood sample was centrifuged and stored at 40 C for biochemical and immunological investigations. The study group consisted of four groups Normal (Group I) n=50 and COVID-19 positive patients (Total) (Group II) in two groups, Stable Patients (Group III) n=25 and Unstable patients (Group IV) n=25 are critically ill patients requiring ICU admission or intensive support of either sex aged between 40-65 years. The diagnosis of Liver disease was done by ultrasonographic examination of liver. Serum levels of ALT, AST, Total Bilirubin, Cytokine (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and acute phase protein (CRP) were estimated. Results: Mean value of ALT 20.10 ± 5.60, 110.34 ± 48.02, 158.6 ± 51.24* and 200.61± 58.35*, AST 28.50 ± 7.50, 104.20± 38.55*, 144.35 ± 46.60* and 193.15 ± 52.43* T.Bil 0.80 ± 0.15, 167.5 ± 84.13*, 143.3 ± 47.81* and 220.37 ± 119.73** Concentration of cytokine IL-6 9.24±1.20, 14.14±1.50*, 15.34±1.40* and 36.76±11.56** acute phase protein CRP 0.90±1.10 1.96±0.50*, 1.99±0.54* and 2.18±0.90 was significantly elevated in Group II, III, IV as compared to Group I. Conclusion: Results of the present study indicates that the levels of ALT, AST, Total Bilirubin, CRP and IL-6 increased in parallel with the progression of covid-19 positive patients which indicates COVID-19 might end with hepatic injury.

Effects of fetal number on acute phase proteins, cortisol, and hematological parameters in ewes during the periparturient period

Many subclinical diseases associated with inflammation occur in sheep during the periparturient period. Clinical symptoms are usually detected at an advanced stage of the disease; therefore, there are considerable risks of permanent health disorders in fetuses or dams. Determination of acute phase proteins (APPs) as markers of inflammation may allow for an earlier diagnosis and effective treatment. Furthermore, multi-fetus pregnancies are often associated with hematological disturbances. The study objective was to compare plasma concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), fibrinogen (Fb), and cortisol in ewes bearing one and two fetuses in the period from 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after parturition as well as to determine hematological parameters in peripheral blood. There was an important effect of fetal number on APP and cortisol concentrations in periparturient ewes. There was a greater concentration of SAA, Hp, Fb, and cortisol in ewes bearing two fetuses compared with those bearing one fetus. Profiles for APP and cortisol concentrations and hematological parameters were similar for ewes bearing one and two fetuses, and trends were within normal reference ranges for the periparturient period. Furthermore, there were no differences in values for hematological variables between ewes bearing one and two fetuses. with there being no ewes with anemia. In summary, separate determination of the previously undefined physiological ranges of APPs and cortisol for ewes bearing one and two fetuses may facilitate diagnosis of subclinical disorders and enable comparison of laboratory test results with different reference values for ewes bearing different numbers of fetuses.

Comparative evaluation of cytokine and acute-phase protein concentrations in sera of dairy cows with subclinical and clinical ketosis as a different view of the causes of the disease.

Background and Aim:Ketosis is a common disease occurring during the first stage of lactation in highly productive dairy cows. The aim of the present study was the comparative assessment of selected pro-inflammatory cytokines (including tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] and interleukin 6 [IL-6]), anti-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-10), and acute-phase proteins (APPs) (including haptoglobin [Hp] and serum amyloid A [SAA]), in the sera of cows with subclinical ketosis (SCK), in those with clinical ketosis (CK), and in healthy cows.Materials and Methods:Thirty dairy cows of Holstein-Friesian breed were investigated. The cows were divided into three groups depending on the serum β-hydroxybutyric acid (βHBA) level. The control, SCK, and CK groups included healthy cows, cows with SCK, and cows with CK, respectively. BHBA concentration in blood serum was determined using colorimetric method. The blood serum was used for proper tests. Cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) and APPs (SAA and Hp) concentrations in the investigated samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.Results:The SCK group had significantly higher TNF-α, IL-6; IL-10, and SAA values than had the CK group (p<0.01). The SCK group had a lower Hp concentration than had the CK group (p<0.05).Conclusion:This study showed that the inflammation intensity is higher in the initial phase of the disease and decreases during the advancement, probably due to active anti-inflammatory mechanisms (an increase of IL-10 concentration), which protect animal organism from self-destruction. On the basis of our study, it can be assumed that ketosis development in dairy cows was preceded by the systemic inflammation that may influence the progress of this disease.

