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Measurements of specific acute phase proteins (APP) and protein electrophoresis (EPH) fractions have been widely used to better assess the health of species under managed care across numerous taxa. To date, APP assays have not been validated in the hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas), and reference intervals have not yet been established. This information is critical for the interpretation of APP and EPH measurements used in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases during routine veterinary care of this species. To obtain this information, banked serum samples from hamadryas baboons of various age, sex, and health status, under managed care at the North Carolina Zoo, were analyzed. A small pilot study found significantly higher serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) but not haptoglobin in baboons with acute inflammation compared to healthy counterparts, so these two APPs were investigated further. Reagents for serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were validated, although differences in CRP reagents were observed. Based on the results of this study, SAA and CRP were defined as major APPs that were significantly increased in baboons with active inflammation or infection compared to healthy conspecifics. Baboons with acute inflammation additionally had significantly higher gamma globulins compared to healthy baboons. Although mean albumin concentrations were lower in baboons with acute inflammation, the difference from healthy baboons was not statistically significant. This study identifies SAA, CRP, and EPH as useful tools in the diagnosis of inflammatory disease in the hamadryas baboon and establishes reference intervals to aid in the future veterinary care of this species.

Campylobacter jejuni is an important foodborne pathogen. Despite the lack of clinical signs associated with its colonization in poultry, it has been reported to interact with the intestinal immune system. However, little is known about the interaction between C. jejuni and the chicken immune system, especially in the context of hepatic dissemination. Therefore, to follow up on our previous study showing intestinal colonization and hepatic spread of C. jejuni, cecal tonsils and liver samples were collected from these birds to determine the mRNA levels of chemokines and cytokines. Serum samples were also collected to determine serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations and specific IgY titers. Lack of Th17 induction was observed in the cecal tonsils of only the liver-contaminated groups. This hepatic dissemination was accompanied by innate, Th1 and Th2 immune responses in livers, as well as an increase in SAA concentrations and specific IgY levels in sera. Campylobacter appears to be able to restrain the induction of the chicken gut immunity in particular conditions, possibly enhancing its hepatic dissemination and thus eliciting systemic immune responses. Although Campylobacter is often recognized as a commensal-like bacterium in chickens, it seems to modulate the gut immune system and induce systemic immunity.

Diagnostic techniques based on biomolecules have application potential that can be realized in many fields, such as disease diagnosis, bioprocess imaging, food/beverage industries, and environmental pollutant imaging. Successful surface immobilization of biomolecules is critical to increasing the stabilization, sensitivity, and selectivity of biomolecules used in bioassay systems. Nanofibers are good candidates for the immobilization of biomolecules owing to many advantages such as morphology and pore size. In this study, montmorillonite (MMT) clay is modified with poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) generation 3 (PAMAMG3) and added to polystyrene (PS) solutions, following which PS/MMT-PAMAMG3 nanofibers are obtained using the electrospinning method. The nanofibers are obtained by testing PS% (wt%) and MMT-PAMAMG3% (wt%) ratios and characterized with scanning electron microscopy. Antiserum amyloid A antibody (Anti-SAA) is then conjugated to the nanofibers on the electrode surface via covalent bonds using a zero-length cross linker. Finally, the obtained selective surface is used for electrochemical determination of serum amyloid A (SAA) levels. The linear range of PS/MMT-PAMAM/Anti-SAA is between 1 and 200 ng/mL SAA, and the detection limit is 0.57 ng/mL SAA. The applicability of PS/MMT-PAMAMG3/Anti-SAA is investigated by taking measurements in synthetic saliva and serum both containing SAA.

Background: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is associated with periodontal tissue inflammation, a condition that precedes alveolar bone resorption. It is also elevated in obese tissues and is a useful biomarker of proinflammatory status. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a proinflammatory and lipolytic adipokine. Adipocytes strongly express SAA, which suggests that it may have a significant role in the production of free fatty acids and local and systemic inflammation. Materials and Methods: We statistically analyzed the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) values of PTX3 and SAA in patients with periodontal disease, who were diagnosed with obesity, and compared them with the values of inflammatory markers from patients diagnosed with one of the diseases and with healthy patients. Results: The patients with obesity and periodontitis had significantly higher levels of PTX3 and SAA than the patients diagnosed with either obesity or periodontitis. Conclusions: These two markers are involved in the association between the two pathologies, as evidenced by the correlations between these levels and some clinical parameters.

The goal of this study was to analyze the genetic expression of antiretroviral restriction factors (ARF) and acute phase proteins (APP), as well as their correlation with proviral and viral loads in cattle with aleukemic (AL) and persistent lymphocytosis (PL). Complete blood samples were collected from a herd of dairy cows, and we extracted genetic material from peripheral blood leukocytes. Absolute quantification of the expression of ARF (APOBEC-Z1, Z2, and Z3; HEXIM-1, HEXIM-2, and BST2) and APP (haptoglobin (HP), and serum amyloid A (SAA)) was performed by qPCR. Statistical significance was observed in the expression of APOBEC-Z3 in BLV-infected animals. We only found positive correlations with a strong expression of the ARF genes in the AL group. The participation of APOBEC (Z1 and Z3), HEXIM-1, and HEXIM-2 was more frequently identified in BLV-infected animals. HEXIM-2 showed active gene expression in the AL group. Although the expression of ARF in early stages of infection (AL) maintains an important participation, in late stages (PL) it seems to have little relevance.

(1) Background: We compared the diagnostic and prognostic performance of serum amyloid A (SAA), procalcitonin (PCT), delta neutrophil index (DNI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with hematologic diseases; (2) Methods: We retrospectively collected the remaining serum samples from patients with hematologic diseases, analyzed their clinical data, and measured the levels of PCT, DNI, CRP, and SAA. Performances for infection diagnosis were evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and 90-day mortality was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier estimation; (3) Results: The levels of all markers were significantly higher in the infected group (N = 27) than those in the uninfected group (N = 100) (p < 0.0001 for all markers). The areas under the curve for diagnosing infection for PCT, DNI, CRP, and SAA were 0.770, 0.817, 0.870, and 0.904, respectively. Increased PCT levels were associated with higher mortality (p = 0.0250); this association was not observed with other examined markers; (4) Conclusions: CRP and SAA exhibited greater discriminative power for infection than PCT. However, only PCT levels were positively associated with 90-day mortality. Herein, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the four markers. Additional studies are needed to confirm the findings of the present study and validate the potential of these markers in clinical practice.

BackgroundAcute phase response (APR) is characterized by a change in concentration of different proteins, including C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A (SAA) that can be linked to both exposure to metal oxide nanomaterials and risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we intratracheally exposed mice to ZnO, CuO, Al2O3, SnO2 and TiO2 and carbon black (Printex 90) nanomaterials with a wide range in phagolysosomal solubility. We subsequently assessed neutrophil numbers, protein and lactate dehydrogenase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, Saa3 and Saa1 mRNA levels in lung and liver tissue, respectively, and SAA3 and SAA1/2 in plasma. Endpoints were analyzed 1 and 28 days after exposure, including histopathology of lung and liver tissues.ResultsAll nanomaterials induced pulmonary inflammation after 1 day, and exposure to ZnO, CuO, SnO2, TiO2 and Printex 90 increased Saa3 mRNA levels in lungs and Saa1 mRNA levels in liver. Additionally, CuO, SnO2, TiO2 and Printex 90 increased plasma levels of SAA3 and SAA1/2. Acute phase response was predicted by deposited surface area for insoluble metal oxides, 1 and 28 days post-exposure.ConclusionSoluble and insoluble metal oxides induced dose-dependent APR with different time dependency. Neutrophil influx, Saa3 mRNA levels in lung tissue and plasma SAA3 levels correlated across all studied nanomaterials, suggesting that these endpoints can be used as biomarkers of acute phase response and cardiovascular disease risk following exposure to soluble and insoluble particles Background: Acute phase response (APR) is characterized by a change in concentration of different proteins, including C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A (SAA) that can be linked to both exposure to metal oxide nanomaterials and risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we intratracheally exposed mice to ZnO, CuO, Al2O3, SnO2 and TiO2 and carbon black (Printex 90) nanomaterials with a wide range in phagolysosomal solubility. We subsequently assessed neutrophil numbers, protein and lactate dehydrogenase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, Saa3 and Saa1 mRNA levels in lung and liver tissue, respectively, and SAA3 and SAA1/2 in plasma. Endpoints were analyzed 1 and 28 days after exposure, including histopathology of lung and liver tissues. Results: All nanomaterials induced pulmonary inflammation after 1 day, and exposure to ZnO, CuO, SnO2, TiO2 and Printex 90 increased Saa3 mRNA levels in lungs and Saa1 mRNA levels in liver. Additionally, CuO, SnO2, TiO2 and Printex 90 increased plasma levels of SAA3 and SAA1/2. Acute phase response was predicted by deposited surface area for insoluble metal oxides, 1 and 28 days post-exposure. Conclusion: Soluble and insoluble metal oxides induced dose-dependent APR with different time dependency. Neutrophil influx, Saa3 mRNA levels in lung tissue and plasma SAA3 levels correlated across all studied nanomaterials, suggesting that these endpoints can be used as biomarkers of acute phase response and cardiovascular disease risk following exposure to soluble and insoluble particles.

