Serum Serum Amyloid A Concentrations Research Articles

The Diagnostic Value of Serum Amyloid A and Other Laboratory and Clinical Variables in Cats with Increased Liver Enzyme Activity.

Distinguishing inflammatory from non-inflammatory liver disease in cats may impact management. The study aim was to evaluate if certain diagnostic variables, including Serum Amyloid A (SAA), differ (1) between various clinical disease categories (Primary liver disease, Extrahepatic, Trauma and Inconclusive) and (2) between cytological findings of severe hepatic lipidosis and other cytological findings in cats with increased liver enzymes. Medical records from 5042 cats, where SAA had been measured, were reviewed, and 566 cats fulfilled inclusion criteria consisting of increased liver enzymes and available biochemical panel results. SAA was higher in cats diagnosed with trauma compared to other diseases (p = 0.008). Cytology results were available in 85 cats, and cats with severe lipidosis had lower serum SAA concentration (p < 0.0001) and were younger (p < 0.0002) compared to cats with other cytological findings. The study shows that SAA was higher in cats diagnosed with trauma compared to cats with other causes of increased liver enzymes and that SAA may be useful to distinguish cats with cytologic evidence of hepatic lipidosis from cats with other liver pathologies. Serum Amyloid A may be a valuable complement to liver cytology when investigating cats with increased liver enzymes.

Serum Amyloid A and Haptoglobin concentrations in calves at first event of respiratory disease were not associated with subsequent risk of respiratory disease during the preweaning period

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) causes decreased welfare and production losses and is a major reason for use of antimicrobials in dairy calves. Inflammatory markers released into the blood stream during BRD include acute phase proteins such as Serum Amyloid A (SAA) and Haptoglobin (Hp). This longitudinal observational study aimed to investigate whether the serum concentrations of SAA and Hp measured on the day of a detected mild clinical event of BRD, were associated the odds of developing recurrent BRD events requiring additional treatments in up to a 46-day follow-up period after the first event.A total of 65 preweaned dairy calves were observed for 46 days each in one Danish dairy herd. They were enrolled in this study in the age between 17 and 24 days of age and were followed for the following 46 days in total in which the calves potentially could develop an event of BRD. The calves were clinically assessed every other day using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), where a mild BRD event was defined as a calf that deviated from a normal and non-affected calf. The clinical signs included that the calf was less interested in its surroundings, slightly depressed, less bright, alert, and responsive with less clear eyes and using longer time to get up. The calf could have scruffy hair coat and drooping ears. Blood samples were collected on the day of the first mild BRD event that was only treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. A logistic regression model was performed to detect associations between having recurrent events of BRD and VAS, serum SAA and Hp concentrations at the day of the first BRD event and the follow-up period after the BRD event. Only the follow-up period after the first BRD event had a significant association with the odds ratio of having recurrent events of BRD of 2.3 for a 10-day difference in follow-up time after the BRD event.

Prognostic potential of copper, zinc, copper/zinc ratio, cobalamin, and serum amyloid A in cats with panleukopenia.

Copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and the copper/zinc ratio (Cu/Zn), which have been studied in gastrointestinal disorders of humans, may facilitate disease prognosis. Evaluate the predictive potential of Cu, Zn, cobalamin, and serum amyloid A (SAA) as prognostic indicators in cats with feline panleukopenia (FPV) on admission. Client-owned cats diagnosed with FPV and controls. Serum Cu and Zn concentrations were assessed using the spectrophotometric method and serum concentrations of SAA and cobalamin were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. On admission, survivor cats with FPV had significantly higher serum Cu and SAA concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios and significantly lower serum Zn and cobalamin concentrations than controls. Furthermore, non-survivor cats with FPV had significantly higher serum Cu and SAA concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios and significantly lower cobalamin concentrations than survivors and controls. Prognostic thresholds were calculated, with positive predictive value (PPV) for survival of 90% for Cu (≥120.3 μg/dL), 90% for Cu/Zn (≥1.34), 90% for cobalamin (≤430.4 pg/mL), and 90% for SAA (≥0.85 mg/L). Cu (0.93 area under curve [AUC]), Cu/Zn (0.95 AUC), cobalamin (0.98 AUC), and SAA (0.98 AUC) were excellent biomarkers for predicting prognosis in cats with FPV. Their effectiveness, as assessed by sensitivity (100%), specificity (80%), AUC (0.98), and PPV (90%) from receiver operating characteristic analysis, emphasizes the performance of cobalamin and SAA.

