Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern Research Articles

Association of Serum Proteins Electrophoretic Pattern and Serum Hormones in Women with Spontaneous Pregnancy Loss.

Pregnancy is the state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within a female body. Once pregnancy is established, a range of endocrinological events appear in its maintenance, finally helping in the successful pregnancy. The complications which are usually observed in pregnancy are gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and spontaneous pregnancy loss or miscarriage, while 10%-15% of clinically recognized pregnancies terminate into spontaneous miscarriage. Thus, many attempts have been made by different researchers for the diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy on altered protein pattern using placental villous tissue or follicular fluid, but these are difficult to obtain and results of different studies are not constant. This study was designed to identify the association (if any) among serum protein(s) electrophoretic pattern and different serum hormones in normal pregnant women (controls) and gestational age-matched women with spontaneous pregnancy loss (cases). This study was carried out for 1½ year from October 2018 to March 2020 and included 120 participants (60 normal pregnant women and 60 women with spontaneous pregnancy loss) between 20 and 45 years of age with no mean age difference. The electrophoresis of serum was carried out using slab gel electrophoretic unit and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total tri-iodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), prolactin, and beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels were analyzed using TSOSH AIA analyzer at Adesh University, Bathinda. Significant variations in the expression of proteins with molecular weight around ~150 kDa, ~50 kDa, and ~25 kDa were observed in normal pregnant women and women with spontaneous pregnancy loss. However, the protein band of ~50 kDa was found to be highly expressed in the serum of 1st and 2nd trimester women experiencing spontaneous pregnancy loss. Therefore, selected protein band of ~50 kDa was further processed by ECI-mass spectrophotometry QUAD time of flight and 365 different proteins were found, out of these; 34 proteins were found to be unidentified protein products (Verified using NCBI data base). Further, TT3, total proteins, β-hCG, and prolactin level were found to be low, whereas, TSH was found to be high in women experiencing spontaneous pregnancy loss. However, difference in the level of β-hCG in the 1st trimester and TT4 among normal pregnant women and women with spontaneous pregnancy loss was observed to be statistically insignificant. This study indicated that the evaluation of serum protein variations along with hormonal profile may provide valuable information about high-risk pregnancy. Moreover, the differential expression of proteins in women with spontaneous pregnancy loss can be further explored to develop potential biomarker for the early identification of high-risk pregnancy and appropriate preventive measure.

Electrophoretic Pattern of Serum Proteins in Pregnancy: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Nutritional status during pregnancy is a determining factor for maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Protein is an essential nutrient for foetal development. If pregnancy is associated with an improper diet leading to protein deficiency, the prospects for maternal and foetal outcomes may be catastrophic. An electrophoretic study of serum protein patterns in pregnancy can help identify pregnancy-specific protein markers and facilitate the monitoring of feto-maternal health. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess serum protein levels and their fractions (albumin, alpha-1 globulin, alpha-2 globulin, beta globulin, and gamma globulin) using gel electrophoresis in healthy pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medical Biochemistry in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sultania Zanana Hospital, associated with Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, between January 2021 and February 2021. Fifty normal non-pregnant women of childbearing age and 50 normal pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy attending an antenatal clinic were enrolled and followed-up through the second and third trimesters for investigations. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were estimated using a fully automated chemistry analyser, and the electrophoretic patterns of serum protein fractions were analysed using an automated gel electrophoresis apparatus. EpiInfo statistical software was used for the statistical analysis of data, with p<0.05 considered the statistical significance level. Results: The serum total protein level in non-pregnant women was 6.36±0.40 g/dL, while in pregnant women, it was 8.01±0.40 g/dL, 8.00±0.42 g/dL, and 6.36±0.43 g/dL in the first (T1), second (T2), and third (T3) trimesters, respectively. The serum albumin level was 3.90±0.30 g/dL in non-pregnant women, while in pregnant women it was 4.24±0.38 g/dL, 4.58±0.34 g/dL, and 3.87±0.36 g/dL in T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The globulin level in non-pregnant women was 2.46±0.28 g/dL, while in T1, T2, and T3 it was 3.86±0.22 g/dL, 3.42±0.20 g/dL, and 2.49±0.24 g/dL, respectively. A significant difference was found among the groups for serum total protein, serum albumin, and serum globulin. In non-pregnant women, the protein fractions- albumin, alpha-1 globulin, alpha-2 globulin, beta globulin, and gamma globulindid not show any deviation from normal levels. However, there was a decrease in albumin and beta globulin levels, along with an increase in alpha-2 globulin levels in the first trimester. An increase in beta globulin and a decrease in gamma globulin levels were observed in the second trimester. In the third trimester, all these fractions did not show any significant alterations, except for gamma globulin. Conclusion: Serum total protein, serum albumin, and serum globulin levels showed a significant difference. However, a slight increase in serum globulin levels compensated for the fall in albumin levels during pregnancy. Variations in the levels of beta globulin, alpha-2 globulin, and gamma globulin were observed during pregnancy, while, on the other hand, alpha-1 globulin did not show any alterations in pregnant women during the first, second, and third trimesters, although its level was higher in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women.

