Acute Phase Protein Concentrations Research Articles

Alterações no perfil das proteínas de fase aguda e leucograma em cordeiros Dorper durante os seis primeiros meses de vida

The first months in the life of mammals are marked by many challenges, such as acquisition of maternal antibodies, immunological maturity, environmental exposure and food adaptation. These challenges may lead to changes in the concentration of inflammatory markers, as the acute phase proteins (APPs) and leukocytes. The better understanding of these markers behavior in physiological conditions is fundamental for diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the changes in the APPs and leukogram profile in Dorper lambs from birth until the sixth month of life. Samples were collected from 12 clinically healthy lambs at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours and then at 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days of age. All lambs were born with a low concentration of haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin. Significant increases occurred in the 48th hour and on the 7th day of life (P<0.05), respectively. The highest APPs concentration was observed on the 90th day. All leukogram cells varied throughout the experimental period. It was possible to characterize the changes in APPs and leukogram profile from birth to six months of life in Dorper lambs. This study offers new perspectives on the use of APPs in lambs during the first months of life.

Systemic effects of IL-17 in inflammatory arthritis.

Inflammatory arthritis occurs in many diseases and is characterized by joint inflammation and damage. However, the inflammatory state in arthritis is commonly associated with systemic manifestations, which are generally linked to a poor prognosis. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 functions within a complex network of cytokines and contributes to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. Three IL-17 inhibitors have already been approved for the treatment of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. After a brief description of IL-17 and its local effects on joints, this Review focuses on the systemic effects of IL-17 in inflammatory arthritis. Increased circulating concentrations of bioactive IL-17 mediate changes in blood vessels, liver and cardiac and skeletal muscles. The effects of IL-17 on vascular and cardiac cells might contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular events that occurs in all patients with inflammatory disorders. In the liver, IL-17 contributes to the high circulating concentrations of acute-phase proteins, such as C-reactive protein, and the appearance of liver lesions. In skeletal muscle, IL-17 contributes to muscle contractibility defects and weakness. Thus, targeting IL-17 might have beneficial effects at both local and systemic levels, and could also be proposed for the treatment of a wider range of inflammatory diseases.

Acute phase proteins and biomarkers of oxidative status in feline spontaneous malignant mammary tumours.

Acute phase proteins (APP) and biomarkers of oxidative status change in human and canine mammary tumours, however, they have not been studied in feline mammary tumours. The aims of this study were to investigate the APP and antioxidant responses in feline malignant mammary tumours, to evaluate their relation with tumour features, and to assess their prognostic value. Serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), albumin, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), insulin-like growth factor1 (IGF1), paraoxonase1 (PON1), total serum thiols (Thiol), glutathione peroxidase (GPox) and total antioxidant capacity determined by different assays, including trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assessed by two different methodologies (TEAC1/2), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), were determined in serum of 50 queens with spontaneous mammary carcinomas and of 12 healthy female cats. At diagnosis, diseased queens presented significantly higher SAA and Hp, and lower albumin, BChE, GPox, TEAC1, TEAC2 and CUPRAC than controls. Different tumour features influenced concentrations of APP and antioxidants. Increases in serum Hp, and decreases in albumin, Thiol and FRAP were significantly associated with neoplastic vascular emboli, metastasis in regional lymph nodes and/or in distant organs. Distant metastasis development during the course of the disease was associated with increases in SAA and TEAC1. At diagnosis, decreased albumin was associated with a longer survival, and BChE <1.15 μmoL/mL.minute was associated with a shorter survival time on multivariate analysis. Feline malignant mammary tumours are associated with an APP response and oxidative stress, and different tumour features influence the inflammatory response and the oxidative damage. Furthermore, some of these analytes proved to have prognostic value.