Acute phase protein concentration in pharyngeal swabs from clinically healthy commercial dairy calves

BackgroundEarly diagnosis of disease in calves is crucial for fast recovery and prudent use of antibiotics. The serum concentration of acute phase proteins (APPs) is up- or downregulated in response to tissue injury and has been studied widely in human medicine. There is growing interest in using APPs as biomarkers for different diseases and as a tool to initiate and monitor treatment in veterinary medicine as well. The concentration of APPs in saliva in healthy calves has not been established and the use of pharyngeal swabs offers a non-invasive alternative to blood sampling. Pharyngeal swabs, tracheal aspirate (TA) and blood samples were collected from 84 clinically healthy commercial dairy calves and analyzed for the APPs serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP).ResultsWe found detectable concentrations of SAA, Hp and LBP in pharyngeal swabs from calves, as well as in TA and serum. There were no biologically interesting correlations between the SAA concentrations in serum and TA or pharyngeal swabs. This also applied to Hp and LBP concentrations in serum and TA or pharyngeal swabs.ConclusionsSAA, Hp and LBP can be measured in saliva and TA from calves, but there was no correlation between the specific APP concentration in serum and pharyngeal swab or TA. There was a considerable technical variation in the sampling method for both pharyngeal swab and TA, and further validation of the methods is needed.

Serum amyloid A and other clinicopathological variables in cats with intermediate- and large-cell lymphoma.

Serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations are increased in cats with lymphoma vs healthy cats; however, the association between SAA concentrations and prognosis in cats with lymphoma is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate if SAA concentrations were different in cats with nasal vs non-nasal lymphoma, if SAA concentrations are prognostic in patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy and if SAA concentrations are correlated with other clinicopathological variables. Cats diagnosed with intermediate- or large-cell lymphoma between 2012 and 2022 with SAA concentration data available were included. Associations between tumour site (nasal vs non-nasal), stage, response to treatment and SAA concentration were evaluated using non-parametric statistics. Associations between SAA concentrations and stage with survival time were evaluated using Cox regression analysis. Patients with nasal tumours and those not receiving high-dose chemotherapy were excluded from the survival analyses. Thirty-nine cats were included. Median SAA concentrations were significantly higher in non-nasal compared with nasal lymphoma (42 µg/ml [range <0.3-797] vs <0.3 µg/ml [range <0.3-0.9]; P = 0.026). SAA concentrations did not correlate with tumour stage. Median survival time for patients with non-nasal tumour and undergoing chemotherapy was 49 days (range 2-1726). Responders had a better median survival time than non-responders (273 days [range 43-1728] vs 39 days [range 2-169]; P <0.001), whereas SAA concentrations were not associated with survival time. Lower haematocrit at presentation was associated with a reduced median survival time (P = 0.007). In the population examined, no correlation between serum concentration of SAA and prognosis in patients with lymphoma was identified, while low haematocrit and lack of response to treatment were both found to be associated with survival time. SAA concentrations were elevated in patients with non-nasal lymphoma vs patients with tumours confined to the nasal cavity.

Oxidative stress, biochemical, and histopathological changes associated with acute lumpy skin disease in cattle.