Comparison of the Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern and Concentrations of Acute Phase Proteins in Bitches with and Without Mammary Gland Tumors

Abstract Alterations in the serum protein pattern may be associated with many diseases, including neoplastic processes. In veterinary medicine, these changes are poorly understood. Therefore, this study was aimed at the analysis of the distribution of blood serum protein fractions separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, and at the determination of the concentrations of main acute phase proteins in bitches with mammary gland neoplasia. The evaluation was conducted on twelve female dogs with palpable single or multiple nodules in the parenchyma of the mammary gland and on ten tumor-free clinically healthy bitches to compare the possible differences in the obtained results. Blood serum was used to perform agarose gel electrophoresis of the main blood serum protein fractions and to analyze the concentrations of total serum proteins and the following canine acute phase proteins: serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, C-reactive protein and α1-acid glycoprotein. The concentrations of total serum proteins were slightly higher in bitches with mammary gland tumors. Serum protein electrophoresis showed lower mean concentrations of albumin and α1-globulins in the affected dogs, while the concentrations of α2-and β1-globulins were significantly higher (P=0.0032 and P=0.0021, respectively) compared to dogs without mammary gland tumors. In the concentrations of acute phase proteins, significantly higher mean concentrations of C-reactive protein and haptoglobin were obtained in dogs with mammary tumors (P=0.0025 and P=0.0002, respectively). The values of α1-acid glycoprotein did not vary markedly between the bitches with and without mammary tumors. Presented data suggest that neoplastic processes in the mammary gland may also alter the electrophoretic pattern of blood serum proteins and induce changes in the production of some inflammatory proteins.

Serum C-reactive Protein and Protein Electrophoretic Pattern Correlated With Age in Horses

Inflammaging or chronic, low-grade inflammation is a phenomenon characterizing age-related pathologies and natural processes in aging tissues. This study aimed to investigate the effect of age on the serum levels of C-reactive protein and protein electrophoretic pattern in horses. Thirty Italian Saddle horses from the same horse training center, were enrolled and divided in three equal groups according to their age: Group A (2-4 years), Group B (7-10 years), Group C (15-20 years). Blood samples were collected from each horse to evaluate hematological parameters and the serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), total proteins, albumin, α1-, α-2, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins. One-way analysis of variance showed an age-related difference in the concentration of CRP, α1- and α2-globulins (P < 0.001) which increased with aging. Albumin and albumin:globulin ratio showed lower values in Groups B and C than Group A (P < 0.001). Age of horses showed a negative correlation with the values of albumin, and a positive correlation with CRP, α1- and α2-globulins concentration. The results of the current study suggest an increased acute phase response in adult and old horses compared to young ones. As α-globulin fractions include many other acute phase proteins (APPs) in addition to CRP, further studies to assess what other APPs could be involved in chronic inflammation or “inflammaging” are recommended in horse in order to improve knowledge on the key inflammatory biomarkers during aging in this species.