Serum biochemistry and hematological values are used to determine the outcome of diseases in both animals and humans. In the presented scientific report, hematological and biochemical findings were defined in the cat, which was shaped as three mummified fetuses. One old cat, which was mated 38 days ago, was brought to the private pet clinic with complaints of vomiting, anorexia, and polydipsia. After the preliminary clinical examination, it was observed in the ultrasonographic examination that the fetus had no heartbeat and the hyperechoic areas increased. The mummified fetus was diagnosed. Fetal mummification is occasional in cats and has been reported. Blood samples were taken for serum biochemistry and hematological analysis. Considering that serum biochemistry and hematological analyzes are important in cases of mummified fetuses in cats, this case report is presented. However, both hematological and biochemical parameters were within the reference ranges. Ovariohysterectomy was performed under general anesthesia. Seven days after the surgery, the wound from the operation was completely healed., Los valores bioquímicos y hematológicos del suero se utilizan paradeterminar el resultado de enfermedades tanto en animales como enhumanos. En el informe científico presentado, se definieron hallazgoshematológicos y bioquímicos en la gata, que fue formada como tresfetos momificados. Una gata de 12 meses - que fue apareado hace38 días - con quejas de vómitos, anorexia y polidipsia fue llevado alCentro de Investigación y Aplicación de Animales de la Universidad deSiirt. Después del examen clínico preliminar, se observó en el examenultrasonográfico que el feto no tenía latidos cardíacos y las áreashiperecoicas estaban aumentadas. El feto momificado fuediagnosticado. La momificación fetal es ocasional en las gatas y hasido reportada. Se tomaron muestras de sangre para bioquímicasérica y análisis hematológico. Este informe de caso se presentateniendo en cuenta que la bioquímica sérica y los análisishematológicos son importantes en casos de fetos momificados engatas. Sin embargo, tanto los parámetros hematológicos comobioquímicos se encontraban dentro de los rangos de referencia. Laovariohisterectomía se realizó bajo anestesia general. La herida de laoperación estaba completamente curada siete días después de lacirugía.

The amyloidoses are a group of diseases characterized by the aggregation of specific proteins, which are then deposited in tissues as β-structured fibrils. Pathology is the result of displacement of normal tissue structure and loss of function. Amyloid, the substance of the tissue deposits, is defined as being composed of fibrils with 10nm diameter and indeterminate length when viewed by electron microscopy, β-structure when analyzed by X-ray diffraction, and positive staining with the histochemical dye Congo red. Amyloid deposits by definition are extracellular. While there are at least 26 different proteins which can make amyloid fibrils, only certain ones are life threatening. There are three main classifications of systemic amyloidosis: (1) Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is the most common form of amyloidosis and is caused by plasma cell dyscrasia. (2) Reactive (AA) amyloidosis is the result of overproduction of serum amyloid A, an acute phase protein produced by the liver as a response to inflammation. (3) Hereditary (familial) amyloidosis is really a group of diseases in which mutations in normal proteins lead to aggregation and fibril formation. The most common form is transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis, caused by mutations in TTR, a plasma transport protein for thyroxin and vitamin A. Other forms of hereditary amyloidosis are caused by mutations in apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I), apolipoprotein A-II (apo A-II), fibrinogen Aα-chain, lysozyme, cystatin C and gelsolin. All forms of amyloidosis are inherited as autosomal dominant traits with varying disease phenotypes depending on the protein involved or the specific mutation, and other as yet undisclosed factors. Protein deposition diseases, which do not meet the pathology definition of amyloidosis, may be characterized by tissue deposits that do not show β-structure or may be deposited intracellularly. Pathogenic mechanisms may be similar to those of the amyloidoses and, therefore, deserve discussion.

Akute Riss-, Quetsch- oder Schnittverletzungen an Gliedmaßen mit Beteiligung synovialer Strukturen stellen einen häufigen Notfall in der Pferdepraxis dar und können zur vollständigen Restriktion der sportlichen Aktivität betroffener Pferde führen. Daher sind eine präzise und schnelle Diagnose sowie eine gründliche postoperative Überwachung von entscheidender Bedeutung, um eine optimale Prognose zu gewährleisten. Der Nachweis der Beteiligung einer synovialen Struktur kann jedoch herausfordernd sein, wenn die herkömmlichen diagnostischen Mittel wie klinische Parameter oder die Werte der Synoviauntersuchung nicht schlüssig sind bzw. kein eindeutiges Ergebnis liefern. Auch die frühzeitige Erkennung eines Wiederaufflammens der Infektion innerhalb der betroffenen synovialen Struktur im Rahmen der postoperativen Überwachung ist unerlässlich, um eine folgenreiche Schädigung der betroffenen Struktur zu vermeiden. Als Reaktion auf die synoviale Kontamination ist die systemische Akute Phase Reaktion der erste Mechanismus zur Kontrolle einer synovialen Infektion. Serum-Amyloid A (SAA), das wichtigste Akute-Phase-Protein bei Pferden, hat sich bereits als hilfreiches Instrument in der postoperativen Überwachung nach elektiven Eingriffen erwiesen. Die Bewertung der systemischen Entzündungsreaktion anhand einer SAA-Messung kann zur Beurteilung der lokalen Situation innerhalb der synovialen Struktur herangezogen werden. Ein zentraler Punkt in der Therapie synovialer Infektionen ist eine systemische antibiotische Therapie. Die Dauer der postoperativen systemischen Behandlung mit Antibiotika ist bislang jedoch nicht standardisiert. In dieser Studie wurde der Wert von SAA im Rahmen der initialen Diagnose und der postoperativen Überwachung von Pferden mit Beteiligung von synovialen Strukturen aufgrund akuter (30 x 109 Zellen/L; Anteil der neutrophilen Granulozyten, %N >90 %; Gesamtprotein, TP >25 g/L), der Detektion einer Verbindung zwischen Wunde und synovialer Struktur mittels Ballonierung des Gelenks, Röntgenaufnahmen und/oder einer Ultraschalluntersuchung, wobei die Ergebnisse in Korrelation interpretiert wurden. SAA wurde im Serum initial bei Vorstellung des Patienten (vor der chirurgischen Versorgung) und folgend 12 Stunden, 24 Stunden und 48 Stunden nach Erstvorstellung des Patienten sowie anschließend alle 48 Stunden gemessen, bis physiologische Referenzwerte erreicht wurden. Im Rahmen der Eingangsdiagnostik wurden das Allgemeinbefinden und der Lahmheitsgrad bewertet sowie die Herzfrequenz und die Rektaltemperatur gemessen. Zusätzlich wurden Leukozyten und Fibrinogen im Blut bestimmt. Außerdem wurde eine Synoviauntersuchung mit Bestimmung der Parameter Makroskopie, TNCC, % N und TP durchgeführt. Im folgenden Verfahren wurden der Lahmheitsgrad und die Körpertemperatur täglich erhoben. SAA wurde zwischen den beiden Gruppen verglichen und mit klinischen Parametern, Blutparametern und Parametern der Synoviauntersuchung korreliert. Darüber hinaus wurde das Long-term Outcome ermittelt und entsprechend dem Leistungsniveau jedes Pferdes zwei Jahre nach der Entlassung in Kategorien eingeteilt. Ein P-Wert