Biomarkers, immune responses and cellular changes in vaccinated and non-vaccinated goats during experimental infection of M. haemolytica A2 under tropical conditions

BackgroundWe investigated the biomarkers, immune responses and cellular changes in vaccinated and non-vaccinated goats experimentally challenged with M. haemolytica serotype A2 under rainy and hot tropical conditions. A total of twenty-four clinically healthy, non-pregnant, female goats randomly allocated to 2 groups of 12 goats each were used for the study. The 12 goats in each season were subdivided into three groups (n = 4), which served as the control (G-NEG), non-vaccinated (G-POS), and vaccinated (G-VACC). In week-1, the G-VACC received 2 mL of alum-precipitated pasteurellosis vaccine while G-POS and G-NEG received 2 ml of sterile PBS. In week 2, the G-POS and G-VACC received 1 mL intranasal spray containing 105 CFU of M. haemolytica serotype A2. Inoculation was followed by daily monitoring and weekly bleeding for eight weeks to collect data and serum for biomarkers and immune responses using commercial ELISA test kits. The goats were humanely euthanised at the end of the experiments to collect lungs and the submandibular lymph nodes tissue samples for gross and histopathological examinations. ResultsRegardless of the season, we have observed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A), proinflammatory cytokines (interleukine-1β, interleukin-6), antibodies (immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G), and stress markers (cortisol and heat shock protein 70) in the G-POS goats compared to G-VACC and G-NEG. With regards to seasons, there was a significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum concentration with 1.5, 2 and 1-folds increase in the serum interleukin (IL)-1β, cortisol, and heat shock protein (HSP)-70 in the G-POS during rainy compared to the hot season. Histopathology of the lungs in G-POS goats revealed inflammatory cell infiltration, degeneration, haemorrhage/congestion, and pulmonary oedema in the alveoli spaces; thickening of the interstitium, and desquamation of bronchiolar epithelium. Cellular changes in the lymph node were characterized by a marked hypercellularity in G-POS goats. ConclusionHost responses to pneumonic mannheimiosis based on increased serum levels of biomarkers (cortisol, HSP70, IL-1β and IL-6) and severe cellular changes seen in the lungs and lymph nodes of G-POS goats compared to vaccinated goats and control group are influenced by the high environmental humidity recorded in the rainy season. Increased relative humidity in the rainy season is a significant stress factor for the higher susceptibility and severity of pneumonic mannheimiosis of goats in the tropics. Vaccination of goats using the alum precipitated Pasteurella multocida vaccine before the onset of the rainy season is recommended to minimise mortality due to potential outbreaks of pneumonia during the rainy season.

Changes in the Serum Protein Electrophoresis Profile in Dogs With Pyometra.

Serum proteins are involved in the regulation of inflammation, and therefore, serum protein profiling provides important insights in diverse inflammatory reactions. Accordingly, concentrations of single APPs, such as the C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin (Hp), have been described as indicators of inflammatory response in canine pyometra. However, there is little information regarding the overall serum protein profile obtained by SPE in canine pyometra. The present study was thus aimed to identify changes in the serum protein profile to monitor inflammation in dogs with pyometra using serum protein electrophoresis (SPE), in addition to the analysis of the concentration of single acute phase proteins (APPs). By SPE analysis, decreased levels of albumin and elevated levels of α2-globulin and β-globulin were noted in dogs with pyometra. In addition, the concentration of APPs, including the C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin (Hp), were also elevated in dogs with pyometra. The present study provides fundamental data for inflammatory indicators of canine pyometra.

Evaluation of different acute-phase proteins for herd health diagnostics in early postpartum Holstein Friesian dairy cows.

