Measurement Of Serum Amyloid A Research Articles

Comparison of polyclonal and monoclonal antibody assays for serum amyloid A in cats: a study based on an automated turbidimetric immunoassay in a primary care veterinary hospital.

Comparing the utility of the anti-human serum amyloid A (SAA)-specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies assays (LZ-SAA) with the pure monoclonal anti-human antibody assays (VET-SAA) during clinical practice in primary care hospital populations by measuring SAA measurement in healthy and diseased domestic cats. 52 healthy and 185 diseased client-owned cats. SAA concentration was measured using different LZ-SAA and VET-SAA measurements for healthy and various diseased cats. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated for each disease. VET-SAA has higher sensitivity than LZ-SAA for the most common diseases presenting to primary care veterinary hospitals, including chronic kidney disease, tumors, and gingivostomatitis. Our results reveal the capability of detecting low SAA concentrations in healthy and diseased cats using VET-SAA in contrast to LZ-SAA, which found elevations of SAA concentrations only in diseased cats. Our findings indicate that switching to the new VET-SAA instead of the conventional LZ-SAA will likely enhance the diagnostic performance in primary care veterinary hospitals.

Performance of an automated immunoturbidimetric assay for bovine serum amyloid A.

Acute phase proteins are a group of vital constituents of the innate immune system, which may also serve as circulatory biomarkers of inflammation. The major acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) is a reliable and sensitive biomarker in cows, allowing for rapid detection of inflammatory disease. A multispecies automated immunoturbidimetric assay (VET-SAA, Eiken) has been validated for horses, dogs, and cats, and it has been used to measure SAA concentrations in bovine samples. The aim of the present study was to perform an analytical validation of the VET-SAA immunoturbidometric assay based on monoclonal antihuman SAA antibodies for the measurement of SAA in clinical samples from cows. The validation included an assessment of imprecision, inaccuracy, and detection limit, as well as an evaluation of the overlap performance, using banked serum from healthy and sick cows with or without inflammatory disease. Intra- and interassay variation ranged from 0.91% to 2.9% and 2.5% to 5.8%, respectively. The assay was performed with acceptable accuracy within a clinically relevant range of SAA, although minor signs of inaccuracy were detected. Overlap performance was acceptable, with the VET-SAA assay able to differentiate between healthy cows and cows with inflammatory and noninflammatory conditions. The automated VET-SAA assay is considered acceptable for the measurement of SAA in cows.

Usefulness of serum amyloid A for the diagnosis of pyelonephritis in cats: A prospective evaluation.

The diagnosis of pyelonephritis in cats is challenging and development of a noninvasive and accurate biomarker is needed. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is increased in cats with pyelonephritis, but not in cats with other urinary tract diseases. A cohort of 125 cats (149 observations). This was a prospective study. Group 1 included cats with a diagnosis of pyelonephritis either confirmed by bacterial culture of pelvic urine (Group 1a) or presumed (1b). Group 2 included cats for which pyelonephritis was ruled out (with certainty: Group 2a or judged unlikely: Group 2b). SAA concentration was compared between groups, and accuracy of SAA for the diagnosis of pyelonephritis was calculated using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Median SAA concentration was significantly higher in Group 1a (86.8 mg/L [73.3; 161.5]; n = 8) than in Group 2a (4 mg/L [1.8; 5.6], n = 19; P < .001) and in Group 2b (5.4 mg/L [3.1; 9.7], n = 113; P < .001). It was also significantly higher in Group 1b (98.8 mg/L [83.1; 147.3]; n = 9) than in Group 2b (P < .001) and Group 2a (P < .001). Optimal diagnostic cut-off for SAA concentration was 51.3 mg/L. yielding a sensitivity of 88% (95% confidence interval: [64%; 99%]) and a specificity of 94% (95% confidence interval: [88%; 97%]). Measurement of SAA could be used to rule out pyelonephritis in the case of low suspicion of the disease. Increased SAA concentration is suggestive of pyelonephritis despite a lack of specificity.

