Serum Acute Phase Research Articles

Haematological, Serum Biochemical and Acute Phase Protein Profiles of Sheep with Footrot Infection caused by <i>Dichelobacter nodosus</i>

Foot-related diseases are among the most common herd health issues worldwide, leading to heavy burden on the sheep and their owner including heavy socio-economic losses. This study investigated the haematological, serum biochemical and acute phase protein profiles of sheep with footrot infection caused by Dichelobacter nodosus. Blood samples from 15 sheep with footrot and 10 healthy controls were collected and analyzed for possible alterations in haematological, serum biochemical parameters and acute phase protein (APPs). Sheep with footrot showed significant changes in haematological parameters including left-shift, neutrophilic leukocytosis, lymphopenia and monocytosis. Serum biochemical assay revealed significant (P<0.05) increase in the concentration of total protein, cortisol, glucose, haptoglobin and fibrinogen while the concentration of albumin was significantly decreased. The finding of this study emphasizes the importance of haematological, serum biochemical and APP analytes in the diagnosis and monitoring of footrot in sheep. The finding of this current study could be used for the development of point-of-care diagnostic markers that would aid prompt diagnosis and treatment of footrot in sheep.

Systemic Inflammation In Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia With Sonographic Crystal Deposits, Including A Comparison With Normouricemia And Gout.

To describe the inflammatory profile of asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AH) with ultrasound evidence of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals (AH-MSUpos), vs AH without deposits (AH-MSUneg), intercritical gout, and normouricemia. Based on serum urate levels, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and history of flares, we divided 122 participants into four groups: normouricemia, AH-MSUneg, AH-MSUpos, and intercritical gout. We tested four ultrasound definitions for MSU deposition in AH: grade 2-3 (G2-3) double contour and/or tophi, G1-3 double contour and/or tophi, G1-3 Stewart scheme (double contour sign in knee cartilage and/or first metatarsophalangeal joint and/or tophi in first metatarsophalangeal joint), and G2-3 Stewart scheme. Serum acute phase reactants, cytokines, pyroptosis derivates, and neutrophil-related proteins were measured and compared between groups. A linear regression model was fitted to correlate crystal and inflammatory burden (measured by ultrasound) with inflammatory markers in hyperuricemics. Rates of MSU deposition in AH ranged from 26.0% to 68.8%, depending on the definition used. Levels of CRP, leukocytes, IL-1RA, IL-6, sIL-6R, IL-18, TNF-α, TGF-β, and galectin-3 were higher in hyperuricemics vs normouricemics. Sex, obesity, and comorbidity scores influenced some comparisons. We saw no differences comparing AH-MSUpos vs AH-MSUneg groups, except for higher calprotectin using G1-3 sonographic definitions and higher CRP and TGF-β when restricted to women and obese participants. Hyperuricemia is associated with substantial inflammation and some degree of active pyroptosis. Four different ultrasound definitions for AH with MSU deposits yielded similar findings, although we noted some differences in calprotectin, CRP, and TGF-β. Sex, obesity, and comorbidities influenced some inflammatory responses.

Association of Serum Proteases and Acute Phase Factors Levels with Survival Outcomes in Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a substantial burden on global healthcare, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in screening methodologies, its incidence remains high, necessitating continued efforts in early detection and treatment. Neoplastic invasion and metastasis are primary determinants of CRC lethality, emphasizing the urgency of understanding underlying mechanisms to develop effective therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to explore the potential of serum biomarkers in predicting survival outcomes in CRC patients, with a focus on cathepsin B (CB), leukocytic elastase (LE), total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-associated sialic acid (LASA), antitrypsin activity (ATA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and cystatin C (CC). We recruited 185 CRC patients and 35 healthy controls, assessing demographic variables, tumor characteristics, and 7 serum biomarker levels, including (1) CB, (2) LE, (3) TSA, (4) LASA, (5) ATA, (6) CRP, and (7) CC. Statistical analyses included ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc tests and MANOVA for continuous variables. Student's t-test was used for dependent samples, while non-parametric tests like Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied for variables deviating from the normal distribution. Categorical variables were assessed using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was utilized to examine variable correlations. Survival analysis employed the Kaplan-Meier method with a log-rank test for comparing survival times between groups. Significant associations were observed between CB (p = 0.04), LE (p = 0.01), and TSA (p = 0.008) levels and survival outcomes in CRC patients. Dukes' classification stages also showed a significant correlation with survival (p = 0.001). However, no significant associations were found for LASA, ATA, CRP, and CC. Multivariate analysis of LE, TSA, and ATA demonstrated a notable correlation with survival (p = 0.041), notwithstanding ATA's lack of significance in univariate analysis (p = 0.13). CB, LE, and TSA emerged as promising diagnostic markers with prognostic value in CRC, potentially aiding in early diagnosis and treatment planning. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore additional prognostic indicators.