Chicken amyloid arthropathy is a debilitating disease with a major impact on animal welfare. Since the disease is triggered by bacterial infection, preventative treatment also contributes to the widespread overuse of antibiotics. Bacterial infection initiates an acute phase response including increased serum amyloid A (SAA) production by the liver. SAA accumulates at sites of infection and in particular in large joints of affected birds. Interestingly, white egg-laying chickens (WL) are resistant to the disease whilst brown egg-laying chickens (BL) are most affected. Disease susceptibility has an immunological basis but the possible contribution of underlying genetic risk factors is not understood. Using a whole genome sequencing approach, we discovered a novel variant in the SAA gene in WL, which is predicted to result in an arginine to serine substitution at position 90 (SAA.R90S). Surprisingly, when overexpressed in chicken hepatocellular carcinoma cells, SAA.R90S was expressed at a higher rate and secreted to a greater degree than the wild-type SAA protein. Moreover, RNASeq analysis showed that the R90S mutant exerted a differential effect on the expression of core transcription factors linked to cell fate determination and cell differentiation. Comparative analysis of gene expression in murine CD4 T-cells stimulated with IL-6/SAA, suggests that SAA.R90S might block an induced cell fate change toward pro-inflammatory T helper 17 cells, which are required for immunological protection against pathogenic bacteria during an acute phase response. Our results provide first mechanistic insights into the genetic resistance of WL to amyloid arthropathy and could be applied to commercial layer breeding programs to improve animal welfare and reduce the negative effects of the overuse of antibiotics.

This study aims to investigate the effect of in-feed clinoptilolite treatment on biomarkers such as serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin, apolipoprotein A–I (APO A–I), and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, triglycerides (TRIG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in dairy cows with subclinical mastitis. A total of 69 Holstein dairy cows, aged 2–7 years, kept on a farm in North- Western Croatia, were included. Cows were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) Clinoptilolite (CPL) group with subclinical mastitis (n = 20), treated in-feed 50 g natural powdered clinoptilolite twice daily from 270th day of pregnancy to the end of study ; (2) nontreated cows (n = 19) with subclinical mastitis (SCM) ; and (3) the control group (CON) of healthy cows (n = 30). Blood samples were taken:on the day of calving and on days 5, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, and 60 after parturition. The concentration of SAA was highest in the SCM group (p < 0.001). PON1 activity was statistically significantly lower (p < 0.001) in cows from the SCM group than in the CPL and CON groups. Decreased PON1 activity and increased APO A–I were observed in the case of SCM. The positive effect of the addition of vibroactivated clinoptilolite in the feed of treated cows resulted in reduced values of APO A–I, SAA, and haptoglobin, and higher activity of PON1 during the two- month period of lactation after calving, on the basis of which we can assume that they may be less sensitive to infection in SCM.

Secondary amyloid A amyloidosis, a lethal complication, is induced when acute or chronic infection coexists with over-secretion of the serum amyloid A 1 (SAA1) protein and deposition in key internal organs. Previously, using the whole-exome sequencing method, we identified a novel deleterious mutation SAA1.2 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, the role of SAA1 in RA pathogenesis and its complications remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the pathogenetic roles of SAA1 protein isoforms in RA progression. We modified an experimental adenovirus infection protocol to introduce SAA1.2 gene alleles into the knee joints of mice and used SAA1.3 and SAA1.5 as controls. Micro-computed tomography analysis was applied to determine changes in bone morphology and density. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to investigate disease progression and cytokine alterations in the course of adenoviral SAA-induced knee joint inflammation and bone destruction. We found that the arthritis-inducing effect of SAA1.2 transcription in the knee joints and mutant SAA1 protein secretion in blood resulted in the stimulation of immune responses, leading to CD8+ T cell and pro-inflammatory cytokine elevation, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-22, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-9, with subsequent synovial inflammation and bone destruction. These findings indicate that SAA1 protein isoforms, particularly SAA1.2, play a significant role in the induction and progression of RA and may have potential value in the early diagnosis and severity prediction of RA.

Normally, birth triggers an acute phase response (APR). In particular, interleukins and proinfl ammatory cytokines released from activated leukocytes at the site of tissue damage stimulate APR. In the liver, these cytokines also stimulate acute phase proteins (APPs). APPs are one of the options used in monitoring the health status of animals. This study was evaluated in 12 healthy Holstein cattle, 3-6 years old, who calved at least once. Blood and milk samples were collected from the animals’ immediately after calving (0th h) and on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days postpartum. Haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), ceruloplasmin (Cp), milk amyloid A (MAA), albumin, total protein (TP) and globulin levels were determined in blood serum and milk serum samples. In the findings; when the measurements of blood and milk Hp, Cp and SAA and TP values were compared; there was a statistically significant diff erence (P

A proper knowledge of biochemical parameters and inflammatory markers like serum amyloid A (SAA) is crucial in the monitoring of the first post-partum period in equids. Since no information is available on SAA for donkeys at this stage, 50 animals including jennies (n.10) and newborn foals (n.10) within 48 hr from foaling, and jennies (n.10) and foals (n.20) after 30 days from parturition were enrolled in the study to assess routine biochemical profile including SAA. Jennies showed higher alkaline phosphatase and lower bilirubins and cholesterol at 30 days of lactation compared to post-partum. Neonatal donkey foals showed significant higher concentrations of sodium, alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and albumin within 48 hr of age, whilst higher values of phosphate and triglycerides were observed in older foals of 30 days of age. Significant higher SAA concentrations were recorded during the peripartum period in both jennies (25.95 ± 14.98 μg/ml) and newborn donkey foals (37.44 ± 19.75 μg/ml) compared to SAA values recorded in lactating jennies (2.38 ± 1.78 μg/ml) and in donkey foals (16.04 ± 18.14 μg/ml) at 30 days after parturition. The assessment of SAA in jennies and donkey foals around parturition and one month after foaling represents a valuable tool for the monitoring of health status during this stage when animals have to face with new challenges like the peak of lactation and extrauterine life adaptation respectively.

BACKGROUND Sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal foals, especially during the first 7 days of life. Diagnosing sepsis in neonatal foals can be challenging because initial clinical signs are often ambiguous and non-specific. OBJECTIVES To determine if the major acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) as measured by a point-of-care SAA testing device can be used as an evidence-based biomarker of sepsis. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort. METHODS Clinical diagnosis of sepsis based on positive bacterial blood culture or a positive sepsis score was obtained and compared to SAA values in a population of neonatal foals on a breeding farm and referral hospital during four consecutive foaling seasons. A rapid, point-of-care blood test was used to measure SAA concentrations in neonatal foals

Objectives Indeed, serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) reportedly seem to have moderate correlation, but discrepancies between CRP and SAA levels have often been reported in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA). This study aimed to determine the reasons for this discrepancy. Methods ERA patients (n = 206) were enrolled and treated with anti-RA drugs. Clinical features and disease activities were estimated. CRP and SAA levels were monitored, and the SAA/CRP ratio was compared. Correlations between CRP and SAA levels in individuals and between individuals and disease activity scores were examined. Results In a follow-up study, the SAA/CRP ratio remained almost constant over time in the same patients. However, SAA/CRP ratios differed widely between patients (0.233–106.3). In patients with high SAA/CRP ratios (>6.52), many (26.2%) had abnormal SAA values only. In patients with low SAA/CRP ratios ( Conclusions The SAA/CRP ratio remained virtually constant in the same patients but differed dramatically between patients, which clarifies the discrepancy between CRP and SAA levels. CRP is the better marker in low-ratio patients but not in high-ratio patients; the SAA/CRP ratio is critical for its interpretation.