Some Acute Phase Proteins and Biochemistry Parameters of Female Dogs Affected with Pyometra

Some Acute Phase Proteins and Biochemistry Parameters of Female Dogs Affected with Pyometra

Concentrations of serum amyloid A, haptoglobin and some cytokines in calves with Cryptosporidiosis in the pre- and post-treatment stage

This study aims to determine serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentration in cases of Cryptosporidiosis that are frequently encountered in calves in veterinary medicine. Although many experimental studies have been conducted in this field, studies of naturally infected calves are quite a few. In this study, 10 neonatal Holstein calves diagnosed with Cryptosporidium were included. Stool samples were taken from calves with diarrhea using a rapid test kit (BIO-K 313 rapid test kit). Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein pre- and post-treatment for biochemical measurements. SAA, Hp, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α concentration measurements were conducted with ELISA reader using commercial kits. Calves with Cryptosporidiosis presenting with diarrhea showed a statistical difference in SAA, Hp, IL-1β, IL-6, white blood cell and hemoglobin values before and after treatment, whereas hematocrit, red blood cell and TNF-α concentrations did not show any statistical difference before and after treatment. According to these findings, to follow up the treatment process of calves with Cryptosporidiosis, it is thought that measuring the concentration of SAA, Hp, IL-1β and IL-6 will be useful for determining disease severity, selecting appropriate treatment, following treatment efficacy and determining subclinical diseases.

A flexible gradient lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative determination of serum amyloid A

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein produced in response to inflammatory proteins during infections, inflammation, trauma, surgery, cancer, and other conditions. Early and accurate detection of SAA is necessary for diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. To meet this need, we developed a gradient lateral flow immunoassay test strip using Au nanoparticles as signal reporters. The test strip has three test (T1, T2, and T3) lines with progressively decreasing concentrations of SAA antibody, enabling the determination of high, medium, and low concentrations of SAA in serum. The test strip results were analyzed using three distinct readout methods, each with different sensitivity, accuracy, and precision for SAA concentration measurements. Qualitative judgment is based on the color of the T1 line. Semi-quantitative assessment of SAA concentration is determined by the number of colored T-lines. Specifically, color development in T1 line alone indicates a concentration range of 10–50 μg/mL, while T1 and T2 lines together indicate a range of 50–100 μg/mL, and development in all three lines (T1, T2, and T3) indicates a concentration of >100 μg/mL. Quantitative analysis was performed using either smartphone imaging or image scanning with ImageJ software. By using a five-parameter logistic function, we found a strong correlation (R2 = 0.998) between the ratio of signal intensities of (T1 + T2 + T3) to the control (C) line and SAA concentrations ranging from 5 to 1000 μg/mL. At lower concentrations (0–100 μg/mL), we observed a proportional relationship between the value of (T1 + T2 + T3)/C and SAA concentration. The limit of detection for SAA was 9.33 ng/mL (or 6.53 μg/mL of SAA in undiluted serum samples) for the smartphone method and 3.06 ng/mL (or 2.14 μg/mL of SAA in undiluted serum samples) for the scanner method. The gradient test strip was highly consistent with a commercially available SAA immunochromatographic test strip when tested with real human serum samples. Passing-Bablok regression indicated that results obtained using the smartphone app and scanner methods of the gradient test strip were comparable to those obtained using the commercial test strip. The gradient test strip is flexible and adaptable, providing solutions for qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative SAA measurements.

Acute Phase Protein Response in Native and Imported Horses After Routine Combination Vaccination Protocol

Fibrinogen and serum amyloid A (SAA) are commonly measured equine acute phase proteins. Limited data exist on SAA and fibrinogen responses to combination vaccination protocols in horses. A prospective cohort study evaluating SAA, fibrinogen, and rectal temperature following a standard combination vaccination. Blood for measurement of SAA and serum fibrinogen and rectal temperatures were obtained before (0 hour) and after vaccination (24, 48, 72, 96, 168 hours). After vaccination, SAA and fibrinogen increased in all horses. Imports had elevated SAA from 24–168 hours, whereas native horses returned to baseline by 168 hours. Compared to native horses, SAA was significantly higher in imports (coefficient 24–168 hours 358, 95%CI: 46–671 mg/L; P = .03). Fibrinogen increased significantly from 24 to 168 hours postvaccination, but groups did not differ (coefficient −16; 95%CI: −69 to 37 mg/dL; P = .5). Absolute rectal temperatures were significantly higher in imports throughout, including 0 hour (median 37.8; IQR 37.7–38.0 vs. 37.3; 37.1–37.3; P = .002). At 24 hours postvaccination when temperatures significantly increased above baseline in both groups, there was a small but significant difference in the percent change relative to baseline (coefficient 1.9; 95%CI 0.8%–2.9%; P = .002). A standard combination vaccination protocol elicited an acute phase response in all horses. Compared to native previously vaccinated horses, imports had a stronger SAA response. The observed response is worthy of consideration when examining recently vaccinated imported horses.