Effect of seasonal variations on electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins and some biochemical indices in Ossimi ewes and their neonatal lambs

This study aimed to observe the impact of seasonal variations on the behaviour of serum proteins electrophoretic patterns by the Hellabio Agarose Gels and the changes of some metabolic indices in Ossimi ewes and their lambs (15-30 days postpartum). Serum samples from 20 ewes and their lambs during each season (summer and winter) were used in this study. Temperature-humidity index (THI) in winter was 72 (comfort), but a severe stress was shown in July, when the THI exceeded 90. Blood albumin decreased by 7.31% and 9.92% in summer, but the contrary was shown for α-globulins in ewes and lambs:α1-globulins increased by 52.94 % and 22.22 %, α2-globulins by 27.85 % and 93.02 % and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio by 13.11% and 20% in summer, compared with winter. The values of β-globulins and γ-globulins did not differ between seasons. Ewes had higher values for protein fractions than lambs, but the reverse was true for A/G ratio. Summer serum glucose increased by 16.16% and 13.42%, urea by 16.16% and 25.78% and creatinine by 21.49% and 26.63%, whereas summer calcium (Ca) decreased by 6.81% and 5.18% and inorganic phosphorus (P) by 12.68% and 13.89% in ewes and their lambs respectively compared with winter. Lambs had higher values of serum glucose, Ca and P than their mothers, however the opposite was true for urea and creatinine. The presented results indicate that hot environment in summer season causes changes in serum protein electrophoretic patterns and metabolic indices in Ossimi ewes and their newborn lambs, which indicates an adaptive performance of these animals to seasonal variations and heat stress.

AN ELECTROPHORETIC STUDY ON SERUM PROTEINS IN NORMAL ARABIAN RACE HORSES

Electrophoretic Pattern of Serum proteins were studied in thirty normal Arabian race horses. The resolution of the serum protein fractions in 24 (80%) of horses, group I revealed five fractions, albumin and the globulins (a1, a2, B and y). The total serum protein was ranged from ( 6.2-8.4 gm/dL) with mean (7.57 ±0.17) in the this group of horses. &#x0D; Where-as four fractions, albumin and the globulins (a2, B and y) were observed in 6(20%) of horses, group 2.&#x0D; The total serum protein was ranged from (6.0 - 7.4 gm/dL) with mean (6.76 ± 0.27) in that group of horses. &#x0D; The Albumin/Globulin ratio in both Groups was (0.66 ±0.13); (0.89 ± 0.07), respectively.

Immune and Inflammatory Response in Horse Vaccinated Against Equine Herpesviruses 1 (EHV-1) and 4 (EHV-4) Assessed by Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern and Leukocyte Population

Protection against infectious diseases can be obtained with vaccines generating immunogenic response through a combination of humoral and cellular immunity. In this study haematological and serum protein electrophoretic profiles of horses vaccinated against herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) and 4 (EHV-4) were evaluated. Blood samples were collected from 16 horses before (T0), after 24h, 48h, 72h, 1st week, 2nd week and 3rd week (T1I, T2I, T3I, T7I, T14I and T21I) from the first EHV vaccine-dose administration as well as before (TPREII), and after 24h, 48h, 72h, 1st week, 2nd week, 3rd week and 4th week (T1II, T2II, T3II, T7II, T14II, T21II and T28II) from the EHV vaccine-booster. Total leukocyte values increased at T1I, T1II, T3II and T28II compared to T0 (P < .01). Higher lymphocytes and lower neutrophils values were found after first vaccine-dose and vaccine-booster administration compared to the T0 (P < .01). Monocytes showed higher values at T14II than T0 (P < .01). Higher serum values of total proteins, α1-, α-2-, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins were found in horses after first vaccine-dose and vaccine-booster administration (P < .01). Gathered results suggest that horses vaccinated against EHV1 and EHV-4 exhibited a dynamic change of WBC, lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes. Moreover, the analysis of serum electrophoresis pattern suggested that EHV vaccination induced the development of inflammation and antibody response in vaccinated horses as highlighted by the increase of α-, β- and γ-globulin fractions. These changes probably reflect the systemic immunological adaptation of animals to EHV vaccine.

Acute Stress Response of Sheep to Shearing Procedures: Dynamic Change of Cortisol Concentration and Protein Electrophoretic Pattern.