Rapid, accurate detection of serum amyloid A (SAA) is needed in equine practice. We validated a patient-side point-of-care (POC) assay (Stablelab; Zoetis) compared to the turbidimetric immunoassays LZ-SAA (TIA-Hum) and VET-SAA (TIA-Vet; both Eiken Chemical). Analytical performance was assessed at 3 different concentration ranges and with interferences. Inter-method comparison using 49 equine serum samples revealed a significant difference between median SAA results ( p s = 0.77 and 0.69) and excellent between both TIAs (rs = 0.93). Bias between POC/TIA-Hum, POC/TIA-Vet, and TIA-Hum/TIA-Vet was −56.7%, –80.9%, and −28.2%, respectively. POC intra- and inter-assay CVs (16.1–30% and 19.8–35.5%) were higher than TIA CVs (generally 2 = 0.92). A hook effect was present at SAA >3,000 mg/L for the POC assay. Equine serum SAA was stable over a median period of 2.5 y when stored at −80°C. Overall, there was excellent-to-moderate correlation between tests, but imprecision and hook effect of the POC, as well as bias between the methods, must be considered.

This study aimed to evaluate the possible saliva proteome changes in cows with mastitis using a Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) proteomics approach. For this purpose, the salivary proteomes from healthy cows and cows with mastitis were analysed, and their serum proteomes were also studied for comparative purposes. A total of eight saliva and serum paired samples for each group were used for the proteomic study, and eight additional samples for each group were analysed in the analytical and overlap performance studies. In saliva samples, 2192 proteins were identified, being sixty-three differentially modulated in mastitis. In serum, 1299 proteins were identified, being twenty-nine differentially modulated in mastitis. Gamma glutamyl transferase (γGT) in saliva and serum amyloid A (SAA) were validated by commercially available automated assays. In conclusion, there are changes in protein expression and metabolic pathways in saliva and serum proteomes of cows with mastitis, showing different response patterns but complementary information.

Shunxin Zhu,1 Caixiu Zeng,2 Yan Zou,1 Yanjiao Hu,1 Canfang Tang,1 Chunmei Liu2 1Clinical Laboratory, The Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital of Xiangtan City, Xiangtan City, Hunan Province, 411100, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pediatrics, The Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital of Xiangtan City, Xiangtan City, Hunan Province, 411100, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Shunxin ZhuClinical Laboratory, The Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital of Xiangtan City, Xiangtan City, Hunan Province, 411100, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86- 18975221633Email zhushunxin349@126.comBackground: Bacterial, viral, and bacterial and viral co-infections generally lead to inflammatory-related diseases. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical diagnostic values of serum amyloid A (SAA), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin (IL)-6 in children with bacterial, viral, or co-infections.Methods: A total of 181 children with infection symptoms (bacterial infection (Bac group), n = 46; viral infection (Vir group), n = 7; co-infections (Bac + Vir group), n = 128) were enrolled in our hospital from December 2019 to April 2020. Meanwhile, 42 healthy children without any infections were used as the controls. Venous blood samples were collected and the levels of serum SAA, PCT, CRP, and IL-6 were determined by immunoluminometric assay under an IMMAGE® analyzer. The diagnostic values of these biomarkers were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results: The results indicated that IL-6 level was increased in three infection groups compared to the controls. Both SAA and CRP were significantly elevated in Vir and Bac + Vir groups. High level of PCT was observed in Bac and Bac + Vir goups. In addition, PCT (0.9281, 95% CI = 0.8645– 0.9916) alone is an effective method for identifying bacterial infections. SAA in combination with CRP may distinguish co-infection from bacterial infection. Simultaneous positive of SAA, PCT, IL-6, and CRP can discriminate co-infection from the healthy controls.Conclusion: In a word, the levels of serum SAA, PCT, CRP, and IL-6 are increased to varying degrees in different infection situations. Our findings may provide early diagnosis for patients with different infections.Keywords: bacterial infection, viral infection, co-infection, combined biomarkers, diagnostic accuracy

Sepsis is a potentially fatal condition caused by infection. It is frequently difficult to distinguish sepsis from systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), often resulting in poor prognoses and the misuse of antibiotics. Hence, highly sensitive and specific biomarkers are needed to differentiate sepsis from SIRS. Urine samples were collected and segregated by group (a sepsis group, a SIRS group, and a healthy control group). iTRAQ was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins among the three groups. The identified proteins were measured by ELISA in urine samples. Finally, all the acquired data were analyzed in SPSS. C-reactive protein, leucine-rich alpha glycoprotein-1 and serum amyloid A (SAA) protein were differentially expressed among the three groups. The adjusted median concentrations of urinary C-reactive protein were 1337.6, 358.7, and 2.4 in the sepsis, SIRS, and healthy control groups, respectively. The urinary leucine-rich alpha glycoprotein-1 levels in these three groups were 1614.4, 644.5, and 13.6, respectively, and the levels of SAA were 6.3, 2.9, and 0.07, respectively. For all three of these measures, the sepsis group had higher levels than the SIRS group (P

The aim of this study was to identify detailed changes in behavior, and in salivary serum amyloid A (SAA), associated with subclinical mastitis. This included standard sickness behaviors, such as decreased activity, feeding and drinking (here labeled "core maintenance" behaviors), and less well-studied social, grooming, and exploratory behaviors (here labeled "luxury" behaviors). Luxury behaviors are biologically predicted to change at lower levels of mastitis infection and are, therefore, particularly relevant to detecting subclinical mastitis. Salivary serum amyloid A is a physiological marker of systemic inflammation, with levels in milk and serum already known to increase during subclinical mastitis. We investigated whether the same was true for SAA in cow saliva. Data were collected for 17 matched pairs of commercial barn-housed Holstein-Friesian cows. Each pair comprised a cow with subclinical mastitis (SCM) and a healthy control (CTRL), identified using somatic cell count (SCC; SCM: SCC >200 × 1,000 cells/mL; CTRL: SCC

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.

Peer reviewed: True, OBJECTIVES: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: Thirty-nine cats were included. Median SAA concentrations were significantly higher in non-nasal compared with nasal lymphoma (42 µg/ml [range

According to FAO reports, the global mule population counts about 9 million mules. This hybrid cross of a male donkey and a female horse is mainly used for draft purposes because they are thought to be strong and hardy animals. Most consider mules to be less susceptible to disease and fatigue compared to horses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fieldwork on biochemical variables and serum amyloid A in working mules. Blood samples were collected from 10 healthy, female, working mules before and after 8 h of fieldwork. According to statistical analysis, a significant influence (p < 0.05) of fieldwork was found on mules’ electrolyte profile with increased levels of sodium, chloride, and calcium, as well as on blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. After a day of fieldwork, serum sodium, chloride, calcium, urea, and creatinine concentrations were increased, supporting decreases in body water and renal blood flow. However, without comparison to a group of mules that were not exercised yet maintained under similar ambient conditions, it is uncertain whether these changes can be attributed to exercise. Further, no change in SAA concentration was found after exercise, indicating that the work performed did not result in systemic inflammation.

Objectives To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of canakinumab in patients with mevalonate kinase deficiency during the open label extension (weeks 41–113) of the randomized controlled CLUSTER trial. Methods During a 72-week period, patients received open-label canakinumab 150 or 300 mg, every 4 or 8 weeks. The disease activity was evaluated every 8 weeks using physician global assessment and counting the number of flares. Concentrations of CRP and serum amyloid A protein were measured. The safety was studied by determination and classification of observed adverse events. The safety and efficacy were analysed separately in three subgroups of patients receiving a cumulative dose of less than Results Of the 74 patients who started the CLUSTER study, 66 entered Epoch 4 and 65 completed it. During the 72-week period, 42 (64%) patients experienced no flares, while 13 (20%) had one flare, as compared with a median of 12 flares per year reported at baseline. Low physician global assessment scores were seen at the end of the study for all groups with >90% reporting minimal disease activity or none at all. Median CRP concentrations were consistently equal or lower than 10 mg/l, while median serum amyloid A concentrations remained only slightly above the normal range of 10 mg/l. The study showed no new or unexpected adverse events. Conclusion Canakinumab proved effective to control disease activity and prevent flares in mevalonate kinase deficiency during the 72-week study period. No new safety concerns were reported. Trial registration NCT02059291. https://clinicaltrials.gov.