Serum amyloid A does not predict non-survival in hospitalised adult horses with acute colitis.

Predicting non-survival in horses with acute colitis improves early decision making. Therefore,thisstudyaimed to determine theprognostic value of serum amyloid A (SAA) and other clinicopathological and clinical variables in adult horses with acute colitis. Clinical variables, SAA and other blood biomarkers, including plasma L-lactate (lactate), were assessed in 176 horses with acute colitis. A multivariate model for the prediction of non-survival was constructed. Icelandic horses were analysed separately. Admission SAA was similar in survivors (median 548mg/L; range 0-5453mg/L) and non-survivors (396mg/L; 0-5294) (p = 0.43). A model for non-survival included year of admission, lactate, heart rate, age and colic durationofmore than 24hours. Icelandic horses had a relative risk of 2.9 (95% confidence interval = 2.2-3.8) for acute colitis compared to other breeds. Lactate in Icelandic horses was higher than that in other breeds in both survivors (4.0mmol/L, range 1.0-12.7 vs. 2.0, 0.7-12.5) and non-survivors (10.0, 1.5-26 vs. 5.4, 0.8-22) (p < 0.001). The prognostic value of repeated measurements of SAA could not be assessed in this study, as 71% of the non-surviving horses died within a day of admission. Admission SAA did not predict non-survival. Breed needs consideration when lactate is evaluated as a predictor for non-survival in horses with colitis.

Evaluating the Efficacy of the Treatment in Lambs with Cryptosporidium spp. via Saa and Haptoglobin

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment for the diarrhea due to Cryptosporidium, which is prevalent in lambs, via the concentrations of Serum Amyloid A (SAA) and Haptoglobin (Hp). Although there are experimental studies in this field, there are quite a few studies on the lambs which are infected naturally. Methods: In this study, stool samples were collected from the lambs that were affected with diarrhea and Cryptosporidium was detected via the rapid test kit (Bio-X Diagnostics S.A. Rochefort/Belgium). Following this procedure, 15 lambs were included in the study by examining same stool samples microscopically and 50 mg/kg of paromomycin sulphate (Huvepharma) was administered to the lambs in which Cryptosporidium spp. was detected for five days as a treatment. 10 healthy lambs formed the control group. Blood samples were taken from all lambs to measure SAA and Hp in the pre and post treatment stages. In the serums obtained from blood samples, concentrations of SAA and Hp were measured in ELISA by using commercial kits. Result: In the lambs with Cryptosporidium, concentrations of SAA and HP were as (SAA; 20,62±4,83 ng/mL HP; 2,63±0,77 µg/mL) in pre-treatment and as (SAA;12,93±3,27 ng/mL, Hp; 1,59±0,73 µg/mL) in post-treatment stage while they were as (SAA;10,07±2,49 ng/mL, Hp; 1,03±0,59 µg/mL) in the control group. In the pre and post treatment stage measurements, a statistically significant difference (p less than 0,05) in the values of SAA and Hp was found between the control group and the lambs wit diarrhea due to Cryptosporidium. It was suggested that this might have occurred as a result of inflammatory response against Cryptosporidium. In the light of these findings, it is asserted that routine measurements of SAA and Hp concentrations of the lambs with diarrhea due to cryptosporidiosis could be beneficial in the following up the treatment, determining the severity of the infection, choosing the right method for treatment and monitoring the efficacy of the chosen treatment method and in detecting subclinical diseases in veterinary medicine.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance of Serum Biomarkers - Serum Amyloid A and CYFRA 21-1 in Lung Cancer.