This research communication describes (1) the comparison of acute-phase protein (APP) concentrations in transition dairy cows on different farms using both pooled and individual blood samples, and (2) the association among different APP and clinical health parameters. The first hypothesis was that early postpartum dairy cows from different farms differ in the level of inflammation, which might be determined using APP assays in both pooled and individual blood samples. The second hypothesis was that the APP haptoglobin (Hp) might be the most sensitive parameter to detect cows at risk of excessive postpartum inflammation concomitant with systemic disease. Serum concentrations of Hp, serum amyloid-A (SAA), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), coeruloplasmin (Cp) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in 100 fresh lactating cows (within 0-8 d postpartum) from 10 farms were compared and associated to clinical health parameters (rectal body temperature, vaginal discharge (Metricheck™ score), rumen fill, vulvovaginal laceration) using both pooled and individual blood samples. Mean serum concentrations of Hp, SAA and TP revealed significant differences among farms. Pooled serum samples of farms showed high correlations with the mean of individual samples. Only Hp was significantly positively correlated to both body temperature and Metricheck™ score. In conclusion, Hp differentiates dairy farms regarding the inflammatory state of transition cows using individual and pooled serum samples within the first week postpartum. It also mirrors the individual degree of inflammation, thus proving to be a diagnostic parameter of high interest during the periparturient period.

The effects of water deprivation-induced dehydration on serum acute phase protein concentrations in sheep

The effects of dehydration on serum acute phase proteins (APPs) concentrations are unknown in sheep. In this study, it was aimed to reveal the effect of dehydration on the blood concentrations of serum amyloid a (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin (Cp) and fibrinogen (Fb) in Kivircik cross-breeds sheep. The animal materials of the study consisted of 20 healthy sheep. They were divided into 4 equal groups: systemic inflammation group (SIG), a single dose of 5 ml Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) was administered intramuscularly, drinking water were provided as ad libitum; dehydration group (DEH), a single dose of 5 ml placebo 0.9% NaCl was administered intramuscularly and water was deprived for consecutive 5 days; systemic inflammation+dehydrationgroup (SIG+DEH), a single dose of 5 ml FCA was administered intramuscularly and water was deprived for consecutive 5 days; and the control group (CON), a single dose of 5 ml placebo 0.9% NaCl was administered intramuscularly and drinking water was provided as ad libitum. Also, feed was offered ad libitum throughout the experimental period in all study groups. Blood samples were collected on days 0 (baseline values), 1, 3, 5, and 7 while clinical examinations were performed daily during the study. Significant increases were found in serum Hp, SAA, Cp and plasma Fb concentrations in SIG and SIG+DEH groups. There was a significant increase only in serum Hp concentration over time in the DEH group. In conclusion, this study exhibited that Hp concentration increased as part of an acute phase reaction in water deprivation-induced dehydration in Kivircik cross-breeds sheep.

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis: Association with the parasite load and host factors

The common signs of canine babesiosis caused by an infection with Babesia canis are fever, anorexia, lethargy, pulse alterations, anemia, and occasionally mild icterus. Dogs with these clinical signs can be divided into two groups: those with acute-phase reaction and those with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Factors associated with the occurrence of SIRS in canine babesiosis have not been thoroughly researched. This article outlines a cross-sectional study of 54 client-owned dogs with an acute B. canis infection, and evaluates the differences in age, gender, laboratory findings, parasite load, and seroreactivity against B. canis between the SIRS and the SIRS-free dogs. We have analyzed a complete blood count, serum biochemistry, serum amyloid A, ceruloplasmin, paraoxonase-1, serology, and PCR testing using standard methodologies. The frequency of SIRS among the investigated dogs reached 0.59. Male dogs and those seronegative against B. canis, were more frequent in the SIRS group, whilst age and parasite load could not be associated with the presence of SIRS. Dogs with SIRS had a lower count of total leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, and a lower concentration of iron and bilirubin compared with SIRS-free dogs. No significant differences in the concentration of acute-phase proteins have been noticed to exist between the groups of dogs. Further, the seronegative dogs had a lower count of lymphocytes and monocytes and a higher parasite load than the seroreactive dogs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis has identified leukopenia (<6 × 109/L) and monocytopenia (<0.2 × 109/L) as independent associates of SIRS in the investigated dogs, thus implying that these routine tests could be used as reliable markers for SIRS.