The literature review provides up-to-date data on the frequency, developmental mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of secondary renal amyloidosis (AA amyloidosis) in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). The incidence of AA amyloidosis in children with JRA is from 0.8 to 2 %, in adults with JRA duration of 28.3 years — 8.9 %. In recent years, on the background of immunobiological therapy, the frequency of AA amyloidosis in adults has decreased to 2 %. To date, the main mechanism for the development of AA amyloidosis has been established, which consists in a constant or periodic increase in the concentration of serum amyloid A (SAA). It has been established that the synthesis of SAA is influenced by proinflammatory cytokines: interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-2, IL-11 and others. To realize the amyloidogenic potential of SAA, it is necessary to influence not only the inflammatory process in the body, but also its duration. The role of genetic factors in the deve­lopment of AA amyloidosis in patients with JRA is discussed. AA amyloidosis most often develops in children with a systemic form, in adults — with systemic and polyarticular forms of JRA. The first symptom of AA amyloidosis is isolated proteinuria, which transforms into nephrotic syndrome. The peculiarity of the nephrotic syndrome is the absence of hypercholesterolemia in most cases, and combination with arterial hypertension, hematuria, and impaired renal function in some patients. The main method confirming the diagnosis of AA amyloidosis is a morphological study of the kidneys biopsy specimens with Congo red. An increase in blood SAA in children with JRA reflects the degree of the inflammatory process and is considered as a risk factor for the development of AA amyloidosis. The use of immunobiological preparations (tocilizumab, anakinra) in children with JRA and AA amyloidosis has therapeutic efficacy., В обзоре литературы изложены современные данные о частоте, механизмах развития, клинических проявлениях, диагностике и лечении вторичного амилоидоза (АА-амилоидоза) почек у детей с ювенильным ревматоидным артритом (ЮРА). Частота встречаемости АА-амилоидоза почек при ЮРА у детей составляет от 0,8 до 2 %, у взрослых с длительностью ЮРА 28,3 года — 8,9 %. В последние годы на фоне иммунобиологической терапии частота АА-амилоидоза почек у взрослых уменьшилась до 2 %. На сегодняшний день установлен основной механизм развития АА-амилоидоза, который заключается в постоянном или периодическом повышении концентрации сывороточного амилоида А (SAA). Установлено, что на синтез SAA влияют провоспалительные цитокины: интерлейкин-1 (ИЛ-1), ИЛ-6, фактор некроза опухоли альфа (ФНО-α), ИЛ-2, ИЛ-11 и другие. Для реализации амилоидогенного потенциала SAA необходимо не только воздействие воспалительного процесса в организме, но и его продолжительность. Обсуждается роль генетических факторов в развитии АА-амилоидоза почек при ЮРА. АА-амилоидоз почек чаще всего развивается у детей при системной форме, у взрослых — при системной и полиартикулярной формах ЮРА. Первым симптомом АА-амилоидоза почек является изолированная протеинурия, которая трансформируется в нефротический синдром. Особенности нефротического синдрома заключаются в отсутствии в большинстве случаев гиперхолестеринемии, сочетании у некоторых больных с артериальной гипертензией, гематурией, нарушением функции почек. Основным методом, подтверждающим диагноз АА-амилоидоза почек, является прижизненное морфологическое исследование почек с окраской биоптатов конго красным. Повышение уровня SAA в крови у детей с ЮРА отражает степень воспалительного процесса и рассматривается как фактор риска развития АА-амилоидоза почек. Применение иммунобиологических препаратов (тоцилизумаб, анакинра) при АА-амилоидозе почек у детей с ЮРА имеет терапевтическую эффективность., В огляді літератури викладені сучасні дані щодо частоти, механізмів розвитку, клінічних проявів, діагностики та лікування вторинного амілоїдозу (АА-амілоїдозу) нирок у дітей з ювенільним ревматоїдним артритом (ЮРА). Частота розвитку АА-амілоїдозу нирок при ЮРА у дітей становить від 0,8 до 2 %, у дорослих з тривалістю ЮРА 28,3 року — 8,9 %. Останнім часом на тлі імунобіологічної терапії частота АА-амілоїдозу нирок у дорослих зменшилася до 2 %. На сьогодні встановлений основний механізм розвитку АА-амілоїдозу, що полягає в постійному або періодичному підвищенні концентрації сироваткового амілоїду А (SAA). Встановлено, що на синтез SAA впливають прозапальні цитокіни: інтерлейкін-1 (ІЛ-1), ІЛ-6, фактор некрозу пухлини альфа (ФНП-α), ІЛ-2, ІЛ-11 та ін. Для реалізації амілоїдогенного потенціалу SAA необхідний не тільки вплив запального процесу в організмі, але і його тривалість. Обговорюється роль генетичних факторів у розвитку АА-амілоїдозу нирок при ЮРА. АА-амілоїдоз нирок найчастіше розвивається у дітей при системній формі, у дорослих — при системній і поліартикулярній формах ЮРА. Першим симптомом АА-амілоїдозу нирок є ізольована протеїнурія, що трансформується в нефротичний синдром. Особливості нефротичного синдрому полягають у відсутності в більшості випадків гіперхолестеринемії, поєднанні у деяких хворих з артеріальною гіпертензією, гематурією, порушенням функції нирок. Основним методом, що підтверджує діагноз АА-амілоїдозу нирок, є прижиттєве морфологічне дослідження нирок із забарвленням біоптатів конго червоним. Підвищення рівня SAA в крові у дітей з ЮРА відображає ступінь запального процесу і розглядається як фактор ризику розвитку АА-амілоїдозу нирок. Застосування імунобіологічних препаратів (тоцилізумаб, анакінра) при АА-амілоїдозі нирок у дітей з ЮРА має терапевтичну ефективність.

Several biocides are widely used in rainbow trout aquaculture against various ectoparasites and ectobionts, but the inflammation induced in treated fish is less well described. Dose-response studies were conducted to elucidate the effects on rainbow trout (gills and fins) induced by a series of biocides including formalin, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peracetic acid (PAA) and the surfactant SPH6, which was isolated from the bacterium Pseudomonas H6. The compounds have documented antiparasitic effects, but the specific effects on fish needs further documentation. This study was performed over 24 h, and inflammatory reactions were evaluated in gills and fins. A dose-dependent effect was noted for expression of immune genes encoding for IL-1β, TNFα, IFNγ, IL-10, IL-8, lysozyme, serum amyloid A (SAA), hepcidin, precerebellin and complement factor C3. PAA induced the strongest upregulation of cytokine and acute phase reactant genes followed by H2O2 and formalin. SPH6 showed a lower effect, and in several cases the compound induced downregulation of several genes. Gills showed a stronger response compared to fins. The mucous cell density in fins showed a range of changes which varied by compound. PAA, and to a lesser degree H2O2 and formalin, initially induced mucous cell hyperplasia, whereas SPH6 immediately decreased the number of cells containing mucus.

A marker for the severeness and disease progress of COVID-19 is overexpression of serum amyloid A (SAA) to levels that in other diseases are associated with a risk for SAA amyloidosis. In order to understand whether SAA amyloidosis could also be a long-term risk of SARS-COV-2 infections we have used long all-atom molecular dynamic simulations to study the effect of a SARS-COV-2 protein segment on SAA amyloid formation. Sampling over 40 µs we find that presence of the nine-residue segment SK9, located at the C-terminus of the Envelope protein, increases the propensity for SAA fibril formation by three mechanisms: it reduces the stability of the lipid-transporting hexamer shifting the equilibrium toward monomers, it increases the frequency of aggregation-prone configurations in the resulting chains, and it raises the stability of SAA fibrils. Our results therefore suggest that SAA amyloidosis and related pathologies may be a long-term risk of SARS-COV-2 infections.