Bronchogenic carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women. Early diagnosis and treatment in these cases are essential for a better prognosis. Serum biomarkers such as serum amyloid A (SAA) and CYFRA 21-1 have generated encouraging results regarding their use in the diagnosis of these cases but data on their role in the Indian scenario are still lacking. The study aims to measure the levels of SAA and CYFRA 21-1 in various types of lung cancer and compare them with patients without lung cancer. It also aims to compare the values of these biomarkers before and after chemotherapy and correlate them with response to treatment. It was a prospective, case-control study conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Government Medical College, Chandigarh. All histologically and/or cytologically proven lung cancer cases were included in the study group while patients with diseases other than lung cancer formed the control group. All patients were evaluated through a complete history and thorough clinical examination. Measurement of SAA and CYFRA 21-1 in blood was done by sandwich ELISA method. The patients in the study group were followed up regularly and the biomarkers were measured again after four cycles of chemotherapy. The response of tumors to chemotherapy was evaluated as per modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 19.0. The study group and control group included 20 patients each. Hoarseness of voice and hemoptysis were significantly associated with lung cancer patients (P = 0.001 and P = 0.025, respectively). Serum levels above 8745 ng/ml for SAA and 2.55 ng/ml for serum CYFRA 21-1 were used as diagnostic biomarker in lung cancer. The serum levels of CYFRA 21-1 were found to be significantly raised in nonsmall cell carcinoma (NSCLC) in comparison to SCLC of lung. There was a statistically significant decrease in the serum levels of CYFRA 21-1 in lung cancer patients on C4 cycle of chemotherapy in comparison to C1 cycle (P = 0.014). SAA and CYFRA 21-1 could be valuable diagnostic biomarkers in lung cancer. CYFRA 21-1, in addition, could also be used as prognostic biomarker in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy as it showed significant decrease after C4-cycle of chemotherapy. It can also be a potential biomarker to differentiate small cell and NSCLC.

Serum amyloid A and fibrinogen as markers for early detection of surgical site infection associated with internal fixation in the horse.

The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic ability of serum amyloid A (SAA) and fibrinogen for early detection of surgical site infection (SSI) after equine internal fixation. Horses undergoing internal fixation for fracture, arthrodesis, or osteotomy with internal fixation for limb deformity were included in the study. SAA and fibrinogen were measured on blood samples preoperatively and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 postoperatively. Statistical analysis included use of Spearman's rank correlation, logistic regression, and calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. SAA and fibrinogen measurements were both associated with SSI, with SAA being considered an excellent marker (area under the ROC curve 0.8) and fibrinogen being considered acceptable (<0.8). As the amount of time postoperatively increased, SAA elevations indicated a higher likelihood of SSI (area under the ROC curve 0.8 compared with fibrinogen 0.7). SAA and fibrinogen were predictive markers of SSI and SAA is of greater diagnostic utility when compared with fibrinogen. Persistent elevations of SAA postoperatively are associated with the development of SSI. Serial monitoring of SAA can be used to help predict the development of SSI in horses undergoing internal fixation. This may lead to earlier suspicion, and therefore recognition and treatment of SSI.

Analytical performance of a canine ELISA monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 assay for use in cats and evaluation of circulating levels in normal weight and obese cats

BackgroundIn human and murine obesity, adipose tissue dwelling macrophages and adipocytes produce monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) leading to systemic low-grade inflammation. The aim of the study was to validate a canine MCP-1 ELISA assay for use in cats and to investigate whether a difference in MCP-1 concentrations could be detected between: a) cats having normal or elevated circulating serum amyloid A (SAA) levels and b) normal weight and obese cats. Serum obtained from 36 client-owned cats of various breed, age and sex with normal (n = 20) to elevated SAA (n = 16) was used for the validation of the canine MCP-1 ELISA assay. As no golden standard exists for measurement of inflammation, circulating MCP-1 concentrations were compared to SAA measurements, as an indicator of systemic inflammation. Analytical precision, dilution recovery and detection limit were calculated. A possible correlation between MCP-1 concentrations and obesity related measures (body fat percentage (BF%), insulin sensitivity and cytokine expression) were investigated in another population of 73 healthy, lean to obese, neutered domestic short-haired cats.ResultsIntra- (2.7–4.1%) and inter-assay (2.2–3.6%) coefficient of variation and dilution recovery were acceptable, and the detection limit was 27.1 pg/mL. MCP-1 did not correlate with SAA, and there was no difference between the inflammatory (SAA > 20 mg/L) and non-inflammatory group, due to a marked overlap in MCP-1 concentrations. Circulating MCP-1 concentrations were unaffected by BF% (r2 = 2.7 × 10–6, P = 0.21) and other obesity-related markers.ConclusionsThe present canine ELISA assay seems to be able to measure circulating feline MCP-1. However, further studies are needed to determine its possible use for detecting inflammation in relation to disease processes or obesity-related low-grade inflammation in cats.