Concentrations of acute-phase proteins and immunoglobulins in serum and synovial fluid in clinically healthy heifers and steers

ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to determine the concentration pattern of intra-articular acute phase proteins (APPs) and immunoglobulins in healthy crossbred cattle. Synovial fluid (SF) samples were collected from the radiocarpal joint of 25 heifers and 25 steers. Concentrations of APPs were measured by SDS-PAGE. The results were submitted to analysis of variance using the SAS statistical program, and means were compared by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (P&lt;0.05). Thirty-seven proteins with molecular weights ranging from 7 to 37kDa were identified in SF of all animals. Eight were nominally identified with immunoglobulin A (IgA) and G (IgG), ceruloplasmin (Cp), transferrin (Tf), albumin (Ab), α1-antitripsin (AAT), α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and haptoglobin (Hp). The α1-antitripsin was only identified in the Sf of the heifers. The SF values of Cp, Hp, AGP and IgA were significantly higher in heifers than in steers. In sera, 34 proteins with molecular weights between 7 and 244kDa were identified in heifers and steers. Similar proteins were nominally identified in the sera, however the α1-antitrypsin was identified only in SF. The serum values Tf, AGP and IgG were significantly higher in heifers compared with steers. In conclusion, the physiological acute-phase proteins concentrations in synovial fluid of healthy ruminants can be useful in the interpretation of samples from animals with joint diseases. The SF electrophoretic profile of healthy ruminants differs depending on gender. Similar proteins were nominally identified in the sera, but only the SF of α1-antitrypsin.

Effects of Ketoprofen Administration on Relation between Acute Phase Proteins and Metabolic Parameters in Cows during Early Lactation

Background: Acute phase proteins (APPs) are clinically useful parameters for measuring the occurrence and severity of inflammatory responses in cattle. As large group of proteins, APPs are mainly secreted by hepatocytes whose concentration increase or decrease as response to tissue injury, inflammation or infection. The transition from late pregnancy to early lactation is associated with a compromised immune status coupled with increased acute phase response. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in treatment of inflammatory conditions. The main objective of the present study was to analyze the effects of a preventive administration of the NSAID (ketoprofen) in post-calving dairy cows on concentration of APPs (haptoglobin and fibrinogen) and their relationship with indicators of liver function.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The treatment group (n = 15) was given an intramuscular injection of ketoprofen in the concentration of 3 mg/kg during three consecutive days after calving. The control group (n = 15) was not treated with ketoprofen. Blood samples were taken from coccygeal vein, on the first day of treatment and in the first and second week postpartum and they were analyzed for metabolic parameters (albumin and aspartat aminotransferaze) and APPs such as haptoglobin and fibrinogen. Compared with control, ketoprofen administration decrease the levels of haptoglobin and fibrinogen and AST activity. Increase in albumin concentration was recorded in experimental group of cows compared with control. Negative correlations (P &lt; 0.01) were found between the haptoglobin concentration and albumin concentration and aspartate aminotransferaze activity. Discussion: As inflammatory indicator in dairy cows, it is recorded that serum concentrations of haptoglobin is increased during mastitis. Beside haptoglobin, fibrinogen represents one of the APPs whose serum concentration increases during response in the acute phase. During the first and second week after partus, in cows with acute puerperal metritis, an increase in fibrinogen concentration was observed in relation to clinically healthy animals. Based on our results, it can be concluded that an intramuscular injection of ketoprofen (3 mg × kg. bw.-1) administered in cows in the first days following parturition reduces the concentration of some APPs (haptoglobin and fibrinogen). In regard to Hp concentration, the treatment success agreed with previous results using i.m. acetyl-lysine salicylate during the first 5 days of lactation. Reduction in APPs concentration in our research results could be attributed to the anti-inflammatory effect of ketoprofen. In addition, use of ketoprofen reduces the intensity of relationship between inflammatory markers and indicators of liver funcition. Impaired functional capacity of the liver may be associated with reduced albumin concentration in the peripartal period, and during inflammatory or infectious diseases. Increase in albumin concentration in experimental group of cows compared to the control in our research could be attributed to the anti-inflammatory effect of ketoprofen. Hence it can be concluded that the use of ketoprofen immediately after calving reduces the intensity of relationship between inflammatory marker liver function and that NSAID treatment could be used in in improving animal well-being and controlling of the occurence and intesity of postpartum diseases.

