Acute Phase Protein Concentrations Research Articles

Chickadees Faced with Unpredictable Food Increase Fat Reserves but Certain Components of Their Immune Function Decline

In winter, temperate resident birds are often faced with periodic low natural food availability. This reduction or unpredictability in resource availability might then have a negative impact on immune function, given that immune system support is highly resource dependent. We investigated the balance between energetic and immune management in captive black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapilus) by manipulating the predictability of resources. The control group received food ad lib. every day, while the experimental group received a reduced amount of food on random days and food ad lib. on all other days. We measured two key metrics of energetic management (body and fat mass) as well as a suite of immune system components. Compared with control birds, experimental birds maintained significantly higher total body and fat mass, had lower acute phase protein concentrations, and had decreased body temperature and lost more body mass during the fever response following injection with lipopolysaccharides. Interestingly, birds in both groups had similar levels of complement lysis, delayed-type hypersensitivity response (phytohemagglutinin), and primary antibody production (keyhole limpet hemocyanin). This experiment demonstrates that black-capped chickadees strategically increase their fat mass in response to decreased food availability and that this might allow the birds to maintain most of the immune system unaltered, except some of the most costly immune components.

Host-pathogen interplay at primary infection sites in pigs challenged with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae.

Background Actinobacillus (A.) pleuropneumoniae is the causative agent of porcine pleuropneumonia and causes significant losses in the pig industry worldwide. Early host immune response is crucial for further progression of the disease. A. pleuropneumoniae is either rapidly eliminated by the immune system or switches to a long-term persistent form. To gain insight into the host-pathogen interaction during the early stages of infection, pigs were inoculated intratracheally with A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 and humanely euthanized eight hours after infection. Gene expression studies of inflammatory cytokines and the acute phase proteins haptoglobin, serum amyloid A and C-reactive protein were carried out by RT-qPCR from the lung, liver, tonsils and salivary gland. In addition, the concentration of cytokines and acute phase proteins were measured by quantitative immunoassays in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum and saliva. In parallel to the analyses of host response, the impact of the host on the bacterial pathogen was assessed on a metabolic level. For the latter, Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR-) spectroscopy was employed.ResultsSignificant cytokine and acute phase protein gene expression was detected in the lung and the salivary gland however this was not observed in the tonsils. In parallel to the analyses of host response, the impact of the host on the bacterial pathogen was assessed on a metabolic level. For the latter investigations, Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR-) spectroscopy was employed. The bacteria isolated from the upper and lower respiratory tract showed distinct IR spectral patterns reflecting the organ-specific acute phase response of the host.ConclusionsIn summary, this study implies a metabolic adaptation of A. pleuropneumoniae to the porcine upper respiratory tract already during early infection, which might indicate a first step towards the persistence of A. pleuropneumoniae. Not only in lung, but also in the salivary gland an increased inflammatory gene expression was detectable during the acute stage of infection.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-0979-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Changes of acute phase protein levels in Saanen goat kids during neonatal period

In the present study, the developmental changes of plasma acute phase proteins concentrations in healthy Saanen goat kids during neonatal period were investigated. Blood samples were collected from eleven goat kids at 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28days of age. Serum Amyloid A concentrations were higher during first two weeks and significantly decreased at days 21 and 28. There were no statistically differences in the mean haptoglobin concentrations throughout the study. Ceruloplasmin concentrations were lower during first week of life and significantly increased at days 14 and 28. Fibrinogen concentrations were only significantly high at day 28 compared to day 1. Concentrations of Acid Soluble Glycoprotein were higher during first three days and significantly decreased at days 7, 14, 21 and 28. Alterations of these acute phase proteins could be related with birth process and stress and/or factors in colostrum. As a result, the time related changes in acute phase protein levels in Saanen goat kids suggested that these proteins might play an important role in defense and physiological adaptation mechanisms during neonatal period.

Erratum.