Background and Aim:Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious endemic viral disease of cattle in Africa and the Middle East. The objectives of this study were to assess histopathological changes in cattle infected with LSD and measure serum malondialdehyde (MDA – oxidant) and total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC – anti-oxidant), trace elements (zinc, copper, and iron), cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine concentrations.Materials and Methods:Blood samples were collected from a total of sixty native and mixed breed cattle; (healthy; n = 25) and (LSD diseased; n = 35). Serum concentrations of MDA and TAC were measured by colorimetric methods. Serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, Hp, and SAA concentrations were determined using human-specific enzyme-linked immunoassay kits.Results:Serum MDA, cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), Hp, SAA, AST, ALT, CPK, BUN, and creatinine concentrations were significantly higher, while TAC, IL-10, zinc, copper, and iron concentrations were significantly lower in LSD compared to healthy cattle (p < 0.05). Cows and exotic mixed breed cattle were at higher risk of LSD oxidative stress than bulls and local breeds (p < 0.05). Age was not associated with the risk of LSD (p > 0.05). Histologically, there was extensive tissue necrosis, severe vasculitis, mononuclear cell infiltration, and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies.Conclusion:LSD is associated with pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory states from imbalances that favor pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory factors in the detriment of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory factors, leading to organ dysfunction and ultimately death. Oxidative stress is more frequent in cows and mixed breed cattle than in bulls and local breeds.

Effects of the clinical severity of disease and concomitant pyoderma on serum acute‐phase proteins concentrations in dogs with sarcoptic mange

Information on acute-phase protein (APP) concentrations in dogs with sarcoptic mange (SM) is scarce. To determine the effects of the clinical severity of disease and concomitant pyoderma on serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid-A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) concentrations in dogs with SM. Forty client-owned dogs with SM (INF group) and 10 healthy control dogs (CON group). The INF group was divided into three subgroups; Group 1 (mild/moderate), Group 2 (severe) and Group 3 (severe+pyoderma) according to the extent of skin lesions and the presence of concomitant pyoderma. Serum CRP, SAA, Hp and Cp concentrations of all study groups were measured. Serum CRP (P< 0.001), SAA (P< 0.001) and Hp (P= 0.016) concentrations of the INF group were higher than the CON group, with no difference in terms of Cp. A statistical difference was measured between groups 2 and 1 in SAA only. C-reactive protein was found to be significantly higher in dogs with severe SM accompanied by pyoderma (Group 3) when compared with dogs with severe SM (Group 2). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves differentiating pyoderma among dogs with severe SM was 0.850 for CRP (P= 0.0001, cut-off value >61.3 mg/L with sensitivity 69.29% and specificity 90.91%). The unique findings in this were that the SAA serum concentrations are related to the severity of SM and that serum CRP concentrations are effective in detecting the presence of pyoderma in dogs with severe SM.

Effect of colostrum on the acute-phase response in neonatal dairy calves

The core part of the mammal innate immune system is the acute-phase response (APR), during which acute-phase proteins (APP) are synthesized. Colostrum contains immunomodulating factors such as proinflammatory cytokines and APP in large quantities. We looked at proinflammatory cytokines [IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and APP [serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp)] in colostrum and in calves' serum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of colostrum on the calves' systemic APR and the associations of the calves' serum APR with short- and long-term weight gain (at the age of 1, 3, and 9 mo). A total of 143 female dairy calves were studied during their first 3 wk of life. The calves were separated from their mothers immediately after birth and bottle-fed 3 L of quality-controlled colostrum once within 2 h after birth. Serum samples were collected once a week during the first 3 wk of life (a total of 1-3 samples per calf). Mean sampling age (±standard deviation) was 4.3 (±2.0) d in the first week, 11.0 (±2.0) d in the second week, and 18.0 (±2.0) d in the third week. Linear regression models were used to study associations of colostrum APP and cytokine concentration with serum APR markers and for studying associations of colostrum and serum APR markers with calves' average daily weight gain (ADWG). Mixed linear regression models were used to compare serum concentrations of APR markers by study weeks. The colostrum IL-6 concentrations were positively associated with serum IL-6 in the first 3 wk of life. Colostrum IL-1β was positively associated with calves' serum IL-1β during the first week of life, and colostrum TNF-α was positively associated with calves' serum TNF-α during the first 2 wk of life. Serum IL-1β concentrations differed over the 3 wk, being the highest during the first week and the lowest during the second week. For IL-6, the concentration during the first week was the highest, and for TNF-α, a steady decline in the concentration was observed. Serum SAA concentrations were elevated during the first 2 wk of life and subsequently declined during the third week. Albumin concentrations were lowest in the first week, whereas Hp concentrations were highest during the second week. Serum concentrations of SAA, Hp, IL-6, and TNF-α during the second week were negatively associated with ADWG at 9 mo of age. The SAA concentrations during the third week of age had a negative association with 9-mo ADWG. Serum Hp concentrations in the third week were negatively associated with 3-mo ADWG. The results of our study suggest that colostrum cytokines influence calf serum cytokine concentrations. Thus, they influence the newborn calves' adaptation to the environment and the development of their immune system. Factors that activate an APR during the second and third week of life have a long-term influence on calves' development.