Systemic inflammation plays an important role in carcinogenesis and is associated with overall survival in patients with different cancer types, including those treated with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein and a marker of persistent inflammation. We hypothesized that circulating SAA may predict outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung (aNSCLC) patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 ICB.This retrospective study included 91 aNSCLC patients who received anti-PD-(L)1 monotherapy in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (Guangzhou, China) between August 2016 and June 2018. We examined the impact of circulating SAA at baseline and 8 (±2) weeks later on overall survival (OS). X-tile program was used to determine the cut-off values which optimized the significance of the split between Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Kaplan-Meier methodology and Cox regression analyses were conducted for survival analyses.The optimal cut-off value of baseline SAA for OS stratification was 137.6 mg/L. In univariate analysis, both high level of baseline SAA (hazard ratio [HR], 2.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47-5.18; P = 0.002) and lack of early SAA descent (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.11-2.06; P = 0.009) were significantly associated with inferior OS. In multivariate analysis, gender, smoking status, performance status, liver metastasis, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, baseline SAA and early changes in SAA independently predicted OS (all with P0.05). A combined baseline SAA ≥ 137.6 mg/L and without early SAA descent identified a small cohort with remarkably worse OS (median, 3.2 months).Both high baseline and lack of early decline in circulating SAA are significantly associated with inferior outcomes in aNSCLC patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 ICB. Combined these two SAA indexes provided improved risk stratification. The prognostic value of this simple, readily-available, and cost-effective biomarker warrants larger, prospective validation before definitive recommendation can be made.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS CoV-2.WHO first learned of this new virus on 31 December 2019, following a report of a cluster of cases of „viral pneumonia in Wuhan, the People‟s Republic of China. AIM: The study aims to explore the clinical values of combined detection of serum concentration of SAA, C reactive protein, Neutrophil-Lymphocyte ratio, D-dimer, and homocysteine in SARS-COV-2 infected patients, in hospitalized patients, with reference to other inflammatory, metabolic parameters, as well as cardiovascular risk factors and if it can also assess in the monitoring the efficiency of COVID- 19 treatment. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was employed. It was conducted in multi-hospital of Baghdad city. All patients in this study were hospitalized patients with PCR confirmed. targeted population included 42 patients (male & female) aged (18 – 80 years). patients were divided into two groups according to the outcomes of Survival 19 patients and non-survival 23 patients. All biochemical parameters were measured on survivors and non-survivors groups at two different time points. RESULTS: The difference of comparison of SAA and other biomarkers between survival group and nonsurvival group at two different time points hospital admission T1 and after 7 days from admission and starting therapy T2, was statistically significant. The ROC curve results showed that SAA has higher sensitivity to the predictive value of 7 days after treatment. CONCLUSION: SAA high sensitive indicators in estimating the severity and prognosis of COVID-19. And can be used for monitoring the recovery process in COVID-19 patients. SAA was more efficient in predicting COVID-19 than other markers.

An effective therapeutic strategy to delay dementia could be based upon nanotargeting drug(s), using lipid nanocarriers (i.e., biobased nanoemulsion technology), toward a major serum amyloid A (SAA) receptor responsible for certain proinflammatory, SAA-mediated, cell signaling events. For example, other investigators have already confirmed that SR-BI receptors (or its human ortholog CLA-1) function as proinflammatory cell-surface SAA receptors, and additionally report that various ligands for CLA-1/SR-BI "efficiently compete" with SAA for CLA-1/SR-BI binding. A similar benefit (of "competitive binding") may well accompany the clinical intravenous use of the ("HDL-like") lipid nanocarriers (i.e., biobased nanoemulsion [see above]), which have already been repeatedly described in the peer-reviewed literature as a targeted (and SR-BI mediated) drug-delivery agent. To conclude, the above-proposed "competitive binding", between SAA and such biobased nanoemulsion(s), could assist/enhance the protective (ordinarily anti-inflammatory) role of HDL - as well as provide targeted drug-delivery to the (human) brain cells bearing CLA-1/SR-BI receptors. The first resulting advantage is that this (intravenous) colloidal-nanocarrier therapeutic makes it possible for various cell types, all potentially implicated in Alzheimer's disease and/or (late-onset) dementia, to be simultaneously sought out and better reached for localized drug treatment of brain tissue in vivo. A second major advantage is that this therapeutic-target approach has particular relevance to the current COVID-19 human pandemic; namely, immune response and excessive inflammation in COVID-19 infection may accelerate the progression of brain inflammatory neurodegeneration which, if effectively halted, might play a major role in reducing Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Background : The high social significance of cervical cancer, the shortcomings of the performed cervical screening is prerequisites for research in the field of mproving the diagnosis of this disease. We hypothesized that the systemic level of some inflammatory proteins could be used as a diagnostic criterion for cervical cancer. The aim of the study was to study the level of some vascular-inflammatory markers in the blood serum in patients with precancerous diseases and cervical cancer in order to improve their diagnosis and also to identify markers for predicting an unfavorable outcome in patients with cervical cancer. Materials and methods. A non-randomized prospective controlled study was carried out, the participants of which were patients with the diagnosis of cervical cancer (n = 49) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of the III degree (n = 13). The control group included 15 relatively healthy women. The following spectrum of inflammatory proteins was determined in blood serum by flow cytometry using the Human Vascular Inflammation Panel 1: myoglobin, calprotectin, lipocalin A, matrix metal peroxidase 2, osteopontin, myeloperoxidase, serum amyloid A, protein 4, which binds insulin-like growth factor cell-cell adhesion 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule, matrix metalloperoxidase 9, cystatin C. Statistical analysis was carried out by calculating the Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni’s correction. The model was created using binary logistic regression to diagnose cervical cancer. Results. In the intergroup comparison of the protein`s spectrum in the blood serum, no significant differences were obtained. However, using the binary logistic regression method, an equation was drawn up to calculate the diagnostic coefficient of cervical cancer, which allows diagnosing cervical cancer with an accuracy of 82%, and in terms of information content is not inferior to cytological diagnostics. The developed coefficient can be used to predict an unfavorable outcome of cervical cancer after 1 year from the moment of diagnosis. Conclusion . The developed diagnostic coefficient makes it possible to diagnose cervical cancer with high accuracy and can be used to predict cervical cancer.

The expression of acute-phase proteins (APP’s) maintains homeostasis and tissue repair, but also represents a central component of the organism’s defense strategy, especially in the context of innate immunity. Accordingly, an inflammatory response is accompanied by significant changes in the serum protein composition, an aspect that is also used diagnostically. As the main site of APP synthesis the liver is constantly exposed to antigens or pathogens via blood flow, but also to systemic inflammatory signals originating either from the splanchnic area or from the circulation. Under both homeostatic and acute-phase response (APR) conditions the composition of APP’s is determined by the pattern of regulatory mediators derived from the systemic circulation or from local cell populations, especially liver macrophages. The key regulators mentioned here most frequently are IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition to a variety of molecular mediators described mainly on the basis of in vitro studies, recent data emphasize the in vivo relevance of cellular key effectors as well as molecular key mediators and protein modifications for the regulation and function of APP’s. These are aspects, on which the present review is primarily focused.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of radioiodine treatment (RIT) on the acute phase proteins (APPs) serum amyloid A (SAA), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and haptoglobin (Hp) in hyperthyroid cats. Methods Between June 2013 and November 2014, 33 hyperthyroid cats without clinical or laboratory signs of inflammatory or neoplastic disease and a body weight >2.5 kg were enrolled. Immediately before, and 12, 36, 72 h and 6 days after RIT, serum samples were obtained for determination of APP concentrations. Results Both SAA and AGP concentrations changed significantly after RIT. The concentration of AGP increased gradually after treatment with a maximum concentration at the end of the study period (median baseline 398 μg/ml; median 6 days post-RIT 562 μg/ml [ P = 0.001]). A relevant >two-fold increase in AGP was seen in 8/33 (24%) cats. SAA concentration increased significantly within 12 h (baseline 9.2 μg/ml; 12 h post-RIT 22.5 μg/ml [ P = 0.012]). In 7/33 (21%) cats, a clinically relevant >10-fold increase in SAA was observed. Hp concentration showed no significant change ( P = 0.12). Conclusions and relevance RIT induced a mild, mainly not clinically relevant acute phase reaction (APR). AGP and SAA were useful APPs to determine RIT-induced APR.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the, equine inflammatory response to ventral midline celiotomy in the absence of gastrointestinal disease in horses of varying body condition scores primarily using serial measurements of serum amyloid A (SAA). DESIGN Experimental clinical study. SETTING University teaching hospital. ANIMALS Ten adult light breed horses free of any clinical disease, 5 with body condition score (BCS) 3-4/9 and 5 with BCS 7-8/9. INTERVENTIONS Horses had a ventral midline celiotomy performed under general anesthesia, including manual decompression of the small intestine. SAA, semiquantitative fibrinogen, plasma lactate, and WBC count were measured in the blood preoperatively and at 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, and 168 hours postoperatively. Complete serum biochemistry was performed preoperatively and 24 and 72 hours postoperatively. Serial abdominocentesis was also performed with peritoneal fluid analysis of SAA, total protein, lactate, WBC count, and cytology. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Significant (P