Simple SummaryFarm animals are daily subjected to a wide range of abiotic stressors. Shearing, one practice of routine management procedures, is applied periodically to harvest sheep’s wool. During shearing, short-term acute stress is likely to occur. This study aimed to evaluate the change in hematological parameters, serum cortisol concentration and serum protein electrophoretic pattern in Comisana sheep following shearing procedures. The findings obtained in the current study suggest a linkage between the endocrine and immune systems and an acute phase response during the shearing procedure.The current study aimed to investigate the influence of acute stress by shearing procedures on hematological parameters, serum cortisol concentration and serum protein electrophoretic pattern in Comisana sheep. A total of 20 not pregnant and not lactating adult ewes, aged 3–4 years old and with a mean bodyweight of 55.50 ± 3.50 kg, were enrolled in the study. From each animal, blood samples were collected before shearing (TPRE) and 5 (TPOST5) and 60 (TPOST60) minutes after the end of the shearing procedure in order to assess the values of hematological parameters, serum cortisol, total proteins and protein fractions, including albumin, α-, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins. According to statistical analysis results, albumin values were lower at TPOST60 than TPOST5 (p < 0.01), whereas α- and β2-globulins and the A/G ratio were higher at TPOST60 with respect to TPRE (p < 0.01) and TPOST5 (p < 0.01). A higher serum concentration of cortisol was found at TPOST5 and TPOST60 than TPRE (p < 0.01), and at TPOST60 than TPOST5 (p < 0.01). The serum cortisol values were negatively correlated with the serum values of albumin, β1-globulins and A/G ratio at TPOST60, and positively correlated with α- and β2-globulins at TPOST5 and TPOST60. The decrease in the albumin concentration and the increase in the α- and β2-globulins observed in ewes after shearing with respect to the baseline values suggests an acute phase response in shorn ewes. Additionally, the correlation found between the serum cortisol concentration and the serum protein fractions confirmed the immunomodulatory effect of this hormone, emphasizing the linkage between the endocrine and immune systems during an acute stress condition.

Detection of a characteristic beta-2 peak in serum by capillary zone electrophoresis in dogs with Angiostrongylus vasorum.

Angiostrongylosis is an emerging canine parasitic disease that often causes polyclonal hyperglobulinemia. In the authors' experience, we have seen what could be a typical serum protein electrophoretic pattern characterized by a large, symmetrical beta-2 peak in dogs with angiostrongylosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of this pattern in dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum compared with a randomly selected canine population. Serum protein capillary zone electrophoreses (CZEs) from dogs with angiostrongylosis were assigned to Group 1. The CZE pattern was classified as normal, nonspecific polyclonal, or polyclonal with a typical beta-2 peak. The frequency of this latter pattern in Group 1 was compared with the frequency of similar findings in a randomly selected canine sera group (Group 2). Groups 1 and 2 included 22 and 3687 cases, respectively. Thirteen of 22 (59.1%) dogs in Group 1 had this peak in the beta-2 region. A similar CZE pattern was observed in 43 dogs in Group 2 (1.2%). The remaining dogs in Group 1 had a nonspecific polyclonal hyperglobulinemia (six cases), a normal tracing (one case), or an ambiguous tracing (two cases). Dogs with angiostrongylosis commonly have polyclonal hyperglobulinemia, frequently characterized by a large and symmetrical beta-2 peak on CZE, which is uncommon in the canine population. Additional studies are needed to identify the protein composition of this peculiar beta fraction.

Changes in the Serum Protein Fractions in Goats after Treatment of Natural Gastrointestinal Parasite Infections.

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in small ruminants belong to major health problems. The regulation of gastrointestinal infections in goats and the responses developed against them appear to be different from those observed in sheep. In the literature, there is a lack of data on the effect of gastrointestinal parasitic infections on the serum protein profile in goats. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins in goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites and to compare the changes in the total serum proteins and serum protein fractions (albumin and α1-, α2-, β-, and γ-globulins) obtained after antihelminthic treatment. Eight adult female goats of the white shorthaired breed from a small dairy goat farm at the age ranging between 3 and 5 years with average body weight 35.4 ± 3.2 kg and body condition score (BCS) from 1.5 to 2.5 were used in the study. The serum proteins in goats were separated into five fractions: albumin, α1- and α2-globulins, and β- and γ-globulins. Significant changes after treatment were found in the relative concentrations of albumin (P < 0.01) and α2- (P < 0.05), β- (P < 0.001), and γ-globulins (P < 0.01), as well as albumin/globulin ratio (P < 0.01). The mean concentration of total serum proteins was, after the antiparasitic treatment, significantly higher. Among the globulin fractions, the γ-globulin fraction contributed most significantly to these changes (P < 0.001). The results presented in the study suggest a significant effect of antiparasitic treatment in goats on the synthesis of blood serum proteins and on the changes of the proportion of serum protein fractions.