Accuracy of acute-phase proteins in identifying lethargic and anorectic cats with increased serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity.

The mainstay of laboratory diagnostics of feline pancreatitis (FP) is measuring serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI). Thus far, several studies have investigated the relationship between acute-phase proteins (APPs) and the presence and severity of FP. Although changes in serum amyloid A (SAA) concentration have been linked with FP, its diagnostic accuracy remains unknown. We aimed to determine the accuracy of selected APPs in identifying cats with a high risk of FP based on increased fPLI. Serum fPLI was measured in cats (n=52) that were presented to veterinary clinics with signs of lethargy and anorexia. The cats were divided into two groups (fPLI ≤3.5μg/L; n=27 and fPLI >3.5μg/L, n=25), corresponding to low and high risks of FP. Serum albumin, globulin, haptoglobin (Hp), and SAA concentrations, as well as the albumin-to-globulin ratio (A/G) and SAA-to-albumin (SAA/A) ratios, were determined and compared between groups. The accuracy of these measurements was examined using a multivariable logistic regression model and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. SAA concentrations and SAA/A ratios were significantly (P=.026 and P=.022) higher in cats with increased fPLI, with the area under ROC curve (AUROC) of 68.1% (CI 95%: 53.4%, 82.9%) and 68.6% (CI 95%: 54.0%, 83.2%), respectively. The logistic regression model combining SAA and A/G had AUROC of 75.2% (CI 95%: 62.0%, 88.4%) for identifying cats with increased fPLI. SAA as a sole analyte or combined with A/G had low to moderate accuracy in identifying anorexic, lethargic cats with increased fPLI. Serum albumin, globulin, and Hp concentrations had no discriminatory potential in these cats.

Effects of dietary turmeric (Curcuma longa) on innate and acquired immune responses in broiler chicken

One of the most desired treatments to combat stress and inflammation with minimal adverse effects in large bird populations is food additives. This study investigated the effects of dietary turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the level of serum amyloid A (SAA) as an indicator for acute phase response and antibody titer to Newcastle vaccine as an indicator for humoral immune response. A total of 300 Ross broiler chickens were assigned to five dietary groups. Two treatments received basal diets supplemented with different amount of turmeric (250 and 500 mg/kg). One group received aspirin (ASA; 250 mg/L) and one group aspirin-vitamin C (ASA; 250 mg/L + Ascorbic acid; 20 mg/L) in drinking water. There was one control group that received no feeding additives. The levels of SAA and humoral antibody response to Newcastle vaccine were measured during the entire production period. Turmeric administration significantly decreased the serum SAA concentrations after 2 weeks of treatment and later. It also significantly reduced SAA elevation due to the vaccinations on day 17 but not on day 28. After the second vaccination (d 19) ELISA titer in all treatment groups was higher than control group. Significant effect of dietary turmeric on body weight was also found at week 3 and later ages. Administration of 250 mg turmeric per kg diet is recommended for broiler chickens. It is concluded that turmeric is beneficial to minimize inflammatory effects of vaccination in commercial broiler chickens. Turmeric prevents and reduces stress and negative effects of inflammation and stimulates growth performance of broiler chickens.