Veterinary Clinical PathologyVolume 45, Issue 4 p. 732-732 ErratumFree Access Erratum This article corrects the following: Correlation of serum cardiac troponin I and acute phase protein concentrations with clinical staging in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease Zoe S. Polizopoulou, Christos K. Koutinas, José J. Cerón, Asta Tvarijonaviciute, Silvia Martínez-Subiela, Anastasia Dasopoulou, Malcolm J. York, Ian F. Roman, Mitul Gandhi, Sonal Patel, Peter J. O'Brien, Volume 44Issue 3Veterinary Clinical Pathology pages: 397-404 First Published online: August 19, 2015 First published: 02 November 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/vcp.12431AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat When this article1 was published in the journal, there was an error in the Results section of the Abstract. It was stated that CRP concentrations were significantly higher in group I than III. The correct text is: CRP concentrations were significantly lower in group I than III (P = .004). References 1Polizopoulou ZS, Koutinas CK, Cerón JJ, et al. Correlation of serum cardiac troponin I and acute phase protein concentrations with clinical staging in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease. Vet Clin Pathol. 2015; 44: 397– 404. Volume45, Issue4December 2016Pages 732-732 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Acute phase proteins in dogs naturally infected with the Giant Kidney Worm (Dioctophyme renale).

Dioctophyme renale is a nematode parasite of dogs, usually found in the right kidney, causing severe damage to the renal parenchyma. The objective was to evaluate the acute phase response in dogs naturally infected with this Giant Kidney Worm and the possible effects of nephrectomy on circulating concentrations of select acute phase proteins (APP) such as serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and haptoglobin (HP). Nephrectomy was performed in infected dogs and the worms were collected for identification. Blood samples were taken 24 hours before surgery, and 4, 8, and 12 hours postoperatively on the following 10 consecutive days, and 28 days after surgery. Acute phase protein concentrations were determined at all time points. Cortisol concentrations were determined 24 hours before surgery and at recovery (28 days after surgery). One-way ANOVA and Friedman test were used for multiple comparisons; the Wilcoxon-signed rank test was used to compare variables, and Spearman's rho rank test was used to assess the correlation between the number of parasites recovered from the dogs and the APP concentration. Forty-five parasites were recovered from the 12 dogs evaluated in this study. Dogs showed significantly increased HP concentrations (P < .05) but lower CRP and SAA concentrations before surgery, and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher at admission when compared to recovery. No significant correlations were found between the number of parasites and APP concentrations. There is a particular acute phase response profile in dogs with kidney worm infection. Nephrectomy induced a short-term inflammatory process.

Acute-phase serum proteins and adipocytokines in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Relationships with body composition and blood glucose fluctuations

To estimate the relationships between the serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins (APPs) and adipocytokines, body composition (BC), and blood glucose (BG) fluctuations in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 165 women with T2DM and 22 with a normal body mass index (BMI) at the age of 40 to 70 years were examined. The concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and acid α1-glycoprotein (α1-AGP) were determined by ELISA. The levels of interleukins 6, 8, and 18 (IL-6, IL-8, IL-18), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) were measured by a multiplex analysis. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to estimate BC parameters. BG fluctuations were estimated via continuous glucose monitoring. The levels of hs-CRP, α1-AGP, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, TNF-α, and PAI-1 were significantly higher in the obese women with T2DM than those in the control group. In the diabetic normal weight women, only hs-CRP, α1-AGP, and IL-8 concentrations exceeded those in the controls. The level of hs-CRP (other than α1-AGP) correlated positively with BMI, the mass of adipose tissue, body trunk (android), and gynoid fats. A multivariate regression analysis showed that adipose tissue mass and trunk fat proportion were independent predictors of hs-CRP levels. The concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, PAI-1, and TNF-α correlated positively with waist-to-hip ratio, but demonstrated no associations with BMI and BC. Only the serum α1-AGP level showed a positive association with mean BG and its variability parameters. In the women with T2DM, the serum concentrations of APPs and adipocytokines correlate differently with the mass of adipose tissue, its distribution, and BG fluctuations. The findings indicate the multifactorial genesis of chronic inflammation in these patients.