New insights into swine dysentery: faecal shedding, macro and microscopic lesions and biomarkers in early and acute stages of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae infection

BackgroundSwine dysentery (SD) is a severe mucohaemorrhagic colitis in pigs caused classically by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. Although several aspects of B. hyodysenteriae infection dynamic are already described, further research in the early stage of this infection is required. In this study, 7-week-old pigs were orally challenged with B. hyodysenteriae to obtain information about faecal shedding, macro and microscopic intestinal lesions and serum acute phase proteins in pigs at the onset of B. hyodysenteriae shedding (early infection group, n = 8), in pigs with mucohaemorrhagic diarrhoea (acute infection group, n = 8) and in non-infected controls (n = 16).ResultsFirst B. hyodysenteriae detection by q-PCR and first loose stools with blood and mucus occurred both at 8 days post-inoculation. The lapse between a positive q-PCR and observation of mucohaemorrhagic diarrhoea ranged from 0 to 3 days, except in a single pig in which this period lasted 5 days. Macroscopic lesions were observed in the large intestine from both infected groups although more frequent and severe in acute infection group. Microscopic observation of the apex mucosa revealed that in early infection only higher ulceration values were observed compared to healthy controls. In contrast, the acute infection group exhibited higher ulceration, neutrophils infiltration and increased mucosal thickness compared to the other two groups. Among the serum biomarkers tested, only haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and creatine kinase showed a significant increase in pigs in the acute infection period compared to controls, whereas haptoglobin was the only factor with a significant increase at the early infection compared to non-infected animals.ConclusionsThis study provides new insights about SD and remarks the complex and limited options to perform an early detection of infected animals beyond PCR diagnosis.

Major cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular monosodium urate deposits in atherosclerotic plaques.

To determine the association of cardiovascular atherosclerotic plaque monosodium urate deposits with the occurrence of major cardiovascular events in gout and hyperuricemia patients. This retrospective cohort study included patients with clinically suspicion of gout, who performed a dual energy computed tomography of the affected limb and thorax between June 1st, 2012 and December 5th, 2019. Clinical and laboratory parameters were retrieved from patientś charts. Established cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated. Medical history review identified the presence of major adverse cardiac events with a median follow up time of 33 months (range 0-108 months) after the performed computed tomography scan. Full data sets were available for 189 patients: 131 (69.3%) gout patients, 40 (21.2%) hyperuricemia patients, and 18 (9.5%) controls. Patients with cardiovascular monosodium urate deposits (n = 85/189, 45%) revealed increased serum acute phase reactants, uric acid levels and calcium scores in computed tomography compared with patients without cardiovascular monosodium urate deposits. Major adverse cardiac events were observed in 35 patients (18.5%) with a higher prevalence in those patients revealing cardiovascular monosodium urate deposits (n = 22/85, 25.9%) compared with those without cardiovascular monosodium urate deposits (n = 13/104, 12.5%, OR 2.4, p= 0.018). This is the first study demonstrating the higher hazard of major adverse cardiac events in patients with dual energy computed tomography-verified cardiovascular monosodium urate deposits. The higher prevalence of cardiac events in patients with cardiovascular monosodium urate deposits may facilitate risk stratification of gout patients, as classical cardiovascular risk scores or laboratory markers fail in their proper identification.