Comparison of Synovial Fluid Composition in Distended and Normal Digital Flexor Tendon Sheath of Horses (A Pilot Study)

Diagnosis of tenosynovitis is usually confirmed on the basis of synovial fluid analysis (such as cytological and biochemical examinations). This study was designed to examine biochemical (serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and D-dimer) and cytological (total nucleated cell count (TNCC), neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte count) characteristics of serum and synovial fluid of the equine digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS). Synovial fluid samples were aseptically collected in EDTA from 43 limbs in 20 horses with (study group) and 8 limbs in 8 horses without (control group) distention of DFTS and serum samples were collected from each horse. Lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, and TNCC in the synovial fluid were statistically higher in the distended sheath that shows an inflammatory nature of the distention, however, concentrations of D-dimer was lower in serum (0.1, 0.10-3.80) and (0.2, 0.10-0.20) than synovial fluid (19.2, 17.78-20.00) and (20, 19.90-20.00)) in both groups. The serum SAA concentrations of the control group (1.7, 0.10-2.16) were significantly higher than the study group (1, 0.86-1.05) and the concentration of SAA in serum was higher than synovial fluid (0.89, 0.86-0.98) in the control group. Results of this current study show that a cytological evaluation of the synovial fluid is more valuable than biochemical findings in the diagnosis of the inflammatory nature of this condition.

Systemic serum amyloid A in early (

Synovial structure involvement secondary to limb injury is a common emergency in equine practice, requiring an accurate initial diagnosis for immediate treatment. This study aimed to investigate the clinical usefulness of Serum amyloid A (SAA) in the initial diagnosis of synovial structure involvement caused by acute (<24 h) penetrating limb injuries in horses and to correlate SAA with standard diagnostic parameters. Fifty-five horses with acute limb injuries were divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1, n = 26) with a diagnosis of penetrating synovial trauma and Group 2 (G2, n = 29) without synovial structure penetration. Serum SAA, white blood cell (WBC) count and fibrinogen as well as clinical criteria and synovial fluid parameters were assessed on admission. The two groups were compared using a two-sample t-test (metric parameters) or a Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test (ordinal parameters). Correlation was determined between serum SAA and the following parameters: WBC count, fibrinogen, synovial total nucleated cell count (TNCC) and percentage of neutrophils (% N), body temperature and the degree of lameness.Serum SAA concentrations were not different between G1 and G2; however, there were statistically significant differences in general health, the degree of lameness, and synovial fluid parameters. In G1, serum SAA concentrations positively correlated with fibrinogen concentrations and synovial fluid % N. Nonetheless, SAA cannot be used as a sole tool to diagnose synovial structure involvement caused by limb injuries. Synovial fluid parameters remain the most important tool in the diagnosis of synovial penetration. In cases where synoviocentesis fails or is not possible, serum SAA might support diagnosis.

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.

1 Physiological and performance recovery after fourteen hours of feed restriction or transportation in Holstein bulls fed high concentrate diets