Responses of pro-inflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins and cytological analysis in serum and cerebrospinal fluid during haemorrhagic septicaemia infection in buffaloes.

Sudden death is usually the main finding in field animals during haemorrhagic septicaemia outbreaks caused by Pasteurella multocida type B:2 that causes acute, fatal and septicaemic disease in cattle and buffaloes. This situation may be due to failure in early detection of the disease where early treatment of antibiotics may improve the prognosis of the animal and other surviving animals. Thus, there is a grey area on the knowledge on the potential usage of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins as early biomarkers in the diagnosis of haemorrhagic septicaemia. In addition, exploration of the cerebrospinal fluid during infection has never been studied before. Therefore, this study was designed to fill up the grey areas in haemorrhagic septicaemia research. Twenty-one buffalo calves were divided into seven treatment groups where group 1 was inoculated orally with 10mL of sterile phosphate-buffered saline pH 7 which act as a negative control group. Groups 2 and 3 were inoculated orally and subcutaneously with 10mL of 1012 colony-forming unit of P. multocida type B:2. Group 4 and 5 buffaloes were inoculated orally and intravenously with 10mL of lipopolysaccharide broth. Groups 6 and 7 were administered orally and subcutaneously with 10mL of outer membrane protein broth. During the post-infection period of 21days, blood and cerebrospinal fluid were sampled for the analyses of pro-inflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins and cytological examination. Buffalo calves infected with P. multocida and its immunogens via different routes of inoculation showed significant changes (p < 0.05) of pro-inflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins and cytological changes in both the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Buffalo calves from groups 3 and 7 showed the highest pro-inflammatory cytokines, whereas group 6 had the highest acute phase protein concentration and group 5 revealed the highest value for cytology changes. In summary, results obtained in this study could be used as a profiling study to add novel knowledge to the haemorrhagic septicaemia research as well as the development of biomarkers.

Acute Phase Proteins – As Indicators of Claw Diseases in Dairy Cattle

Abstract The serum concentration of certain acute phase proteins significantly increases during various pathological conditions in cattle. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of claw disorders etiology on the concentrations of two major acute phase proteins in dairy cattle: haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid protein A (SAA). Fifty dairy cows with claw pathology were included. Fourteen clinically healthy heifers served as controls. The animals were subdivided in 5 groups according to the pathological findings on their claws: 1. Heel horn erosion (HE), 2. Acute laminitis (AL), 3. Sole ulcer (SU), 4. Digital dermatitis (DD) and 5. White line separation (WLS). Hp and SAA concentrations were measured in serum samples using commercial ELISA kits. Higher concentrations of both Hp and SAA were found in the AL and SU groups (p&lt;0.01) compared to the HE, DD and WLS and control groups. Dairy cows in the DD group had higher (p&lt;0.05) Hp and SAA concentrations than the HE and WLS groups and the controls. The serum values between the HE, WLS and the control group did not differ significantly. The presented results indicate that the claw diseases are associated with a systemic acute phase response. Hp and SAA could be used as valuable biomarkers for early detection of claw diseases in dairy cows.

Milk haptoglobin detection based on enhanced chemiluminescence of gold nanoparticles