Evaluation of acute phase response in cattle with naturally infected bovine ephemeral fever virus

Bovine ephemeral fever is an arthropod-borne viral disease that primarily affects cattle and causes economic losses mainly due to the sudden decrease in milk yield. We aimed to reveal the biochemical reflection of the acute phase response by detecting the changes in serum acute phase proteins in cattle naturally infected with the bovine ephemeral fever virus. The material of this study consisted of 21 Simmental dairy cows (4–6 years old) naturally infected with bovine ephemeral fever virus (infected group) and 10 clinically and serologically healthy Simmental dairy cows (control group). The prevalence of the disease in suspected cattle was 52 per 100. It was determined that in infected cows levels of serum haptoglobin, serum amyloid A (P < 0.001), and ceruloplasmin increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas levels of albumin decreased significantly (P < 0.05). It is thought that the acute phase proteins variation pattern for bovine ephemeral fever would be beneficial both in better understanding the pathogenesis of the disease and in determining the diagnosis and prognosis correctly.

Effect of short-term abomasal corn starch infusions on postruminal fermentation and blood measures

It is possible that some of the systemic responses to subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) may be caused by increased intestinal starch fermentation. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of abomasal infusion of up to 3 g of corn starch/kg body weight (approximately 1.6 kg of starch/d) on fecal measures of fermentation, plasma acute phase proteins, and white blood cell populations. Six ruminally cannulated cows in late lactation were randomly assigned to duplicate 3 × 3 Latin squares with 21-d periods. Cows were fed a 20.6% starch TMR twice daily and during the last 7 d of each period cows were abomasally infused with corn starch at 0 (CON), 1 (ST1), or 3 (ST3) g/kg body weight split into 2 bolus infusions, provided every 12 h. Fecal samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, and 18 h following feeding on d 21 and were analyzed for pH, VFA, lactic acid, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Composite fecal samples were used to estimate apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility using undigested neutral detergent fiber as an internal marker. Blood samples were collected at 0 and 6 h relative to feeding on d 14, 18, and 21 of each period. Concentrations of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A in plasma were measured in all samples, 0 h samples on d 14 and 21 were used to measure white blood cell populations, and 0 h samples from d 14, 18, and 21 were used for flow cytometric analysis of γδ T cells. Data were analyzed in SAS using models that included fixed effects of treatment and period and the random effects of cow and square. For blood measures, d 14 samples collected before the initiation of abomasal infusions were included as covariates. Time (d or h) was added as a repeated measure in variables that included multiple samples during the abomasal infusion period. A contrast was used to determine the linear effect of increasing abomasal corn starch. Abomasal corn starch linearly decreased fecal pH and linearly increased fecal total VFA and LPS, but effects were modest, with fecal pH, total VFA, and LPS changing from 6.96, 57.7 mM, and 4.14 log10 endotoxin units (EU) per gram for the CON treatment to 6.69, 64.1 mM, and 4.58 log10 EU/g for the ST3 treatment, respectively. This suggests that we did not induce hindgut acidosis. There were no effects of treatment on apparent total-tract starch digestibility or fecal starch content (mean of 96.9% and 2.2%, respectively). Treatment did not affect serum acute phase proteins or most circulating white blood cells, but the proportion of circulating γδ T cells tended to linearly decrease from 6.69% for CON to 4.61% for ST3. Contrary to our hypothesis, increased hindgut starch fermentation did not induce an inflammatory response in this study.

Evaluation of serum cytokines and acute phase proteins as possible pharmacodynamic biomarkers to monitor endoscopic remission during ustekinumab therapy in patients with Crohn's disease.

Since not all Crohn's disease (CD) patients respond adequately to ustekinumab therapy, biomarkers could aid to monitor treatment response and optimize therapeutic outcomes. To explore the dynamics of serum biomarker concentrations to monitor the response to ustekinumab treatment in CD patients. Retrospective, exploratory study to evaluate concentrations of serum cytokines and acute phase proteins and their relation to endoscopic remission in CD patients during ustekinumab treatment. Serum concentrations of 16 proteins including cytokines and acute phase proteins were measured using the Mesoscale Discovery Platform in serum of healthy controls (n = 13), and CD patients (n = 61) at baseline (week 0), week 8 and week 24 during ustekinumab treatment. Endoscopic remission was defined as simple endoscopic score for CD (SES-CD) <3 after 6 months of therapy. Absolute concentrations of serum amyloid A protein (SAA; week 8), IL-6 (week 24), AGP (weeks 8 and 24), interferon (IFN)-γ (weeks 8 and 24), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP; weeks 8 and 24) and IL-22 (weeks 8 and 24) were significantly lower in endoscopic remitters compared to non-responders (p-values ranging between <0.001 and <0.05). SAA (week 8) and AGP (week 24) were the biomarkers with the highest area under the ROC curve (AUROC; 0.761 and 0.760, respectively) for identifying patients in endoscopic remission, though their performance was not superior to C-reactive protein (CRP) or faecal calprotectin. AUROCs of the predictive probability of biomarker combinations showed superiority in discriminating endoscopic remitters from non-responders in comparison to single biomarker measurements, but not as compared to faecal calprotectin. Although not superior to faecal calprotectin, measurement of AGP, SAA, LBF, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-22 concentrations, and combinations thereof with or without CRP and faecal calprotectin, during ustekinumab therapy might contribute to adequate monitoring of treatment response in CD patients.