Serum concentrations of acute phase proteins and immunoglobulins of calves with rotavirus diarrhea

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to characterize changes in acute phase protein levels according to the occurrence of rotavirus diarrhea in calves in the first month of life. Blood and fecal samples were taken before colostrum intake and at 1, 2, 7, 15, 21 and 30 days of age from 24 Holstein calves allotted in three experimental groups: calves that did not present diarrhea (group A), calves that presented diarrhea, but tested negative for rotavirus in feces (group B), and calves that presented diarrhea and tested positive for rotavirus in feces (group C) (experiment 1). When the animals presented episodes of diarrhea, blood and fecal samples were taken at 24-hour intervals until the end of clinical signs (experiment 2). Serum proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE technique and rotavirus in feces was detected by PAGE. Data of experiment 1 were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test, considered significant at P&lt;0.05. Data of experiment 2 were subjected to the HSD test. Total protein, globulins, and IgG concentrations were lower in group C than in groups A and B. Ceruloplasmin and transferrin levels were higher in group C than in groups A and B. Serum concentrations of haptoglobin and α1-acid glycoprotein did not differ significantly between groups throughout the experimental period. Calves presented diarrhea between 10.4 and 14.6 days of age in group B, and between 10.3 and 14.6 days of age in group C. In the moments of diarrhea manifestation, least square means of IgA, haptoglobin and α1-acid glycoprotein concentrations did not differ significantly between groups B and C, but ceruloplasmin and transferrin concentrations were higher in group C than in group B, as opposed to what occurred with IgG levels. These findings show that optimizing passive immunity transfer of immunoglobulins decrease the likelihood of calves developing diarrhea caused by rotavirus. In addition, ceruloplasmin presents characteristics of a biomarker of rotavirus infection in calves.

Early post parturient changes in milk acute phase proteins.

The periparturient period is one of the most critical periods in the productive life of a dairy cow, and is the period when dairy cows are most susceptible to developing new intramammary infections (IMI) leading to mastitis. Acute phase proteins (APP) such as haptoglobin (Hp), mammary associated serum amyloid A3 (M-SAA3) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been detected in milk during mastitis but their presence in colostrum and milk in the immediate postpartum period has had limited investigation. The hypothesis was tested that APP are a constituent of colostrum and milk during this period. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to determine each APP's concentration in colostrum and milk collected daily from the first to tenth day following calving in 22 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. Haptoglobin was assessed in individual quarters and composite milk samples while M-SAA3 and CRP concentration were determined in composite milk samples. Change in Hp in relation to the high abundance proteins during the transition from colostrum to milk were evaluated by 1 and 2 dimension electrophoresis and western blot. In 80% of the cows all APPs were detected in colostrum on the first day following parturition at moderately high levels but gradually decreased to minimal values in the milk by the 6th day after calving. The remaining cows (20%) showed different patterns in the daily milk APP concentrations and when an elevated level is detected could reflect the presence of IMI. Demonstration that APP are present in colostrum and milk following parturition but fall to low levels within 4 days means that elevated APP after this time could be biomarkers of post parturient mastitis allowing early intervention to reduce disease on dairy farms.

Acute Phase Proteins: Journey of Pivotal Marker in Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a chronic and concealed infection. It has become progressively clearer in recent years that periodontal disease can cause remarkable increase as well as decrease in the levels of markers of systemic inflammation. These markers include chiefly plasma proteins such as acute phase proteins. The acute phase proteins are an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins produced mainly in the liver in response to infection and inflammation. Acute phase proteins are generated in the host by a process called as acute phase reaction which is mediated by cytokines like Interleukin-1, 6, 8 and tumor necrosis factorα. The rise in the plasma concentration of acute phase proteins can assist host defense by aiding recognition of invading microbes, mobilization of leukocytes into the circulation, and increasing blood flow to injured or infected sites. This review reiterates on the structure, synthesis, classification, functions of acute phase proteins and their interrelationship with periodontal disease.