The suggested research specifically addresses the major source of economic loss of the dairy industry, the bovine mastitis (BM), an inflammatory disease of mammary gland caused by bacterial intramammary infection. During udder inflammation, the concentrations of acute phase proteins (APP) in both plasma and milk are escalated, which can be distinctively utilized as predicting diagnostic biomarkers of cattle's BM clinical status. Herein, we demonstrate a liquid-phase luminol chemiluminescence (CL) system for sensitive detection of haptoglobin (Hp), a predictive APP of BM, by utilizing the binding capacity of hemoglobin (Hb). The CL intensity is linearly proportional to Hb-Hp complex formation, resulting in peroxidase-like activity inhibition of luminol-H2O2-Hb CL system. Enhanced CL, at least 10-fold effect within real samples, is attained by the addition of catalytically active cross-linked gold nanoparticles (GNPs) onto the luminol-H2O2 solution. Moreover, the influence of different somatic cell counts (representing subclinical and clinical BM status) and pathogen types (i.e., CNS and Streptococcus dysgalactiae) on the secreted milk Hp levels obtained from Holstein cows are established. The analyzed Hp concentrations are in agreement with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The proposed CL sensing concept offers cost-effective, simple, label-free and reliable systematic analysis of Hp biomarker for BM, potentially initiating a positive effect on animals’ health and overall economy of the dairy farms.

CHANGES IN CERTAIN ACUTE PHASE PROTEINS OF COMMON CARP (Cyprinus carpio) EXPOSED TO ORGANOPHOSPHATE INSECTICIDES

The acute phase response (APR) is a nonspecific reaction of fish to disturbances in homeostasis. The aim of present study was to investigate quantitative changes that occur in the concentration of acute phase proteins (APPs) in the blood of commercial size common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L. ) exposed to organophosphate insecticides within the month of April during ameliorative activities. Parameters examined were fibrinogen (Fib), ceruloplasmin (Cp) as a positive APPs and albumin (Alb) as a negative APP. Histological sections of the hepatopancreas and kidneys from 25 fish have been examined. The hepatopancreas was chosen for this investigation as it is the primary site of acute phase protein synthesis. APP parameters plasma fibrinogen ( P <0.05) registered a significantly increased and albumin ( P <0.05) exhibited statistically declined in treated group. Based on the data acquired in this study, it was concluded that, the carp do not exhibit a strong APP synthesis during the early stages of an APR after spraying with organophosphate insecticides. The results from this study show that t he concentrations of fibrinogen are not significantly increase as well as the levels of ceruloplasmin remained unchanged.

Serum concentration of acute phase proteins and cytokines in vaccinated pigs challenged with foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype O

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to investigate the kinetics of acute phase proteins and cytokines in the serum of immunized or naive pigs following infection with a field isolate of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus. Five-month-old SPF pigs were intramuscularly immunized with or without the 146S antigen (7.5 μg per head) purified from FMD virus (O/Andong/SKR/2010) and were subsequently challenged 30 days post-vaccination (dpv) with FMD virus on each footpad. Serum samples were obtained at 28 dpv and on days 1, [...]

Effects of reduced-protein diets supplemented with protease in broiler chickens under high stocking density

The effects of protease supplementation on productive performance and physiological responses were investigated in broiler chickens fed reduced crude-protein (low-CP) diets and reared under normal or high stocking densities (SD). Chicks were housed in pens with two stocking densities (≈10 birds/m2 or ≈15 birds/m2) and fed diets with either the recommended or reduced level of CP and metabolisable energy (ME) from 1 to 21 days. From 22 to 42 days, an equal number of birds from each dietary group was fed one of the following finisher diets: (1) recommended-CP and ME, (2) low-CP and recommended-ME or (3) low-CP and recommended-ME supplemented with protease. No interactions (P &amp;gt; 0.05) were observed between diet and SD for feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), Newcastle disease antibody titre, pododermatitis, caecal clostridia, Escherichia coli, lactobacilli, serum corticosterone or acute-phase proteins. Diet had no effect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) on FI, WG or FCR during the finisher period nor on FI and WG during the overall (1–42 days) period. High SD resulted in lower FI (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and Newcastle disease antibody titre (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and higher FCR (P &amp;lt; 0.05), pododermatitis incidence (P &amp;lt; 0.05), caecal population of clostridia (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and E. Coli (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and acute-phase protein and corticosterone concentrations than did normal SD. In conclusion, the supplementation of protease to a low-CP diet during the finisher period had no effect on the performance and immunity of overcrowded broiler chickens. Regardless of dietary CP and protease supplementation, a high SD negatively affected the growth performance, immunity, caecal microflora and welfare of the broiler chickens.