Serum protein electrophoretic pattern in piglets during the early postnatal period

The pattern of serum proteins, the typical features of the electrophoretogram in newborn piglets and during their postnatal development is not completely described. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the changes in serum protein electrophoretic pattern and features of the electrophoretograms during the early postnatal period. Significant changes during the monitored period were found in all evaluated parameters (P < 0.001). The most marked changes were observed mainly in the period before weaning. The concentrations of total proteins, albumin and γ-globulins were before colostrum intake low, γ-globulins represented the smallest proportion of protein fractions. The proportion of α1-globulins was after birth a dominant protein fraction. Significant increase of total proteins, α2-, β- and γ-globulins and decrease of α1-globulins was found 2 days after colostrum intake. The albumin and A/G values increased after birth gradually until weaning. After weaning a significant changes were found in absolute concentrations of total protein and albumin, and in relative values of β-globulin fractions. Presented results showed marked developmental alterations in the serum protein pattern in piglets along with the age. The study also brings new knowledge in the field of description of typical features of electrophoretograms in the observed period of piglet’s life.

Modulation of Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern and Leukocyte Population in Horses Vaccinated against West Nile Virus.

Simple SummaryVaccination is the primary method of reducing the risk of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in horses but clinical disease is not fully prevented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hematological parameters, including the leukocyte population and the serum protein electrophoretic pattern of horses subjected to two-dose vaccine administration with inactivated WNV. Vaccine-related changes in lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, serum total proteins, α1-, α-2-, β- and γ-globulin fractions are found. This study aimed to evaluate the hematological and serum protein electrophoretic profiles of horses after inactivated West Nile virus (WNV) vaccine administration. Blood samples were collected from 10 horses before (T0), after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks (T1I, T2I, T3I, T4I, T5I and T6I) from the first WNV vaccine-dose administration, before the vaccine-booster (TPREII), and after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks (T1I I, T2II, T3II, T4II, T5II, T6II) from the WNV vaccine-booster. There was a significant increase in lymphocytes and a decrease in neutrophils after both the first vaccine-dose and vaccine-booster administration compared to the baseline values (p < 0.01). Monocytes showed higher values after 72 h, 1 week and 2 weeks from the vaccine-booster (p < 0.01). Higher serum total protein values were found in horses after both the first vaccine-dose and booster administration (p < 0.05). α1-lobulins increased after the vaccine-booster with the highest levels measured at T4II (p < 0.05); α-2- and β-globulin fractions increased throughout the post-vaccine period compared to the baseline values (p < 0.05); and higher γ-globulin values were found before the vaccine-booster (TPREII) and after 24 h, 72 h and 3 weeks from the vaccine-booster (T1II, T3II and T6II). The findings allow us to conclude that the WNV vaccine used in the current study does not alter the overall hemogram picture of horses although it is associated with modulation of leukocyte populations and the serum protein electrophoretic pattern.

Serum protein capillary electrophoretic pattern during the neonatal period in dairy calves

The objective of this study was to characterize serum protein capillary electrophoretic pattern in 20 clinically healthy neonate calves. The neonates were monitored from birth up to 28 days of age. Venous blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and used for the determination of serum protein fractions using capillary electrophoresis technique. The younger calves 4–11 days old showed electrophoretic pattern composed of albumin and α1-, α2-, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins, whereas the young calves 15–28 days old showed a pattern composed of albumin and α1-, α2-, β- and γ-globulins. The mean values of the relative concentration of serum protein fraction profile (%) were 42.96 ± 6.97 for albumin, 4.53 ± 9.91 for α1-globulin, 20.96 ± 6.80 for α2-globulin, 9.64 ± 1.66 for β1-globulin, 17.38 ± 11.68 for β2-globulin, 12.53 ± 6.17 for β-globulins, 15.98 ± 11.24 for γ-globulins and 0.79 ± 0.22 for albumin/globulins ratio (A/G). Albumin and α2 and β1-globulin fractions (%) and A/G ratio decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in the youngest calves 4–6 days old compared with the calves 15–28 days old. A highly significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in serum-[albumin] was observed in the youngest calves 4–6 days old compared with the calves 15–28 days old. The concentration of β1-globulin (g/l) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the youngest calves 4–6 days old compared with the calves 8–11 days old. The neonatal period had a significant effect on the serum protein electrophoretic pattern as a physiological adaptation to the extra-uterine environment and the nutritional status of the neonate’s calves. The data can employ for the clinical monitoring of dysproteinaemias associated with the neonatal period.