Yin-Jiang Lv, Qi-Lei Hu, Rong Huang, Liang Zhang, Li-Feng Wu, Shui Fu Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311100, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Shui FuDepartment of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, No. 369 Yingbin Road of Nanyuan Street, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, 311100, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 571 89369404Email fushuiolo@163.comObjective: This study explores the significance of serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) in the diagnosis and treatment of diarrhea in infants.Methods: Specimens were collected from 126 children with diarrhea and 66 healthy children undergoing health examination. According to the results of stool culture and rotavirus (RV) antigen, these children were divided into three groups: rotavirus group (70 cases), bacterial infection (56 cases), and control groups (66 cases). On the fourth day of admission, children in the RV group underwent stool culture again. Based on the subsequent results, they were further divided into two groups, ie, no secondary bacterial infection and secondary bacterial infection groups. The levels of RV antigen, bacterial antigen, SAA, CRP, and WBC were detected in all children. Then, ROC curve analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic efficacy of SAA, CRP and WBC.Results: The levels of SAA, CRP, and WBC for the RV group were lower than those of the bacterial infection group, but higher compared with the control group (P< 0.05). The diagnostic efficacy of SAA was higher than that of CRP and WBC, with the area under the curve of 0.876, 0.803, and 0.765, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values, specificity, and sensitivity of SAA were slightly better compared with CRP and WBC. The SAA, CRP, and WBC levels of children with a bacterial infection in the RV group on the fourth and seventh days after admission were also significantly higher compared with children without bacterial infection.Conclusion: Serum amyloid A, CRP, and WBC levels had a high value in the differential diagnosis of infantile diarrhea. As such, they can be used in the early diagnosis and curative efficacy assessment of children with diarrhea.Keywords: group A rotavirus, serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein, white blood cell, diagnostic efficacy

An adult herring gull (Larus argentatus) found lethargic and moribund showed an open fracture of the right radius and ulna with necrosis of the surrounding tissue. Hematologic testing and plasma biochemical analysis revealed elevated creatinine kinase consistent with traumatic muscle damage in addition to hyperuricemia, hyperkalaemia, and hyperphosphatemia consistent with renal insufficiency. Increase in the acute phase protein Serum Amyloid A indicate a high degree of inflammation supported by leucocytosis, heterophilia, and hypoglycaemia pointing towards septicaemia. This case provides knowledge about Serum Amyloid A in gulls, and how bone fracture and secondary infection may affect gull blood haematology and biochemistry.

Yin-Jiang Lv, Qi-Lei Hu, Rong Huang, Liang Zhang, Li-Feng Wu, Shui Fu Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311100, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Shui FuDepartment of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, No. 369 Yingbin Road of Nanyuan Street, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, 311100, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 571 89369404Email fushuiolo@163.comObjective: This study explores the significance of serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) in the diagnosis and treatment of diarrhea in infants.Methods: Specimens were collected from 126 children with diarrhea and 66 healthy children undergoing health examination. According to the results of stool culture and rotavirus (RV) antigen, these children were divided into three groups: rotavirus group (70 cases), bacterial infection (56 cases), and control groups (66 cases). On the fourth day of admission, children in the RV group underwent stool culture again. Based on the subsequent results, they were further divided into two groups, ie, no secondary bacterial infection and secondary bacterial infection groups. The levels of RV antigen, bacterial antigen, SAA, CRP, and WBC were detected in all children. Then, ROC curve analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic efficacy of SAA, CRP and WBC.Results: The levels of SAA, CRP, and WBC for the RV group were lower than those of the bacterial infection group, but higher compared with the control group (P< 0.05). The diagnostic efficacy of SAA was higher than that of CRP and WBC, with the area under the curve of 0.876, 0.803, and 0.765, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values, specificity, and sensitivity of SAA were slightly better compared with CRP and WBC. The SAA, CRP, and WBC levels of children with a bacterial infection in the RV group on the fourth and seventh days after admission were also significantly higher compared with children without bacterial infection.Conclusion: Serum amyloid A, CRP, and WBC levels had a high value in the differential diagnosis of infantile diarrhea. As such, they can be used in the early diagnosis and curative efficacy assessment of children with diarrhea.Keywords: group A rotavirus, serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein, white blood cell, diagnostic efficacy

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), i.e., anovulation, hyperandrogenemia and polycystic ovary, is an endocrine-metabolic disease affecting reproductive aged women. Women with PCOS are likely to develop obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Despite high frequency and severe disease burden, the pathophysiological mechanisms of PCOS remain poorly defined and correspondingly have no therapeutic options. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that PCOS is accompanied with low-grade chronic inflammation and biomarkers thereof. Interestingly, serum amyloid A (SAA) has recently been identified as a potential marker of infection and inflammation and a number of studies have reported an association with PCOS. In this review, we explore the relationship between SAA and hyperandrogenemia, inflammation, obesity and insulin resistance, and provide convincing evidence for SAA as a potential inflammatory biomarker in PCOS.

Objectives: the aim of this study was to describe the genetic and clinical features of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in a group of Egyptian children. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 65 children diagnosed with FMF according to the (Eurofever/PRINTO) classification criteria. The complete blood count (CBC), and acute phase reactants such as Serum amyloid A (SAA), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were all measured during the febrile episode. Mutation analysis for the MEFV gene was carried out for all subjects. Results: A total of 65 patients with FMF were included in the study. The first clinical manifestation was recurrent fever in all patients. Recurrent oral lesions accompanied fever in 63% of cases, abdominal pain in 31%, and musculoskeletal pain in 6%. The mean SAA level was 162.5 ± 85.78 mg/L. MEFV mutations were detected in 56 patients (86%). Among these patients, 6 (10.7%) were homozygous, while 44 (78.6%) were heterozygous. The most frequently observed mutation was E148Q 24 (37.5%), followed by M694I 18 (32.1%), and V726A 13 (20.3%). Half of the patients with oral lesions were E148Q positive, however abdominal pain was found to be higher in the patients with the M694I mutation. Conclusion: Recurrent fever with oral lesions could be an important atypical presentation of FMF in Egyptian children that should not be ignored and/or missed.

Background Pro-inflammatory cytokines are dysregulated in Crohn’s disease (CD) and could serve as surrogate markers to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, potentially addressing an unmet need. We profiled circulating biomarkers and whole blood transcriptional pathway activity to identify those associated with CD using data from the phase 2 FITZROY study with filgotinib, an oral preferential janus kinase-1 inhibitor. Methods Patients with serum and whole blood samples taken from the induction period were included. Serum cytokines were measured (ELISA), whole blood RNA sequenced, and stool samples taken to measure fecal calprotectin (FC). Spearman’s Rank correlations were assessed between biomarkers and baseline disease activity; post-treatment endoscopic improvement was measured by the Simplified Endoscopy Score for CD (SES-CD), FC and the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index. Effect of filgotinib on circulating biomarkers was also evaluated. Results Serum biomarkers (n = 168) and whole blood RNA sequencing (n = 104) were assessed. Moderate correlation between serum analytes with SES-CD and FC was noted; most highly correlated were acute phase proteins CRP (rho = 0.35 [SES-CD] and 0.47 [FC]), serum amyloid A (rho = 0.40 and 0.39, respectively) and pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 (rho = 0.31 and 0.30, respectively), IL-22 (rho = 0.36 and 0.35, respectively), and oncostatin M (rho = 0.35 and 0.33, respectively). Filgotinib treatment was associated with reduction of many candidate biomarkers, particularly in patients with treatment response. Early changes in IL-6 and IL-10 may be prognostic for endoscopic response. Conclusions Several circulating factors with potential as CD activity biomarkers were identified. Larger studies are necessary to investigate the best utility of these markers for CD.