Changes in the Plasma Protein Composition in Cosmonauts after Space Flight and its Significance for Endothelial Functions

Spaceflight (SF) conditions have a significant impact on the functioning of the human cardiovascular system. The endothelium plays an important role in the process of adaptation to SF factors. Therefore, the detection of biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction is necessary for understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in changes caused by SFs. For this purpose, the blood plasma proteins of 18 Russian cosmonauts were used for quantitative analysis by liquid chromatography with a UPLC 1290 Infinity chromatograph coupled to an Agilent 6490 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. It was found that a decrease in the circulating plasma volume during the flight followed by the activation of fluid retention at the final stage of flight contributed to the changes in plasma protein concentrations on the first day after landing. We observed a significant increase in the concentration of the S100A9 protein that plays an important role in endothelium functioning and angiogenesis and can serve as a marker of inflammatory reactions. On the first day after landing, the complement system and acute-phase protein concentrations tended to increase, which can adversely affect the functioning of the endothelium.

Prognostic Roles of C-Reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate As Acute Phase Reactants in Mentally Challenged Subjects

Background: A mental disorder is a psychiatric disease that presents as mild or severe disturbances in a person’s behavior, mood, or thought. Mental illnesses are very common because of excessive stress. Recent studies show that mental illnesses are on the rise generally because of increasing stress. In Nigeria, medical records suggest an upsurge in mental health cases since the onset of the country’s economic downturn and the consequent trauma following it. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an indirect marker of serum acute-phase protein concentrations, whereas C-reactive protein (CRP) is a direct protein measurement and it is inherently more well-defined. This study thus evaluated the roles of ESR and CRP as sensitive markers of inflammation and correlated their levels with severity stratification and prognosis in schizophrenic patients.

Effect of two treatments on changes in serum acute phase protein concentrations in dogs with clinical leishmaniosis

The objective of this study was to compare changes in serum concentrations of acute phase proteins (APPs) and paraoxanase (PON-1) in response to two treatments in dogs with leishmaniosis (CanL). For this purpose, 20 dogs with CanL were assigned to two treatment groups: antimonial plus allopurinol (Group G, n=12) and miltefosine plus allopurinol (Group M, n=8). Serum concentrations of PON-1 and APPs including C-reactive protein, haptoglobin (Hp), ferritin (Ft) and albumin were monitored over a period of 3 months after treatment.At the beginning of the study (day 0), most of the dogs had APP abnormalities. None of the variables differed significantly between groups in the first or subsequent visits. There was a significantly higher reduction in serum Ft in Group G than in Group M from day 0 to day 30 (P=0.0085), and also from day 0 to day 90 (P=0.0214). There was a higher increase in serum PON-1 in Group G than in than Group M from day 0 to day 30 (P=0.0039), and also from day 0 to day 90 (P=0.0404). This is the first report of APPs in dogs with natural clinical leishmaniosis treated with miltefosine. There was faster resolution of serum APP concentrations in dogs treated with antimonials (P<0.05).

Acute phase proteins in bitches subjected to conventional and minimally invasive ovariohysterectomy