Comparison of biomarkers in serum and induced sputum of patients with occupational asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Occupational asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with the airway inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to compare the sputum and serum markers of inflammation in patients with occupational asthma and COPD. The study group included 20 patients with stable COPD, 24 patients with asthma, and 22 healthy subjects. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 levels in serum and induced sputum as well as fibrinogen and CRP in serum were determined in all the subjects. Higher concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-9 in induced sputum and an increased concentration of acute-phase proteins in serum were observed in COPD patients compared with healthy subjects. Higher concentrations of IL-1β and MMP-9 in induced sputum and a higher concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) were detected in COPD patients than in asthmatic subjects. Never smokers with COPD had significantly higher levels of IL-1β and MMP-9 in induced sputum than never smoker controls. There was no significant difference between the serum and sputum levels of cytokines and MMP-9 of never smokers and smokers with COPD. Higher concentrations of IL-1β and MMP-9 in induced sputum and a higher concentration of CRP in serum allow distinguishing between biomarker profiles of COPD patients and asthmatic patients. Occupational exposure induces a systemic proinflammatory state with increased levels of acute-phase proteins in stable COPD patients. MMP-9 and IL-1β concentrations are increased in induced sputum of never smokers with COPD, which is associated with occupational exposure.

Effect of Ketoprofen on acute phase protein concentrations in goats undergoing castration.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to determine the effect of ketoprofen on acute phase protein (APPs) concentrations in goats undergoing castration. A total of 16 clinically healthy, male and 12 months old goats were enrolled and each case received ketoprofen (group I) or control (group II) in a randomized fashion. Goats were sedated with Xylazine-HCl, afterwards ketoprofen (3 mg/kg) was injected via jugular vein in group I, whereas physiological saline solution was administered to group II. Goats were castrated by the Burdizzo method. Hematological parameters were determined with a blood cell counter and plasma fibrinogen (Fb), serum haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) concentrations were measured Millars technique, ELISA kit or p-phenylenediamine oxidase activity prior to castration and throughout the study on 0 to 96 h.ResultsThere were no differences in pre-treatment serum Cp, SAA and Fb concentrations among the groups. Contrarily, there were significant differences in plasma Hp concentrations on 0 to 96 h onwards post-castration. There were no differences in WBC and PCV between groups. Cp, Fb, and SAA were almost constant or showed slight changes at various stages of the study with no significant differences between groups.ConclusionsThe results revealed that, levels of Cp, Fb and SAA may not be affected by castration such as the confounding parameters similarly to stress. More investigations possessing different surgical or non-surgical castration techniques with larger number of goats and focusing on specific markers for stress are suggested for precise analysis.

БЕЛКИ ОСТРОЙ ФАЗЫ В ПРОГНОЗИРОВАНИИ ФАТАЛЬНОГО РИСКА У МУЖЧИН В ВОЗРАСТЕ 60 ЛЕТ И СТАРШЕ С ИШЕМИЧЕСКОЙ БОЛЕЗНЬЮ СЕРДЦА

Aim. To study the role of acute phase proteins for 10-year survival rate in men aged 60 and older with IHD. Materials and Methods. 167 men aged 60 and older (mean age – 76.0 ± 0.5) with confirmed IHD were under observation. The study did not include patients after revascularization and reconstructive surgery of coronary arteries. All participants were subkected to the complex assessment of clinical-functional state of the cardiovascular system and biochemical and immunologic examination. 10-year prospective study considering death records was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out using statistical programs STATISTICA 6.0 and SPSS 13.0. Results. The results of 10-year death probability analysis in men aged 60 and older with IHD have shown that risk of death is higher at the increased concentration of acute phase proteins – Creactive protein, fibrinogen, increased concentration of beta-globulin protein fraction bearing atherogenic lipid fractions, and gamma-globulin fraction reflecting the stimulated production of antibodies participating in formation of atherogenic lipoprotein complexes – immunoglobulins G. Conclusion. 10-year death rate in men aged 60 and older with IHD is higher at the increased concentration of acute phase protein – C-reactive protein, which makes it possible to use this indicator for fatal risk stratification in men aged 60 and older with IHD.