Differences in serum protein electrophoretic pattern in dogs naturally infected with Babesia gibsoni and Babesia canis

Canine babesiosis may cause several hematological and biochemical changes, but only limited studies are available regarding the possible differences of changes in animals infected by different Babesia parasites. The study focused on the evaluation of the differences in serum protein electrophoretic pattern between dogs naturally infected with B. gibsoni (17 dogs) and B. canis (40 dogs). The mean values of total proteins, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins were in dogs infected with B. gibsoni significantly higher (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001) than in dogs infected with B. canis. The relative concentrations of albumin, α1-, α2-globulins and the A/G ratios were in the B. gibsoni infected dogs significantly lower (P < 0.001), no significant differences were found in the relative concentrations of β1- and β2-globulins. Significant differences were found in most of the evaluated parameters when comparing the results in relation to the form of B. canis infection to B. gibsoni infection. Hematological indices showed significant differences between dogs infected with B. gibsoni and the complicated form of B. canis infection. In conclusion, the obtained results suggest differences in the changes of serum protein electrophoretic pattern between dogs infected with both Babesia species and thus, in the response to the infection caused by various Babesia parasites.

The Electrophoretic Pattern of Serum Proteins in Sheep with Naturally Acquired Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections

Abstract The objective of this study was to describe the serum protein pattern in sheep with naturally acquired gastrointestinal parasitosis and to compare the distribution of protein fractions with the results obtained in animals with negative fecal examination results. Fecal and blood samples were taken from twenty-nine sheep positive for nematode eggs and twenty-four animals with negative results of fecal examination. Between the evaluated groups of sheep significant differences were noted in the relative mean values for all protein fractions and for albumin/globulin ratio (p&lt;0.01 and p&lt;0.001). The concentrations of total proteins showed no significant differences between both groups of sheep. The absolute mean values of albumin, α2-globulins and A/G ratio were significantly lower, the mean concentrations of α1-, β-, γ1- and γ2-globulins significantly higher in the nematode positive group of sheep (p&lt;0.01 and p&lt;0.001). In the nematode positive group the protein electrophoretic pattern showed a double α2-zone in three sheep and the γ-globulin zones were characterized by a diffuse higher broad and wide peaks. The presented results indicate that the gastrointestinal parasitic infections in sheep alter the distribution of serum proteins, and suggest their usefulness in animals with unchanged serum protein concentrations. The study brings new findings and extends the knowledge about the metabolic responses and consequences of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in sheep, particularly with regard to alterations in protein metabolism.

Zinc deficient diet increases the toxicity of bisphenol A in rat testis.

Zinc (Zn) plays an important role in maintaining the process of spermatogenesis and reproductive health. Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disrupting chemical is known to be a reproductive toxicant in different animal models. The present study was designed to study the effect of two of the utmost determinative factors (Zn deficient condition and influence of toxicant BPA) on germ cell growth and overall male reproductive health in the testis, epididymis, and sperm using (a) biochemical, (b) antioxidant, (c) cellular damage, (d) apoptosis, and (e) protein expression measurements. Rats were divided into Control (normal feed and water), BPA (100 mg/kg/d), zinc deficient diet (ZDD; fed with ZDD), and BPA + ZDD for 8 weeks. Body and organ weights, sperm motility and counts, and sperm head morphology were evaluated. The histology of testes, epididymides, and prostate wasinvestigated. Testicular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage was evaluated by Halo and Comet assay, apoptosis of sperm and testes were quantified by TUNEL assay. Serum protein electrophoretic patterns and testicular protein expressions such as Nrf-2, catalase, PCNA, and Keap1 were analyzed by Western blot analysis. The results showed that BPA significantly increased the testicular, epididymal, and prostrate toxicity in dietary Zn deficient condition due to testicular hypozincemia, hypogonadism, increased cellular and DNA damage, apoptosis, as well as perturbations in protein expression.