Milk supplemented with dried seaweed affects the systemic innate immune response in preweaning dairy calves

Intact seaweed or seaweed extracts are used as feed supplements to improve the gut microbiome in young animals. Seaweeds provide functional polysaccharides, and they are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds, all of which are relevant for immune system development. However, literature on the effects of dried seaweed supplementation on immune system development is limited, especially in calves. This experiment aimed to study the effect of feeding milk supplemented with Ulva lactuca, Ascophyllum nodosum, or Saccharina latissima on the systemic immune status of preweaning dairy calves. Forty male Holstein calves with birth body weight 41 ± 4 kg and plasma Brix percentage ≥8.7% at d 2 after birth were used in this study. Calves were fed 4 L of cow milk twice a day (total 8 L/d). From d 2 to d 28, calves in the control group (n = 10) received milk without seaweed supplementation. Over the same period, experimental calves received milk supplemented with Ulva lactuca (SW1; n = 10), Ascophyllum nodosum (SW2; n = 10), or Saccharina latissima (SW3, n = 10). Dried and ground seaweeds were offered at a daily allowance of 50 g/8 L of milk (i.e., approximately 5% inclusion rate on a dry matter basis). Blood samples were collected from a jugular vein on d 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after birth. Plasma concentrations of total protein, albumin, immunoglobulins, and acute-phase proteins (i.e., serum amyloid A, fibrinogen, and haptoglobin) were measured. We detected no differences in average daily gain, plasma immunoglobulins, albumin, or total protein. However, the contrast analysis revealed that plasma concentrations of fibrinogen (SW1 and SW2) and serum amyloid A (SW2 and SW3) were significantly higher in the seaweed groups compared with the control group. We also found a tendency for high plasma haptoglobin in the seaweed groups (SW1 and SW2) compared with the control group. Differences in acute-phase protein concentrations could be partially explained by the large differences in micromineral intake between control and seaweed-supplemented calves. Feeding milk supplemented with dried seaweed increased plasma concentrations of variables related to the innate immune response in preweaning dairy calves.

Preweaning to postweaning rumen papillae structural growth, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and acute-phase proteins in calves

This study evaluated pre- to postweaning ruminal structural development, fermentation characteristics, and acute-phase protein levels in calves with a high milk replacer (MR) feeding rate prior to weaning. Six ruminally cannulated Holstein bull calves were fed MR (150 g/L) at 15% of body weight (BW) in 2 equal volumes daily. Volumes were adjusted weekly based on BW. Calves were weaned using a 1-step weaning method, with MR decreased by 50% at the end of wk 5 and full weaning at the end of wk 6. Calf starter, chopped straw, and water were offered ad libitum. Intake was recorded daily, and BW was recorded weekly. From wk 5 to 12, ruminal pH was continuously measured using a ruminal pH bolus. Ruminal fluid was collected weekly from wk 5 to 12 for measurement of short-chain fatty acid concentrations and quantification of total bacteria and protozoa. Rumen papillae were obtained at wk 5, 6, 7, 8, and 12 for histological analysis. Serum amyloid A and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein were measured weekly. Data were analyzed using GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC), with week as a fixed effect and calf as a random effect. During the weaning step-down, starter intake was 3-fold higher and continued to increase until wk 12. Body weight increased from birth to wk 12; however, BW did not change during wk 6, 7, and 8, possibly due to low metabolizable energy intake caused by the weaning strategy. Preweaning ruminal pH was below 5.8 for approximately 936.3 ± 125.99 min/d, implying ruminal acidosis. Furthermore, ruminal pH below 5.8 reached a peak at wk 8 with 1,203.9 ± 227.65 min/d below pH 5.8 and slowly decreased to 388.1 ± 189.82 min/d below pH 5.8 at wk 12. Papillae surface area, length, and width increased during wk 12 compared with wk 5. Corneum thickness increased by week, whereas spinosum/basale thickness only increased during wk 8 compared with wk 5. The acute-phase protein concentration was highest at wk 1 and then decreased and remained constant until wk 12. In conclusion, even before step-down weaning, calves experienced ruminal acidosis despite low starter intake. Further, the observed prolonged ruminal pH depression suggests that dietary rumen adaptation after weaning can take several weeks in calves with a high MR feeding rate preweaning. The prolonged depressed ruminal pH did not affect acute-phase proteins and this finding, along with the other results, suggests that rumen epithelium barrier integrity is not compromised during weaning.