Determining the relationship between serum acute phase reactants and cervical premalignant lesions: a cohort study.

Acute phase reactants play a role in the progression and prognosis of many malignant and premalignant tumors. This study investigated the diagnostic value of certain reactants as markers for cervical premalignant lesions. Despite advanced screening and vaccination programs, cervical cancer remains a serious health problem worldwide. We aimed to determine the possible relationship between premalignant cervical disease and serum acute phase reactant levels. This study included 124 volunteers who underwent cervical cancer screening. We divided the patients into three groups according to cervical cytology and histopathological findings as follows: no cervical lesion, low-grade neoplasia, or high-grade neoplasia. We included women aged 25-65 years with benign smear or colposcopy results, low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. The benign group was based only on cytology findings, whereas the other groups were based on histopathology findings. Demographic data and serum albumin, fibrinogen, ferritin, and procalcitonin levels were evaluated in the three groups. We found significant differences among the three groups in terms of age, albumin level, albumin/fibrinogen ratio, and procalcitonin level. The regression analysis revealed lower serum albumin levels in the low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion groups compared with the benign group. This is the first study to evaluate the importance of serum inflammatory markers in cervical intraepithelial lesions. Our results indicate that serum albumin level, albumin/fibrinogen ratio, procalcitonin level, and neutrophil values differ among cervical intraepithelial lesions.

PSX-B-14 Effects of Adding Protected Benzoic Acid on Growth Performance, Diarrhea, and Inflammation in Weaned Pigs Challenged with Escherichia Coli F18

Abstract This experiment quantified the impact of an E. coli challenge and evaluated protected benzoic acid (PBA) as the alternative to recover growth performance, diarrhea, and inflammation of weaned pigs. A total of 72 pigs (BW=6.07±0.66kg) were housed in pens (2 pigs/pen) and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments (12 pens/treatment). Treatments included a non-challenged control (NC), a challenged-control experimentally infected with F18 E. coli (PC), and PC plus 0.25% PBA (Novus international St. Charles, MO). The experiment lasted 18 days, with 7 days of acclimation and 11 days post-infection (dpi). Blood samples were collected at 0, 4, and 11 dpi. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. At the end of the experiment (11 dpi), pigs on NC were heavier than those in the PC, whereas pigs fed PBA were intermediate (9.43, 8.22, and 8.75kg, respectively; P = 0.026). For the entire experimental period (-7 to 11 dpi) pigs on the NC had increased ADG compared with PC and PBA (0.196, 0.105, and 0.127kg, respectively; P=0.019). Pigs on the NC had increased ADFI compared with PC, whereas PBA was intermediate (0.244, 0.167, and 0.204kg, respectively; P=0.011). G:F tended to differ among treatments (P=0.070): the NC had the greatest G:F followed by PBA and NC (0.800, 0.565, 0507, respectively). Diarrhea incidence was decreased in the NC compared with PC and PBA (22.9, 44.2, and 52.1%, respectively; P=0.01). Serum acute-phase C reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, tended to differ among treatments (P=0.076): the PC had the greatest CRP concentration followed by PBA and NC (3,841, 2,243, and 2,106 ng/mL, respectively). In conclusion, the E. coli infection impacted the growth and health of weaned pigs; however, the addition of PBA partially alleviated the negative effects by stimulating feed intake, growth, and decreasing systemic inflammation.