The evaluation of NT-proCNP, C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A protein concentration in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing stem cell transplantation

The importance of proinflamatory cytokines and acute phase proteins in pathogenesis and progression of MM is well known. However, there are any studies evaluating the role of NT-proCN in management and treatment of MM. The aim of our study was to evaluate the concentration of NT-proCNP and acute phase proteins in patients with MM before and after stem cell transplantation. We involved 40 newly diagnosed MM patients in stage III according to the Durie-Salmon classification and treated with high dose of melphalan (200mg/m2) prior to ASCT. Concentration of NT-proCNP, hs-CRP and SAA were measured before conditioning treatment and every 4days until the 24th day after stem cell infusion. We observed low NT-proCNP levels before conditioning treatment (0.121±0.04pmol/l), the higher in day on ASCT (0.28±0.14pmol/l). Further we showed significant gradual increase concentration of NT-proCNP up to 12days after stem cells infusion (1.07±0.72pmol/l). The kinetics of hs-CRP and SAA levels were similar to NT-proCNP. We showed positive correlation between NT-proCNP levels and absolute neutrophil and platelets count in patients after ASCT. NT-proCNP can be useful parameter to assess effectiveness of treatment and monitoring of hematopoetic recovery time in patients with MM after stem cell transplantations.

Short communication: Markers of oxidant status and inflammation relative to the development of claw lesions associated with lameness in early lactation cows

Lameness is a major health disorder of dairy cattle and evidence suggests that it may be associated with oxidative stress (OS) during the transition period. Some debate exists, however, as to whether OS precedes the development of lameness or if OS occurs as a consequence of lameness. The purpose of this study was to test whether cows showing claw lesions during early lactation had a greater pro-oxidant and inflammatory status throughout the dry period or at the start of the lactation. Blood samples were taken from 30 cows from the same herd at dry off, movement to the close-up pen, and between 3 and 7 d in milk. Sera were analyzed for concentrations of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and antioxidant potential. Blood samples also were subjected to total and differential white blood cell counts. Animals were monitored through 120 d in milk and grouped ex post into the following health categories: (1) exclusively hoof lesions; (2) other production diseases; or (3) nondiseased. Changes in oxidant status and inflammatory markers were significantly different with respect to metabolic and physiologic adaptations to calving and lactation. No differences in oxidant status, acute phase protein concentrations, or leukocyte populations were observed between the hoof lesions and the nondiseased categories. Thus, any associations between OS and lameness likely occurs closer to the onset of clinical signs or as a consequence of inflammatory responses due to localized tissue injury.

Overweight and Obesity Prevalence is High among Non‐pregnant Women of Reproductive Age in Eight Countries and Positively Associated with Circulating Acute Phase Protein Concentrations

BackgroundInterventions to address obesity and overweight are needed due to established health risks and increasing prevalence globally. There is chronic low‐grade inflammation associated with obesity, which itself has negative health consequences. Less is known about the association between overweight and inflammatory biomarkers.ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity in non‐pregnant women of reproductive age (WRA, 15–49 years old) from nine recent nationally representative nutrition surveys, and to evaluate the associations between obesity, overweight and acute phase proteins (APPs).MethodsSurvey data was compiled for the BRINDA project, and 8 countries included anthropometry and biomarker data for WRA: Cameroon, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Georgia, Laos, Mexico (2 discrete surveys), Papa New Guinea, and the United States (n=23,416). Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) ≥ 30 and overweight as 25 ≤ BMI &lt; 30. Logistic regression was used to model the associations between (1) obesity, (2) obesity and overweight, and elevated alpha‐1 acid glycoprotein (AGP &gt; 1 g/L) and C‐reactive protein (CRP &gt; 5 mg/L). Adjusted models included socio‐economic status, maternal education, and age. Robust standard errors were used to account for correlation at the country level and complex survey design effects (weighting and probability sampling) were used to produce weighted, nationally representative results.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight (27.8%) and obesity (21.2%) exceeded the prevalence of normal BMI (46.0%); only 5% of WRA were underweight. The range of overweight plus obesity across countries ranged from 12.9% (Laos) to 66.5% (Mexico, 2012). Obesity was positively associated with elevated APPs [adjusted prevalence ratio aPR (95% CI) AGP (g/L): 2.1 (1.1, 3.9), CRP (mg/L): 2.6 (2.2, 3.1)], controlling for age (yr, CRP model only), socio‐economic status, and education. The effects of elevated APPs are attenuated when using overweight or obesity as the outcome: aPR (95% CI) AGP (g/L): 1.2 (0.9, 1.6), CRP (mg/L): 1.7 (1.4, 2.1).ConclusionOverweight and obesity prevalence is high among non‐pregnant women of reproductive age in eight countries and positively associated with circulating acute phase protein concentrations. We recommend that interventions to address overweight and obesity and efforts to monitor these trends measure APP concentrations.Support or Funding InformationResearch support: Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, CDC, GAIN, NICHD