Abstract One hundred and eight Holstein calves (225 ± 1.1 kg and 187 ± 5.2 d) were used to evaluate the physiological and performance recovery after 14 h transportation or feed restriction. Calves were distributed into 6 pens (2 pens/treatment) according to control (CTR, n = 36) calves with ad libitum access to concentrate, straw and water; restricted (RES, n = 36) calves with concentrate restriction but with access to water and straw for 14 h; and transported (TRA, n = 36) calves that were loaded into a trailer and transported without feed or water for 14 h. On days 0, 7, 21, and 35 BW was recorded. Concentrate intake were recorded daily. Blood samples for non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and serum amyloid-A (SAA) were collected at -24, -14, 0 h, and 6, 24, and 168 h post-treatment. Data were analyzed using mixed models with repeated measures. At 24 h, RES and TRA had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentrate intake compared with CTR. However, from d 7 to 35 after treatments, only TRA had similar concentrate intake than CTR, while RES had lesser (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentrate intake than CTR and TRA. RES at 6 h had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) NEFA concentrations than TRA, and NEFA concentrations were still higher for the RES and TRA groups than those for the CTR after 24 h. After 24 h concentrations of serum BHBA for TRA and RES were significantly greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) when compared with those for the CTR. Serum concentration of SAA for TRA and RES was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than CTR until 168 h. Results showed similar effects of 14 h of feed restriction and transportation of calves on serum anorexia and inflammation parameters; however, feed intake was recovered after d 35 in transported calves but not in feed restricted calves without transportation.

Utility of serum amyloid A as a potential prognostic biomarker of acute primary basal ganglia hemorrhage

BackgroundIntracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can lead to inflammation. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein, which might be implicated in acute brain injury. We ascertain relationship between serum SAA and inflammation, severity plus outcome after ICH. MethodsIn this prospective, observational study, serum SAA concentrations were quantified in 159 healthy volunteers and 159 acute primary basal ganglia hemorrhage patients admitted within 24 h after stroke symptom. Prognostic parameters included death and a poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score > 2) at 90 days after stroke. ResultsSerum SAA concentrations were substantially higher in patients than in controls. Among patients, serum SAA concentrations were strongly correlated with serum C-reactive protein concentrations, hematoma volume and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores. Serum SAA appeared to be an independent predictor for 90-day death, overall survival and poor outcome. Under receiver operating characteristic curve, this protein exhibited similar prognostic capability, as compared to hematoma volume and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores. ConclusionsRising serum SAA concentrations, in close correlation with inflammation and hemorrhagic severity, are independently related to mortality and poor outcome after ICH, indicating that serum SAA might serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for ICH.

Sequential changes in hepatic mRNA abundance and serum concentration of serum amyloid A in cattle with acute inflammation caused by endotoxin.

The objective of the present study was to elucidate sequential changes in mRNA abundance of serum amyloid A (SAA) isotypes in endotoxin (ETX) challenge model cattle. Ten healthy cattle were separated to 2 groups: control and ETX groups. Cattle in the ETX group were challenged by 2.5 µg/kg of O111:B4 lipopolysaccharide in 4 ml of autologous serum. Blood samples were withdrawn at pre, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr after ETX challenge. Plasma ETX activity, serum SAA concentrations, mRNA abundance of interleukin (IL)-6, SAA2 and SAA4 in the liver and polymorphonuclear leukocytes were measured. The plasma ETX activity in the ETX group increased at 0.5 hr after the ETX challenge. The serum SAA value remained higher between 12 and 72 hr after the ETX challenge than that of the control group. Hepatic IL-6 mRNA abundance in the ETX group increased at 2 hr after the ETX challenge. Hepatic SAA2 and SAA4 mRNA abundance significantly increased from 4 hr after administration, and remained significantly higher than those pre-values up to 12 and 24 hr, respectively. The abundance ratio of hepatic SAA2 was much higher than that of SAA4. The major isotype was SAA2 in liver tissue, and it is indicating systemic inflammation in cattle.

Method validation, reference values, and characterization of acute-phase protein responses to experimentally induced inflammation and bluetongue virus infection in the Iberian ibex.