The impact of chronic diarrhoea in Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis seropositive dairy cows on serum protein fractions and selected acute phase proteins

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum protein pattern and selected acute phase proteins in dairy cows with chronic diarrhoea associated with seropositivity to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Forty-four dairy cows with chronic diarrhoea and MAP-seropositive and 19 clinically healthy MAP-seronegative cows were included in the study. The concentrations of total protein (TP), protein fractions and selected acute phase proteins – serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in blood serum. In cows with diarrhoea the mean values of TP, albumin and the albumin/globulin ratio were significantly lower (P < 0.001), the relative concentrations of α1-, β1- and γ-globulins were significantly (P < 0.001) and α2- and β2-globulins were non-significantly higher. The electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins showed β-γ bridging in 32 from 44 diseased cows. The concentrations of SAA and Hp were non-significantly higher and CRP significantly lower (P < 0.001) in cows with diarrhoea. Presented results indicate a marked effect of chronic diarrhoea in MAP-seropositive cows on the protein metabolism suggesting possible diagnostic significance of some biomarkers from the protein profile in the evaluation of the severity of the disease and changes caused by this protein-losing enteropathy.

Serum haptoglobin and protein electrophoretic fraction modifications in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) around calving and during early lactation

Serum protein distribution and concentration can be affected by different physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the concentration of serum protein fractions and haptoglobin in clinically healthy dairy buffaloes during late pregnancy and early lactation. Blood and milk samples were collected from 30 buffaloes at around 7 d before expected calving (blood only) and 7, 30 and 50 d after calving. In serum samples, the total protein, haptoglobin, albumin, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2-, γ-globulins, and albumin/globulin ratio (A/G) values were evaluated. In milk, fat%, protein%, lactose%, somatic cell score (SCS) were assessed, along with milk yield (MY) and daily milk production (DMP). The peripartum period significantly influenced (P < 0.005) total protein, albumin, haptoglobin, α2-, β2- and γ-globulins (P < 0.005). Milk yield, DMP and fat% changed significantly throughout the monitoring period (P < 0.005). Milk yield and DMP were positively correlated with total protein, albumin, β2-globulins and A/G ratio, and negatively correlated with haptoglobin and α2-globulins. These results provide new knowledge about the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in Italian Mediterranean Buffaloes during the last phase of pregnancy and early stages of lactation.

Comparative study on serum protein concentration and electrophoretic pattern in clinically healthy gazelles

Screening of electrophoretic pattern of serum protein is crucial for the initial evaluation of numerous clinical conditions. The present study aimed to investigate and compare the normal serum protein electrophoretic pattern in three gazelle species which included sand gazelle (Gazella gazella), mountain gazelle (Gazella subgutterosa) and Erlanger’s gazelle (Gazella erlangeri). Significant (P £ 0.05) interspecies differences were noticed in A/G ratio, and in á-1, â and globulins fractions using agarose gel electrophoresis. Significant (P £ 0.05) differences between males of the three species were encountered in á-1, á- 2 and â globulins fractions, while significant differences in A/G ratio, á-1, á-2 and â globulins fractions were observed between females of the three species. Significance (P £ 0.05) intersex differences were observed for albumin in sand gazelle, and for á-2 and â globulins fractions in mountain gazelle. The results obtained from the current study could provide a baseline references and could be used for diagnostic purposes.

Serum CA 19.9 Levels in Patients With Benign and Malignant Disease: Correlation With the Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern.

To confirm that the carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (CA 19.9) protein can be evaluated by determining changes in the β2 zone in protein electrophoresis. A total of 75 patients (64 with cancer, 11 with benign diseases) with abnormal serum CA 19.9 level were included. Patients with cancer had significantly higher serum CA 19.9 concentrations than those with benign diseases (p<0.001). Similar CA 19.9 levels were observed in patients with normal (median 1129 U/ml), weakly positive (median 699 U/ml) and positive (2333 U/ml) β2 fraction in protein electrophoresis. In contrast, changes in the protein pattern of the β2 fraction were related to an inflammatory pattern with significantly higher C-reactive protein concentration (p<0.0001), independently of serum CA 19.9 level. The intensity of the β2 fraction in protein electrophoresis is related to inflammation and not to CA 19.9 in patients with cancer or other diseases.