Serum haptoglobin and C-reactive protein concentration in relation to rectal and vaginal temperature of early postpartum sows

Various attempts were made to improve the diagnosis of the periparturient hypogalactia syndrome in sows. A new approach was the detection of elevated concentrations of acute phase proteins. The objective of our study was to investigate the serum concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in sows on Day 7 postpartum and relationship to body temperature. From Day 1 to Day 6 postpartum, 199 sows were clinically examined and a blood sample was taken for measuring Hp and CRP at Day 7. The median of Hp and CRP were 1.83 mg/mL (interquartile range: 1.42–2.13 mg/mL) and 60.0 μg/mL (interquartile range: 15.2–216.5 μg/mL). We did not find a correlation between Hp and CRP (ρ = 0.11, P = 0.12) nor a difference between sows categorized as ill and healthy sows in Hp concentration (P = 0.1) and CRP (P = 0.34). Sows with Hp > 2.13 mg/mL had a higher rectal temperature than sows with Hp ≤ 2.13 mg/mL (P = 0.037), but there was no difference in vaginal temperature (P = 0.24). Regarding CRP, sows with CRP greater than 216.5 μg/mL had higher rectal temperature (P = 0.017) and vaginal temperature (P = 0.02) than sows with CRP ≤ 216.5 μg/mL. As demonstrated in this study, Hp and CRP do not support the detection of early postpartum disorders in sows.

Reduction of liver function delays resumption of postpartum ovarian activity and alters the synthesis of acute phase proteins in dairy cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of acute phase proteins, milk production, and resumption of postpartum ovarian activity of clinically healthy dairy cows in a semi-extensive system with different Liver Functionality Index (LFI) values. The animals were divided into two groups: Low LFI (LLFI: −7 to −12; n: 10) and High LFI (HLFI: −7 to −4; n: 10). Animals with LLFI had lower paraoxonase activity and lower albumin concentration in the pre- and postpartum periods (P<0.05), higher non-esterified fatty acids prepartum (P<0.005), and higher haptoglobin concentration postpartum (P<0.01). The LLFI group showed lower resumption of ovarian activity until 44days postpartum (29%; P<0.05) than HLFI (86%). Milk production did not differ between groups. Therefore, this study suggests that the LFI is an important biomarker of synthesis of acute phase proteins and the first ovulation interval, and it can be used to improve the production and reproductive performance.

Metabolic adaptation and reticuloruminal pH in periparturient dairy cows experiencing different lipolysis early postpartum