Acute phase protein (APP) concentrations can change due to inflammation and be used to monitor disease in the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica). This study aimed to validate Haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) analytes, establish reference values, and characterize Hp and SAA responses in the Iberian ibex after experimentally induced inflammation and experimental bluetongue virus (BTV) infection. Sera from 40 free-ranging box-trapped ibexes were used to establish Hp and SAA reference values. Six healthy ibexes were subcutaneously injected with 5mL of turpentine, then, blood samples were taken, and clinical evaluations were performed on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 14 postinjection. Anotherseven ibexes were challenged with BTV. Serum Hp and SAA concentrations were quantified using commercial assays following the manufacturer's instructions. Intra-assay precision and linearity were acceptable for both Hp and SAA. Intra-assay variation for high and low concentration of Hp and SAA were 9.74% and 17.31% and 16.49% and 12.89%, respectively. Inter-assay variation was higher for the low APP concentrations. Reference values for the healthy Iberian ibexes were (median, minimum, and maximum values) 0.2 (0.12-0.64) g/L for Hp and 4.74 (0.05-29.54) mg/L for SAA. Both Hp and SAA acted as a moderate and a major APP, respectively, and each could distinguish animals with turpentine-induced inflammation from those without. Hp and SAA did not change in asymptomatic BTV-infected animals. This study validated Hp and SAA analytes and provided basal reference values for these analytes in the Iberian ibex. Both APPs were able to discriminate between healthy and diseased Iberian ibexes animals during turpentine-induced inflammatory processes.

Serum amyloid A concentration as an inflammatory marker in endotoxemic model calves

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein that increases in concentration in the serum in the early stages of inflammation. SAA is used to diagnose inflammatory diseases in humans, cats, and horses. Such an inflammatory marker to diagnose inflammatory diseases needs to be investigated in cattle. Furthermore, the relationship between systemic inflammation and serum SAA concentrations needs to be examined in order to improve food animal health care. However, no studies have been reported on the sequential change in SAA in cattle with endotoxemia. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine serum SAA concentrations in cattle with systemic inflammation caused by endotoxin.

Serum amyloid A and haptoglobin concentrations in relation to growth and colostrum intake in neonatal lambs

Acute-phase proteins (APPs) can be used as sensitive quantitative biomarkers to study the inflammatory conditions and disease status of domestic animals. The variation in serum concentrations of two major APPs, namely serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp), and their association with weight gain were investigated in 322 newborn mixed-breed lambs at the age of 0–25 days. Serum SAA concentrations in lambs were the lowest on the day of birth, and it increased until day 5 after which the concentrations started to decrease. Hp concentrations were highest during the first week after birth and started to decrease in the second week. The lamb serum SAA concentrations were compared to the colostrum SAA concentrations of their mothers. Higher colostrum SAA concentrations were associated with higher serum SAA concentrations of lambs at 1–5 days of age. Lambs serum SAA concentrations at second week of age (6–12 days) were negatively associated the average weight gain from birth to the 3–4 months of age. There were no associations of lambs serum Hp concentrations with colostrum SAA concentrations and with lambs weight gain.Our study suggests that the composition of ingested colostrum, immune challenges during early life may contribute into the individual variation in SAA and Hp levels. However, more studies are needed to determine the exact mechanisms of the fluctuation of serum APP levels in newborn lambs.

Acute phase response in organic lambs associated with colostrum serum amyloid A, weight gain, and Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections

In neonatal period, lamb's immune system goes through rapid adaptation to the extra-uterine environment. Success of this process can influence the animal's future performance and, thus, the quantitative assessment of it would greatly benefit sheep producers. The current study was conducted to investigate the acute phase response (APR) (measured through serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and albumin (ALB)) in relation to later life growth (measured at 122 days of age), and naturally occurring Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections in neonatal lambs grown in organic farm. Serum (n = 692) and faecal (n = 141) samples were collected from 269 lambs in their first 3 weeks of life. The ewes' colostrum (n = 181) SAA concentrations were positively associated with the lambs' serum SAA and Hp concentrations at 2 to 4 days of age. Hp and ALB concentrations at the second week of age were positively associated with the growth rate at 122 days of age. Lamb serum globulin (GLOB) concentrations and Cryptosporidium-positive faecal samples were negatively associated at the second and third weeks of life. These findings suggest the importance of interactions between the immune system and environmental factors at the second week of the lambs' lives and its association with future performance.