Using systemic serum amyloid A as a biomarker for synovial structure infections in horses with acute limb wounds.

In postoperative monitoring of synovial structure infection due to limb wounds, early recognition of a recurrence of synovial infection is indispensable to prevent further damage to the affected synovial structure. This study evaluated the role of serum amyloid A (SAA) as a systemic biomarker in disease monitoring and correlated this tool with clinical variables. In this prospective cohort study, 55 horses with acute limb wounds were divided into two groups: those with (group 1, n=26) or without (group 2, n=29) a diagnosis of synovial structure penetration. SAA, lameness and body temperature were evaluated repeatedly and compared between groups. Correlations were explored between SAA and body temperature as well as lameness. The long-term outcome was also analysed. In both groups, SAA levels followed the characteristic rise-and-fall pattern observed in previous studies, with a significant increase up to a peak concentration within 48hours, followed by a constant decline. Lameness and body temperature did not change significantly. SAA was not found to correlate with clinical variables at all time points. Three horses in group 1 had a recurrence of synovial sepsis with an associated increase in SAA. The long-term outcome was good. A total of 71% of the study population returned to pre-injury performance levels. Repeated measurements of SAA accurately reflected the course of synovial inflammation and thus provided a reliable and rapidly available tool to monitor the disease course and to adapt the treatment regimen. SAA should be routinely added to the postoperative management of such cases.

Acute phase protein response and changes in lipoprotein particle size in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome

BackgroundImproved methodology to measure acute phase proteins and determination of lipoprotein particle‐size distribution (PSD) could be clinically useful in dogs with systemic inflammatory processes.ObjectivesEvaluate an immunoturbidometric assay for serum amyloid A (SAA) and lipoprotein PSD in dogs with sepsis, nonseptic systemic inflammation, and in healthy controls. Correlate dyslipidemic changes with SAA and C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations.AnimalsTwenty‐five dogs with sepsis, 15 dogs with nonseptic systemic inflammation, and 22 healthy controls.MethodsProspective, case‐control study. Variables included SAA, CRP, and electrophoretic subfractionation of high‐ and low‐density lipoproteins (HDL, LDL). Continuous variables were compared using ANOVA or Kruskal‐Wallis tests with linear regression or Spearman's rank correlation used to assess relationships between variables.ResultsMedian SAA and CRP concentrations were greater in dogs with sepsis (SAA 460 mg/L, interquartile range [IQR] 886 mg/L; CRP 133.2 mg/L, IQR 91.6 mg/L) and nonseptic inflammation (SAA 201 mg/L, IQR 436 mg/L; CRP 91.1 mg/L, IQR 88.6 mg/L) compared to healthy dogs (SAA 0.0 mg/L, IQR 0.0 mg/L; CRP 4.9 mg/L, IQR 0.0 mg/L) P < .0001. A cutoff of >677.5 mg/L SAA was 43.2% sensitive and 92.3% specific for sepsis. Low‐density lipoprotein was higher in dogs with sepsis 29.6%, (mean, SD 14.6) compared to 14.4% (mean, SD 5.6) of all lipoproteins in healthy controls (P = .005). High‐density lipoprotein was not associated with CRP but was negatively correlated with SAA (r s −0.47, P < .0001). Subfractions of LDL and HDL differed between groups (all P < .05).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMeasurement of SAA using the immunoturbidometric assay evaluated in this study and lipoprotein PSD in dogs with inflammation might help distinguish septic from nonseptic causes of inflammation.