Metabolic adaptation includes an array of concerted metabolic and endocrine events that enable dairy cows bridging the period of energy deficit at the onset of lactation. The present study evaluated metabolic, endocrine and reticuloruminal pH changes in 30 (25 Holstein and five Simmental) periparturient dairy cows experiencing variable lipolysis early postpartum. Cows were fed the same close-up and fresh lactation diets and kept in the same management conditions. Blood samples were collected at day 14, and day 4, relative to expected parturition, and at day 2, and day 21 postpartum, and serum metabolites and hormones related to glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as concentrations of several liver enzymes and acute phase proteins were determined. Additionally, reticuloruminal pH was monitored every 10 min over the last 3 days of the observation period. BW and milk yields were recorded and balances of energy and protein were assessed. Based on serum concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) postpartum, cows were retrospectively classified into low (n=8), medium (n=11), and high (n=11) lipolysis groups, with NEFA levels of <0.4 mmol/l, between 0.4 and 0.7 mmol/l, and >0.7 mmol/l, respectively. Overall, elevated NEFA concentrations in the High group went along with a higher ratio of NEFA to cholesterol and reduced insulin sensitivity. While serum glucose, energy deficit and BW loss did not differ, cows of the High group exhibited increased lactate concentrations in the serum, compared with the Medium group. No differences in liver enzymes and acute phase proteins were evidenced among fat mobilization groups, whereas concentration of serum billirubin was lowest in the Low group after parturition. Data of milk yield and milk energy output showed no differences among groups, despite divergences in calculated energy balance and BW change postpartum. Cows of the Low group tended to increase dry matter intake but also showed longer time duration of pH below 6.0 in the reticulorumen (on average 299 min/day compared with 99 and 91 min/day for Medium and High groups, respectively). Differences in metabolic, endocrine and reticuloruminal pH responses indicate diverse metabolic adaptation strategies of early-lactation cows to cope with energy deficit postpartum.

Lacrimal and salivatory glycoproteins in ophthalmic herpes

to compare tear, saliva, and plasma levels of acute phase proteins (APPs) of inflammation in patients with herpes keratitis and to use the RESULTS in treatment evaluation. APPs were measured in tears, oral fluid, and blood plasma from 22 adults and 34 children with ophthalmic herpes as well as 68 healthy controls using immunoturbidimetric and spectrophotometric methods of detection. High levels of C-reactive protein and orosomucoid, low levels of ceruloplasmin, α1-antitrypsin, and transferrin in tears from patients with herpes keratitis as well as abnormal tear, saliva, and plasma APPs levels at discharge are poor prognostic signs. They all indicate that corneal inflammation is still intense and that the treatment should not be ceased yet. Severity of APPs concentration changes in tear from patients with herpes keratitis correlates with the depth of corneal lesions, recurrence rate, and disease dynamics. Quantitative determination of acute phase proteins in tear and oral fluid is an early and sensitive inflammation test and may be also used for non-invasive monitoring and antiviral treatment evaluation. Oral fluid allows to extend the capabilities of non-invasive diagnostics of ophthalmic herpes.

The usefulness of uterine lavage and acute phase protein levels as a diagnostic tool for subclinical endometritis in Icelandic mares.

BackgroundEndometritis is a common problem in a broodmare practice, often leading to infertility. The diagnosis is based on several methods such as cytology, bacteriology and histopathology; however the outcome of these methods may be inconclusive even when used together. The objectives of this study were: (1) to investigate the usefulness of acute phase proteins as an additional diagnostic tool for diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in mares and (2) to evaluate the association between macroscopic changes in uterine flushes and inflammation of the uterus. Materials were collected from 53 Icelandic mares with subclinical endometritis. Endometrial swabs and uterine lavage for cytological and bacteriological examinations and two endometrial biopsies were taken. Blood samples were collected 12–24 h after ovulation to determine the concentrations of serum amyloid A and haptoglobin in the 53 subfertile mares and, for comparison, from 20 non-pregnant mares that later conceived.ResultsTwenty-five mares were classified as positive for endometritis based on endometrial biopsy, which was used as the ‘gold standard’. We observed a correlation between cloudy efflux in the lavage and (1) polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) infiltration of the endometrium (P = 0.031), (2) positive cytology in samples obtained by cotton swabs (P = 0.019) and uterine lavage (P = 0.011), and (3) positive microbiology from samples obtained by cotton swabs (P = 0.001) and uterine lavage (P = 0.047). The degree of agreement between PMN infiltration and positive cytology from samples taken by cotton swabs and uterine lavage was fair to moderate. We found no association between the concentration of acute phase proteins and infiltration of the endometrium by PMNs, or with positive results of cytological and microbiological examinations.ConclusionsMeasurement of serum amyloid A and haptoglobin was not proven useful for diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in Icelandic mares. Macroscopic changes in the fluid collected by lavage were not consistently indicative of infection, but when present they indicate inflammation in the uterus with a high probability.