Association between periodontal inflamed surface area and serum acute phase biomarkers in patients with sickle cell anemia

ObjectivesThe aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) and serum inflammatory biomarkers in patients with sickle cell anemia. DesignPatients with sickle cell anemia (n = 80) and systemically healthy individuals (n = 80) were enrolled in the study. Crisis episodes were recorded and blood samples were collected from patients with sickle cell anemia. Clinical periodontal parameters and PISA values were calculated from all patients. Ferritin and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were analyzed biochemically. ResultsIn sickle cell anemia group, presence of periodontitis (p < 0.001) was more frequent than periodontal health (p < 0.001). All clinical periodontal recordings and PISA values were higher in the sickle cell anemia group compared to controls (p < 0.001). Patients with PISA > 776 mm² had 6.06-fold greater chances of having hs-CRP levels above 10 mg/L (OR = 6.06; 95 % CI: 1.9–19.26) and had 31.41-fold greater chances of having ferritin levels above 1000 ng/L (OR = 31.41; 95 % CI: 6.62–149.16). Also, they had 3.27-fold greater risk of having crisis frequency above three times per year (OR = 3.27; 95 % CI: 1.05–10.23) after adjusting for confounders. ConclusionIn patients with sickle cell anemia, positive association was evident between PISA values and serum acute phase biomarkers levels as well as the frequency of acute painful crisis. Patients with increased inflammatory burden may have a higher likelihood of developing periodontitis in the presence of sickle cell anemia. PISA value could be a candidate disease activity indicator in patients with an underlying hematological condition.

Oxidative stress-mediated inflammation promotes the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Neuroinflammation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by activation of monocytes/macrophages and T lymphocytes in the periphery and microglia and astrocytes within the central nervous system. This review emphasizes the role of oxidative stress in promoting systemic inflammation and the early stages of neurodegeneration. Motor axon terminals of ALS patients have significantly increased intraluminal calcium and dysfunctional mitochondria, increasing the formation of lipid peroxides and ferroptosis programmed cell death. Serum lipid peroxides and acute phase proteins are elevated, and regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) are dysfunctional, impairing immune-mediated neuroprotection. Macrophages are pro-inflammatory; the expression of genes involved in inflammation is increased in peripheral monocytes/macrophages of ALS patients. Suppressing these multiple components of inflammation is an important therapeutic goal and provides an opportunity to interrupt the self-propagating cytotoxic cycle. Two clinical trials with autologous infusions of ex vivo expanded Tregs have been safe and well tolerated, with promising clinical results associated with suppression of pro-inflammatory lipid peroxides.

On the binding reaction of loratadine with human serum acute phase protein alpha 1-acid glycoprotein

Loratadine is an important anti-allergic drug. It is a second generation antihistamine drug used to treat allergic rhinitis, hay fever and urticaria. Human serum alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AG) is an important acute phase protein and its serum concentration is found to increase in inflammation and acute response.The binding interaction between loratadine and AG is studied using spectroscopy and molecular docking techniques. The results obtained from fluorescence quenching experiments demonstrated that the fluorescence intensity of AG is quenched by loratadine. Loratadine was found to bind AG with the binding constant of ≈104 at 298 K. The Gibb’s free energy change was found to be negative for the interaction of loratadine with AG indicating the binding process is spontaneous. Binding of loratadine with AG induced ordered structures in the protein. Hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions were the main bonding forces between AG–loratadine as revealed by molecular docking results. This study suggests the importance of binding of anti-allergic drug to AG spatially in the diseases where the plasma concentration of AG increases many folds and interaction with this protein becomes significant. This study will help in design of drug dosage and adjustment accordingly to achieve optimal treatment outcome. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Imaging modalities used in diagnosis and follow-up of patients with Takayasu’s arteritis