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare the possible inflammatory changes by screening acute phase proteins concentrations in healthy bitches subjected to ovariohysterectomy. Minimally invasive and conventional (laparotomy) ovariohysterectomies were performed in 17 client-owned adult female mixed breed dogs. Nine animals were subjected to minimally invasive and eight animals to conventional ovariohysterectomy. Blood samples were taken before surgery, 24, 48 hours, and seven days postoperatively. Serum C-reactive concentration was determined by a commercial ELISA kit and serum haptoglobin concentration was measured via hemoglobin binding assay, both previously validated for use in dogs. As the data did not meet the normal distribution criteria, the nonparametric Kruskall-Wallis was performed to compare quantitative variables between groups. One-way ANOVA and the Friedman test were used for multiple comparisons between time points, with a P&lt;0.05 considered significant. C-reactive protein concentration was significantly different (P&lt;0.0001) at 24 hours postoperatively between groups. There was no significant difference in haptoglobin concentration between groups. C-reactive protein and haptoglobin concentrations were significantly different at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively for minimally invasive and conventional ovariohisterectomies. These findings provided an overview of the short-term inflammatory effects produced by minimally invasive and conventional ovariohysterectomies.

Associations between group sizes, serum protein levels, calf morbidity and growth in dairy-beef calves in a Finnish calf rearing unit

Efficient dairy-beef production relies on good quality of purchased calves, defined by breed, health, and growth characteristics. Several management factors, such as commingling of calves and large group size, predispose calves to diseases. Acute phase proteins are sensitive detectors of calf diseases. We studied the associations between group size, serum acute phase proteins, immunoglobulin G (IgG), calf morbidity and growth of dairy-beef calves in a random field trial in a calf-rearing unit in Finland.The randomized trial was carried out at a calf rearing unit, where approximately 80 dairy or crossbred calves were allocated either into a single group of 40 calves or into four groups of 10 on arrival at the calf-rearing unit (at age 24.1 SD ± 9.2 days). The study was carried out on 6 arrival batches: 476 calves. Calves were clinically examined and blood sampled on arrival (day 0), and haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), albumin and IgG were determined. Calves were weighed on arrival (day 0, average age 24.1 days), at the end of the milk feed period (day 49), at approximately 200 days of age and at slaughter (carcass weight) at 15–18 months of age. During the rearing calves were observed by the farm workers and treated, if necessary, according to predetermined instructions of the veterinary surgeon. All NSAID and antimicrobial treatments were recorded and used as morbidity indicators in statistical analysis.There were no differences in the numbers of antimicrobial treatments or growth among the groups. The majority (84.1%) of antimicrobial treatments were used against respiratory tract infections. Higher concentrations of albumin and IgG on arrival extended the time before the first and the second antimicrobial treatments. Complex relationships between group size, morbidity, concentrations of serum acute phase proteins and IgG at arrival, and growth of calves were explored. Group size of 10 calves did not protect calves from respiratory tract infections, when the small groups were sharing the air space with a large group. An increased SAA concentration on arrival was associated with poorer average daily gain at two rearing periods and with lower carcass weight at slaughter.Serum proteins could be valuable health indicators for purchased calves because they have numerous and variable associations with health and growth. The mechanisms that connect increased SAA concentration and poorer average daily gain over the long term remain unclear.

Effects of Newly Developed Synbiotic and Commercial Probiotic Products on The Haematological Indices, Serum Cytokines, Acute Phase Proteins Concentration, and Serum Immunoglobulins Amount in Sows and Growing Pigs - A Pilot Study.

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to determine the effects of supplementation of sows’ and growing pigs’ diets with three newly developed synbiotic and two extant commercial probiotic products on selected immune parameters under field conditions.Material and MethodsThe study was performed on 30 sows and 48 piglets of the Danbred breed. Immune parameters such as concentration and proportion of white blood cells and their subpopulations, immunoglobulins amount in serum, and serum concentration of cytokines and acute phase proteins were recorded with the use of a haematology analyser and ELISA kits.ResultsNo significant differences between treatment groups and controls were found with regard to the immune parameters evaluated except for serum immunoglobulin concentration, which was significantly increased by synbiotic products B and C and probiotic product D.ConclusionThe results of the study indicate that the synbiotic products B and C and probiotic product D are worthy of further investigation as promising candidates to improve the immune status of healthy sows and their offspring.

Acute Phase Protein Levels as An Auxiliary Tool in Diagnosing Viral Diseases in Ruminants-A Review.