Associations of serum amyloid A and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D with diabetic nephropathy: A cross‐sectional study

BackgroundThe present study investigated the relationships between serum amyloid A (SAA), 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)VD) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) to provide evidence for the prevention and management of DN.MethodsA total of 182 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were enrolled in this study. The levels of SAA, 25(OH)VD, and other conventional indicators were measured and analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was applied for the combined measurement of SAA and 25(OH)VD, and risk factors for DN were evaluated using binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe levels of SAA in T2DM patients were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects, and the level significantly increased with the progression of DN (p < 0.05). In contrast, the level of 25(OH)VD in T2DM patients was significantly lower than that in healthy subjects, and the level significantly decreased with the progression of DN (p < 0.05). The combined measurement of SAA and 25(OH)VD distinguished DN patients from T2DM patients better than the measurement of SAA or 25(OH)VD alone. SAA was an independent risk factor for DN, and 25(OH)VD was an independent protective factor for DN.ConclusionSAA and 25(OH)VD might be used as potential markers to identify patients at increased risk of developing DN.

Serial analysis of blood biomarker concentrations in dogs with pneumonia, septic peritonitis, and pyometra.

BackgroundProlonged antimicrobial drug (AMD) treatment is associated with antimicrobial resistance development. Biomarker measurement may aid treatment decision‐making.ObjectivesInvestigate temporal changes in blood biomarker concentrations in dogs undergoing treatment for pulmonary and intra‐abdominal infections; compare time to biomarker concentration normalization with duration of clinician‐directed AMD treatment.AnimalsForty‐two client‐owned dogs with pneumonia (n = 22), septic peritonitis (n = 10), or pyometra (n = 10).MethodsPlasma concentrations of C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin, procalcitonin, nucleosomes, cell‐free DNA (cfDNA), high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1), CC‐motif chemokine ligand‐2 (CCL2), CXC‐motif chemokine ligand‐8 (CXCL8), and keratinocyte chemoattractant‐like (KC‐Like) were quantitated in samples collected on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 60. Treatment was directed by clinicians blinded to biomarker concentrations.ResultsConcentrations of CCL2, CRP, and KC‐Like were maximal on D1, concentrations of SAA, cfDNA, HMGB1, and nucleosomes were maximal on D3 and haptoglobin concentrations were maximal on D7. These maximal concentrations were significantly different from those on D60. Concentrations of CRP and SAA decreased by 80% from peak and into respective reference intervals before AMDs were discontinued. For CRP, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) times to 20% peak and normal were 7 (6‐9) and 7 (6‐12) days, respectively, and for SAA they were 4 (4, 5) and 6 (5‐8) days, respectively, compared to a median (IQR) duration of AMD prescribing of 16 (12‐23) days (all P < .0001).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBiomarker concentrations normalized within 7 to 14 days. Serial measurements of CRP and SAA might aid identification of disease resolution and could help guide AMD prescription decision‐making.

Association Between Serum Amyloid A Expression and Disease Control after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps.

Our previous study revealed that serum amyloid A (SAA) levels in polyp tissues could serve as a biomarker for the prediction of corticosteroid insensitivity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). However, their association with disease control status in the patients after endoscopic sinus surgery remains to be assessed. Polyp tissues and control uncinate process mucosa were collected from 48 patients with CRSwNP and 10 healthy control subjects. SAA expression was examined using immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to determine the predictive value of SAA in nasal polyps. The clinical characteristics of 2 CRSwNP subtypes (SAAhigh and SAAlow) were evaluated. The SAA expression levels in polyp tissues were significantly elevated both in non-eosinophilic and eosinophilic CRSwNP as compared to the healthy controls. In patients with CRSwNP, the tissue SAA level was significantly higher in the disease-controlled patients than those of the partly controlled and uncontrolled. ROC curve analysis revealed that a cut-off value of 114.9ng/mL for the tissue SAA level predicted the patients with disease-controlled status with 93.33% sensitivity and 63.64% specificity (AUC = .8727, P < .001). Furthermore, The SAAhigh subgroup showed higher tissue eosinophil numbers and percentage of the disease-controlled patients compared to the SAAlow subgroup. Our findings suggest that measurements of SAA in polyp tissues may provide useful information for evaluating CRSwNP conditions, especially identifying the CRSwNP patients with disease-controlled status after endoscopic sinus surgery.