Background/aimTakayasu’s arteritis (TA) is a rare, large-vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology, affecting aortic arch, and its main branches. Noninvasive imaging methods are frequently used in diagnosis and follow-up in Takayasu’s arteritis. Studies investigating optimal timing of follow up imaging are rare. This study is aimed to investigate the radiologic changes in vascular involvements of Takayasu’s arteritis patients one year after diagnosis. Materials and methodsDatabase of our Vasculitis Center was analyzed retrospectively and 97 patients were included into the study. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and therapeutic findings of patients were recorded. Patients with follow-up imaging after approximately one year of diagnosis were recruited into further analysis. Radiological changes and the effect of different immunosuppressive agents on vascular involvements were investigated.ResultsMean age and disease duration of patients were 43.0 and 9.0 years. The most commonly used imaging methods/modalities for the diagnosis of TA were computer tomography-angiography (CT-Ang) (58.8%), magnetic resonance-angiography (MR-Ang) (29.9%), and doppler ultrasonography (11.3%). Subclavian and common carotid arteries were the most frequently involved vessels. Fifty-three patients underwent follow-up imaging after one year of diagnosis and, in 64% of patients, same imaging method had been used. MR-Ang (62.3%) and CT-Ang (35.9%) were the most preferred follow-up imaging studies. Sixty-eight percent of patients had stable vascular involvement, 28% had progression, and 4% had regression. No difference was found in radiological changes regarding patients with usage of different immunosuppressive agents (P = 0.634). There was no association between the change in serum acute phase reactants and radiological disease activity.ConclusionThe most commonly used imaging modality for the diagnosis of TA was CT-Ang, whereas MR-Ang was the most preferred for follow-up. Almost 30% of TA patients in our Vasculitis Center had progression at around one year concordant with previous literature. A follow-up imaging at around one year of treatment seems feasible in management of TA.

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

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

Characteristics and outcomes of overlap myositis: a comparative multigroup cohort study in adults from the MyoCite cohort.

Overlap myositis (OM), an important subset of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), is being increasingly recognized with wider myositis-specific autoantibody (MSA) testing. We studied the differences in clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of OM with Dermatomyositis (DM), Polymyositis (PM), anti-synthetase syndrome (ASSD), and Cancer-associated IIM (CAM). Data from the MyoCite registry (Dec2017-May2020), a prospective dataset of IIM was extracted for the clinical profile, and MSAs, immunosuppressants received, disease activity (relapses and incomplete response), and treatment-related (drugs ADRs and infections) adverse events (DRAE and TRAE) were collected and analyzed between groups. Of 214 adults (58-OM,89-DM,27-ASSD,33-PM,7-CAM), OM had a greater female preponderance (13.5:1). Raynaud's and sclerodactyly were the prime distinguishing features of OM. OM could be distinguished from PM by frequent arthritis (OR-3.2) and infrequent dysphagia (OR-0.17); DM with greater nephritis (OR-20), infrequent dysphagia (OR-0.24) and rashes (OR-0.02); and ASSD by infrequent ILD (OR-0.07), and mechanic's hand (OR-0.05). 50% fulfilled the classification criteria for ASSD in the absence of MSA testing. ANA was positive more often (PM/DM: OR-6.7) and anti-Ro52 (OR-4.5) frequent in OM. Baseline serum creatinine and acute phase reactants were higher. OM received lower glucocorticoids (0mg/kg, p < 0.001). Overall, 90% and 84% of OM at 12 and 24months, respectively, achieved remission, with similar DRAE and TRAE as other IIM subsets. OM can be misdiagnosed as ASSD in the absence of MSA testing. Raynaud's, sclerodactyly, and a positive ANA may identify OM and prevent overtreatment.

Investigation of Serum and Milk Acute Phase Proteins Level in Goats with Experimentally Infected Staphylococcus aureus Subclinical Mastitis

Investigation of Serum and Milk Acute Phase Proteins Level in Goats with Experimentally Infected Staphylococcus aureus Subclinical Mastitis

Association of serum sialic acid concentration with diabetic complications and cardiovascular risk factors in an Indian population.

IntroductionSialic acid (SA) is an acetylated product of neuraminic acid. It acts as a cofactor of many cell surface receptors (e.g. insulin receptors) and is positively associated with most of the serum acute phase reactants. Sialic acid is an important component of serum, which is elevated in diseases such as diabetes and certain malignancies. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with an increase in SA concentration along with other complications. The present study was undertaken to assess the relationship between serum SA and type 2 diabetes.Material and methodsA total of 200 type 2 DM patients, 145 males and 55 females, were included in the study. Also, 100 healthy individuals served as the control group. Parameters assessed included serum SA, lipid profile, urine microalbumin, LDL-C, lipoprotein(a), and serum fibrinogen. The relationship between serum SA and diabetic complications viz retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy was also assessed.ResultsType 2 DM patients had significantly higher levels (p < 0.01) of SA (77.35 ±4.6 mg%) as compared to the control group (68.23 ±7.9 mg%). Increased levels of serum SA were seen in patients with diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. No correlation was seen between serum SA and diabetic neuropathy.ConclusionsElevated serum SA concentration is significantly related to type 2 DM and associated cardiovascular risk factors. Further study of acute-phase response markers and mediators as indicators or predictors of diabetic microvascular complications is therefore justified.