We examined acute phase protein (APP) concentrations in viral infections of dairy ruminants and assessed the potential role of characteristic patterns of APP changes in auxiliary diagnosing viral diseases. All viruses reviewed are common causes of farm animal diseases. APPs are among the first agents of immunity, and their concentrations could be diagnostically relevant. In the most common ruminant viral diseases, elevated serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) levels in blood serum have been observed. However, since these proteins are the main APPs in many viral infections, it is impossible to use their levels for diagnosing particular infections. Decreased Cp and albumin expression could help differentiate the bluetongue virus infection from other diseases. Lastly, analysis of SAA levels in blood serum and milk could be helpful in diagnosing small ruminant lentivirus infection. While promising, APP levels can only be considered as an auxiliary tool in diagnosing viral diseases in ruminants.

Investigation of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and some biochemical parameters in calves with omphalitis.

Aim:In this study, it was aimed to determine the concentration of some important acute phase proteins (APPs) and some biochemical parameters pre-operative and post-operative in calves with omphalitis.Materials and Methods:A total of 20 calves were used in the study and they consist of 10 clinically healthy calves that were used as a control and 10 calves with omphalitis were used as the treatment group. Blood samples were collected from Vena jugularis of animals to tubes with anticoagulant (sodium citrate) and without anticoagulants, pre-operative (day 0), and post-operative (day 7). Samples were used to determine the concentration of haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), ceruloplasmin (Cp), fibrinogen, glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, total bilirubin, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) concentrations.Results:While the Hp, SAA, Cp, fibrinogen, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, ALP, and GGT concentrations were statistically and significantly increasing rather than the control group during the pre-operative period for calves with omphalitis, they decreased to the post-operative period. Moreover, an insignificant increase in the glucose, total protein, and AST concentrations and an insignificant decrease in the albumin, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations were statistically determined.Conclusion:We have the opinion that the assessment of biochemical parameters and especially APP levels in calves with the omphalitis together with the clinical findings may be important in terms of the treatment and prognosis.

Effects of feed intake restriction during late pregnancy on the function, anti-oxidation capability and acute phase protein synthesis of ovine liver.

ObjectiveAn experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feed intake restriction during late pregnancy on the function, anti-oxidation capability and acute phase protein synthesis of ovine liver.MethodsEighteen time-mated ewes with singleton fetuses were allocated to three groups: restricted group 1 (RG1, 0.18 MJ ME/kg W0.75 d, n = 6), restricted group 2 (RG2, 0.33 MJ ME/kg W0.75 d), n = 6) and a control group (CG, ad libitum, 0.67 MJ ME/kg W0.75 d, n = 6). The feed restriction period was from 90 days to 140 days of pregnancy.ResultsThe ewe’s body weight, liver weights, water, and protein content of liver in the restricted groups were reduced compared with the CG group (p<0.05), but the liver fat contents in the RG1 group were higher than those of the CG group (p<0.05). The increased hepatic collagen fibers and reticular fibers were observed in the restricted groups with the reduction of energy intake. The concentrations of nonesterified free fatty acids in the RG1 and RG2 groups were higher than those of the CG group with the reduction of energy intake (p<0.05), but there were decreased concentrations of lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase in both restricted groups compared with the CG group (p<0.05). In addition, the increased concentrations of β-hydroxybutyric acid, triglycerides, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity and activities of superoxide dismutase activity and catalase were found in the RG1 group, and the concentrations of cholinesterase in the RG1 group were reduced compared with the CG group (p<0.05). For the concentrations of acute phase proteins, the C-reactive protein (CRP) in the RG1 group were reduced compared with the CG group, but there were no differences in haptoglobin relative to the controls (p>0.05).ConclusionThe fat accumulation, increased hepatic fibrosis, antioxidant imbalance and modified synthesis of acute phase proteins were induced in ewe’s liver by maternal malnutrition during late pregnancy, which were detrimental for liver function to accommodate pregnancy.