Correlation Between Serum Amyloid A and Antibody Response to West Nile Virus Vaccine Antigen in Healthy Horses

The purpose of this study was to establish if peak serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations can be used to determine an appropriate immune response to a vaccine containing West Nile Virus (WNV) antigen. A pilot study with 20 clinically healthy horses was performed to identify peak SAA concentration postvaccination with a commercial multivalent WNV vaccine. Blood was collected for SAA at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 168 hours postvaccination. Serum for WNV serum neutralization antibody testing was obtained immediately prior to and 30 days postvaccination. An additional 40 horses underwent the study protocol, but with SAA measurements acquired at 0-hours and 72-hours postvaccination. Ninety percent of the population had an increase in SAA in response to WNV vaccination, though no significant correlation was identified between SAA peak and antibody titer fold changes. WNV antibody titer fold changes between pre- and post-vaccination revealed 57% of horses had increased fold changes, 30% had no fold changes and 13% had negative fold changes. There was a negative correlation between age and SAA response (P = .0008). The main conclusions were SAA response postvaccination against WNV does not appear to mirror antibody response. Age appears to significantly affect SAA response. Further, vaccination with WNV antigen may not consistently induce a positive increase in WNV antibodies.

Analytical Validation of Two Point-of-Care Assays for Serum Amyloid A Measurements in Cats.

Simple SummarySerum Amyloid A (SAA) is one of the most sensitive tests to detect inflammation in cats. In this study, two point-of-care assays for serum amyloid A measurements in cats were analytically evaluated. The two assays were accurate and showed significant correlations with an automated assay previously validated in cats, although one of them did not show an optimal precision. Both assays were able to detect higher SAA concentrations in cats with inflammatory diseases than in cats without inflammatory diseases. In conclusion, this manuscript provides data about the possible application of two point-of-care assays for the measurement of SAA concentration in cats.Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is one of the most sensitive tests to detect inflammation in cats. In this study, two point-of-care assays for SAA measurements in cats (FUJI DRI-CHEM IMMUNO AU CARTRIDGE vf-SAA (method A), and CUBE-VET analyser (Method B), were analytically evaluated. Regarding the imprecision precision only the method A showed intra-assay and inter-assay CV < 10% at all concentrations. Both assays showed linearity with r close to 1 and the recovery were in the range of 81–112% for assay A and 85–125% for assay B and the limit of detection were 3.75 and 0.5 mg/dL for method A and B, respectively. A previously validated method for SAA quantification SAATIA; LZ-SAA (method C) was used as gold-standard to evaluate the accuracy of the assays. Significant correlations (p < 0.0001) were found between assays A and C (r = 0.94) and B and C (r = 0.91). In addition, an overlap performance test was made using serum samples from cats with non-inflammatory and cats with inflammatory. Both assays showed higher median SAA concentrations in cats with inflammatory diseases than in cats without inflammatory diseases (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, this manuscript provides data about the possible application of two point-of-care assays for the measurement of SAA concentration in cats.

The Accuracy of Serum Amyloid A in Determining Early Inflammation in Horses After Long-Distance Transportation by Air

Transportation of sporthorses increases their susceptibility to infectious diseases. Before, caretakers relied on rectal temperature together with their clinical impression to detect travel-associated infections. This study’s aim was to assess and compare serum amyloid A (SAA) to rectal temperature as an indicator of early inflammation in sporthorses after air transportation. One hundred and twenty-two Warmblood horses were followed during the Longines Global Champions Tour 2016 to three destinations where the horses flew to compete. Clinical health checks and SAA measurements were performed before flying, upon arrival (0 hours), and 24 hours postarrival. Serum amyloid A was tested using a stall-side lateral flow immunoassay. Rectal temperature was measured twice a day using a commercially available digital thermometer. An SAA cutoff value of 23 μg/mL measured 24 hours postarrival was able to correctly distinguish between a healthy and sick horse with a sensitivity and specificity of 93.3% and 91.3%, respectively. Conversely, elevated rectal temperature had a sensitivity of only 3% to distinguish between the two horse groups. Monitoring SAA in traveling sporthorses is a more sensitive indicator of clinical health than monitoring body temperature and may aid in early identification of inflammatory processes.