Decreased frequency of allergy in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Results of a case-control study

Objectives To determine the frequency of Th2-mediated allergic diseases (AD) in mainly Th1-driven juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) subtypes. Methods Ninety-nine JIA patients and 128 control subjects were enrolled in a prospective case-control study. All subjects were assessed with standard allergy questionnaire, complete blood cell count, and total serum immunoglobulin (sIg) E. sIgs G, A, M, Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score-27 (JADAS27), and serum acute phase reactants (sAPR) were obtained in JIA. In the presence of allergic symptoms, skin prick (SPT) and pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed. Results Despite similar allergy risk factors, the frequencies of asthma and allergic rhinitis were lower in JIA group (all p ≤ .02). Allergic patients with JIA performed lower FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF, and FEF25–75 compared to the control group (all p ≤ .04). JADAS27 and sAPR were similar among JIA patients with and without AD. Two JIA patients were found to have hypogammaglobulinemia. Conclusion The frequencies of AD, asthma, and allergic rhinitis may decrease in Th1-mediated JIA subtypes although the coexistence does not appear to affect the severity of arthritis whereas allergic symptoms may resolve after immunosuppressive treatment. PFTs should be obtained periodically in JIA. JIA patients may have an underlying primary immunodeficiency (ID) or immunosuppressive drugs may cause secondary ID. KEY POINTS Compared to the population, the frequency of Th2-mediated allergic diseases is lower in oligoarthritis and RF-negative polyarthritis that are primarily driven by a Th1 activity. The coexistence of allergic diseases in juvenile idiopathic arthritis does not affect the severity of arthritis. Pulmonary function tests can be thought to be obtained periodically in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Immunological workup should be considered in atypically or severely presented patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis before the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy to differentiate primary and secondary immunodeficiency.

Comparative Effects of Dexamethasone and Meloxicam on Magnitude of the Acute Inflammatory Response Induced by Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide in Broiler Chickens.

PurposeDexamethasone has been widely used to treat acute inflammatory diseases and endotoxic shocks in animal models. Meloxicam is one of the most commonly used anti-inflammatory agents in avian species. However, little is known about the effects of dexamethasone and meloxicam on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute inflammatory response in birds. In the present study, LPS-challenged broiler chickens were used to investigate the comparative protective effects of meloxicam and dexamethasone on LPS-induced acute inflammatory responses.MethodsLipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) histopathological scores, selected serum acute phase reactants, inflammatory mediators, and gangliosides were evaluated in broiler chickens inoculated with E. coli LPS and simultaneously treated with two doses of meloxicam (0.5 and 2 mg/kg BW) and dexamethasone (2 and 4 mg/kg BW).ResultsLPS-induced ALI scores were not significantly different between the meloxicam-treated, dexamethasone-treated, and untreated positive control groups at 4 hours after LPS inoculation. Interleukin-6 concentrations were also statistically the same among the positive control, dexamethasone-treated, and meloxicam-treated groups at 3 and 12 hours after LPS inoculation. However, these anti-inflammatory drugs reduced adenosine deaminase, ceruloplasmin, lipid-bound sialic acid, protein-bound sialic acid, and total sialic acid in LPS-inoculated broiler chickens at 12, 24, and 48 hours after LPS inoculation in a drug- and dose-dependent manner. Ovotransferrin concentrations were not significantly different between positive control and treatment groups at 12 hours after LPS inoculation. However, twenty-four hours after LPS inoculation, all the treated groups, except the one treated with 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam, showed significantly lower concentrations of ovotransferrin as compared with the positive control group.ConclusionOur results showed that dexamethasone was more effective than meloxicam in inhibiting the LPS-induced response in broiler chickens by diminishing the serum levels of adenosine deaminase, ceruloplasmin, and gangliosides.