Background: The consumption of lycopene-rich foods may lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Lycopene circulates in the blood bound to lipoproteins, including high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). Preliminary data from our group showed that increased consumption of tomato-based food or lycopene supplement in middle-aged subjects led to functional changes to HDL's sub-fractions, HDL2 and HDL3. These changes were also associated with a decrease in serum amyloid A (SAA), potentially enhancing their anti-atherogenic properties.Objective: We carried out a comprehensive randomized controlled intervention trial with healthy middle-aged volunteers to assess whether the consumption of tomato-based foods or lycopene supplements affects HDL functionality and associated inflammatory markers, and lipoprotein subfractions size and distribution.Design: Volunteers (225, aged 40–65 years) were randomly assigned to one of three dietary intervention groups and asked to consume a control diet (low in tomato-based foods, Results: Lycopene in serum and HDL significantly increased following consumption of both the high tomato diet and lycopene supplement (p ≤ 0.001 for both). Lycopene, either as a tomato-rich food or a supplement, enhanced both serum- and HDL3-PON-1 activities (p ≤ 0.001 and p = 0.036, respectively), while significantly reducing HDL3-SAA-related inflammation (p = 0.001). Lycopene supplement also significantly increased HDL3-LCAT activity (p = 0.05), and reduced the activity of both HDL2- and HDL3-CETP (p = 0.005 and p = 0.002, respectively). These changes were not associated with changes in the subclasses distribution for all lipoprotein fractions or the size of lipoprotein subclasses.Conclusion: Our results showed that dietary lycopene can significantly enhance HDL functionality, without associated changes in particle size and distribution, by modulating the activity of HDL-associated enzymes. Concomitantly, dietary lycopene significantly decreased serum- and HDL3-associated SAA, confirming that SAA may represent a sensitive inflammatory biomarker to dietary change.

Background/aim Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), the most common autoinflammatory disease in children, is characterized by recurrent febrile episodes. FMF is known to progress with chronic inflammation, particularly during attack periods. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of S100A12, an inflammatory marker, with attacks and inflammatory events in FMF patients. Materials and methods The study included 57 patients diagnosed with FMF, 43 in an attack-free period and 14 in an attack period, and 31 healthy children as the control group. Only white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and S100A12 level were analyzed in the control group. In addition, serum amyloid A (SAA), and fibrinogen levels were measured, and a mutation analysis was performed in the patient group. The results were compared among the attack-free period, acute attack FMF and control groups. Results The mean age of patients and control group was 10 (2.5–18) and 9.5 (2.5–16) years, respectively. The CRP (p = 0.001), S100A12 (p = 0.003) and ESR (p= 0.001) values differed significantly between the FMF and control groups. S100A12 level (p = 0.027), WBC count (p = 0.003), CRP level (p = 0.0001), ESR (p = 0.004), and fibrinogen level (p = 0.001) differed significantly between the acute attack and attack-free period groups. SAA level (p = 0.05), ESR (p = 0.001), fibrinogen level (p = 0.001), WBC count (p = 0.001), and S100A12 level (p = 0.027) were higher in M694V homozygous FMF patients than in other FMF patients. Conclusion Patients with FMF had higher S100A12 levels than the control group, while the mean S100A12 concentration was higher in acute attack period patients than in attack-free period patients. S100A12 level might be an important indicator in the monitoring of chronic inflammation in patients with FMF.

Amyloidosis comprises a range of protein-folding disorders characterised by a buildup of amyloid deposits in one or multiple organs. The pathogenesis and pathologic findings of amyloidosis can vary widely due to the nature of the precursor protein. In veterinary medicine, there are 10 proteins known to form amyloid deposits in various organs. This review aims to compare amyloidosis cases among different free-living wild and zoo animals focussing in part on the determination of the species particularly susceptible to the amyloid formation and specific prone-to-aggregate protein commonly involved. This review addresses the transmission of AA amyloidosis pertinent to institutions, such as zoos, housing multiple individuals and species in relatively close proximity. In addition, this review includes summarisation for definitive diagnosis of single or multiple cases of amyloidosis affecting free-living wild and zoo animals. Insights into the diversity, transmission, and pathogenesis of known amyloidogenic proteins and species prevalently affected may help to establish a preventive intervention and stimulate the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

We evaluated the effects of supplementing cattle feed with difructose anhydride III (DFA III) by measuring urinary sterigmatocystin (STC) concentrations using 20 Japanese Black cattle aged 9–10 months from one herd. DFA III was supplemented for 2 weeks for 10 animals, and non-treated animals served as controls. The natural STC concentration in the dietary feed was 0.06 mg kg−1 (mixture of roughage and concentrate) at the beginning of the study (Day 0). The urine STC concentration was measured using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry 1 d prior to DFA III administration, 9 and 14 d thereafter, and 9 d following supplementation cessation, concomitant with the measurement of serum amyloid A (SAA). The number of heifers in which STC was detected in the urine was low (10 %) in the DFA III group compared to that (60 %) in the control group on Day 9. After 9 d following supplementation cessation (Day 23), STC concentrations were significantly lower (P=0.032) in the DFA III group than in the control group, although there was no difference in the number of heifers in which urinary STC was detected or in SAA concentrations between the two groups. Our findings demonstrate the effect of DFA III on reducing the urinary concentration of STC in Japanese Black cattle.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) cases in limited resource remains challenging. It is urgent to identify the new diagnostic tools which can control the spread of disease with accurate and rapid test. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the levels of infection markers: Composite bacterial infection index (CBII) and serum amyloid A (SAA) protein in pulmonary TB (PTB), and their healthy household contacts, as the alternative diagnostic markers for TB. METHODS: CBII and SAA were measured from 44 new PTB patients, and 31 household contact serum samples. The value of CBII was calculated from neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level. hs-CRP and SAA levels were quantified from their serum samples using ELISA. QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (interferon gamma release assay [IGRA]) was used to screen latent TB infection among household contacts. RESULTS: Among 31 household contacts, there were 24 positive IGRA results and the rest (n = 7) had negative results. PTB patients exhibited significantly higher level CBII in the serum specimens, than those in household contact (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the SAA level between TB cases and household contacts (p = 0.679). CONCLUSIONS: CBII can be used as one of the biomarkers for the identification of PTB from the serum specimens.

Background and Aim: Ketosis is a common disease occurring during the first stage of lactation in highly productive dairy cows. The aim of the present study was the comparative assessment of selected pro-inflammatory cytokines (including tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] and interleukin 6 [IL-6]), anti-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-10), and acute-phase proteins (APPs) (including haptoglobin [Hp] and serum amyloid A [SAA]), in the sera of cows with subclinical ketosis (SCK), in those with clinical ketosis (CK), and in healthy cows. Materials and Methods: Thirty dairy cows of Holstein-Friesian breed were investigated. The cows were divided into three groups depending on the serum β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) level. The control, SCK, and CK groups included healthy cows, cows with SCK, and cows with CK, respectively. BHBA concentration in blood serum was determined using colorimetric method. The blood serum was used for proper tests. Cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) and APPs (SAA and Hp) concentrations in the investigated samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: The SCK group had significantly higher TNF-α, IL-6; IL-10, and SAA values than had the CK group (p

Qi-Lei Hu, Shui Fu, Rong Huang, Liang Zhang, Li-Feng Wu, Yin-Jiang Lv Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311100, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yin-Jiang LvDepartment of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, No. 369 Yingbin Road of Nanyuan Street, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, 311100, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 571 89369404Email Lvyj6217@163.comObjective: The present study aimed to explore the clinical value of serum amyloid A (SAA) in the diagnosis, treatment, and assessment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Methods: Seventy-eight patients with AS were enrolled as the case group, while the control group consisted of 80 healthy individuals enrolled during the same time period. According to the criteria of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), patients in the case group were divided into those in the remission phase (36 patients) and those in the active phase (42 patients). Levels of SAA, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured in all enrolled subjects and analyzed.Results: SAA levels were significantly higher in the AS group (39.65 ± 12.32 ng/mL) than in the control group (7.64 ± 1.32 ng/mL) (p =0.011) and in patients in the active phase (56.18 ± 17.25 ng/mL) compared with those in the remission phase (20.36 ± 5.36 ng/mL) (p =0.015). The sensitivity and specificity of SAA were 79.49% and 77.50%, respectively. There was a positive correlation between SAA level and the BASDAI grade (r = 0.77, p =0.005), CRP level (r = 0.68, p =0.011), and ESR (r = 0.62, p =0.012).Conclusion: Not only is SAA a reliable indicator for the presence of AS, it may also be useful for monitoring the activity of this disease.Keywords: ankylosing spondylitis, serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, disease activity