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Endometritis significantly impacts fertility and milk yield, thus reducing profitability of the dairy production. In cows that develop endometritis, normal postpartum endometrial inflammation is dysregulated. Here, we propose that endometrial inflammation is reflected in cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) which could therefore be used as a prognostic tool. CVM was collected from 20 dairy cows (10 with clinical endometritis and 10 healthy) 7 and 21 days postpartum (DPP). Polymorphonuclear (PMN), mononuclear leukocyte and epithelial cells were counted, total protein levels were estimated and levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and C5b were analyzed by ELISA in CVM. PMN were consistently high in CVM from 7 to 21 DPP, but were higher in CVM from cows with clinical endometritis 21 DPP compared with healthy cows. In contrast, there were more epithelial cells in healthy cows 21 DPP than in clinical endometritis animals. Total protein levels decreased significantly in CVM from healthy cows between days 7 and 21 postpartum. All inflammatory biomarkers except C5b, remained high in cows with clinical endometritis from 7 to 21 DPP, indicating sustained and chronic endometrial inflammation. IL1, IL-6, IL-8 and Hp levels were higher in CVM from cows with clinical endometritis compared to healthy cows 21 DPP. Interestingly IL-1β levels were raised in CVM from clinical endometritis but not in healthy cows 7 DPP suggesting that early measurement of IL-1β levels might provide a useful predictive marker of clinical endometritis. In contrast, SAA and C5b levels were increased in healthy cows 21 DPP, compared to cows with clinical endometritis suggesting that these acute phase proteins might have an anti-inflammatory role. Our results show that CVM is convenient for profiling disease-associated changes in key inflammatory molecules postpartum and reaffirms that sustained inflammation is a key feature of clinical endometritis in the dairy cow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine whether the concentration of serum canine alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (cα1-PI) has diagnostic or prognostic utility in dogs with sepsis or noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Design Prospective, observational study from May to December 2010. Setting University teaching hospital ICU. Animals Sixty-nine client-owned dogs: 19 dogs with SIRS or sepsis and 50 healthy control dogs. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Serum and plasma samples were collected from dogs with SIRS or sepsis on the day of hospital admission and once on the following 2 days, and on a single day in healthy controls. Patients were assessed using the 10-parameter Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLEfull) and 5-parameter (APPLEfast) score. Serum cα1-PI concentrations were measured, compared among groups of dogs, and evaluated for a correlation with the concentration of serum C-reactive protein, plasma interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, the APPLE scores, and survival to discharge. Serum cα1-PI concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with SIRS/sepsis ( P < 0.001) than in healthy controls. While day 1 serum cα1-PI concentrations did not differ between dogs with SIRS and those with sepsis ( P = 0.592), septic dogs had significantly lower serum cα1-PI concentrations on days 2 ( P = 0.017) and 3 ( P = 0.036) than dogs with SIRS. Serum cα1-PI concentrations did not differ between survivors and nonsurvivors ( P = 1.000), but were inversely correlated with the APPLEfull score ( ρ = -0.48; P = 0.040) and plasma interleukin-6 concentrations ( ρ = -0.50; P = 0.037). Conclusions These results suggest a role of cα1-PI as a negative acute phase protein in dogs. The concentration of serum cα1-PI at the time of hospital admission does not have utility to identify dogs with sepsis from those with noninfectious SIRS, but may be a useful surrogate marker for early stratification of illness severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of space restriction stress on the stereotypic behavioral and physiological responses of different parity sows, and it is necessary to understand such effects due to space restriction to improve the welfare of the sows in confined conditions. We selected fifty pregnant sows (Large White) at primiparity and first to fifth parity in a confined farm with the same body condition and due date (3 ± 1.5 days). Behavioral observations and physiological analysis were carried out during spatial confinement throughout pregnancy. The results showed that there were no significant changes in vacuum-chewing, bar-biting, trough-biting and the concentrations of serum IL-6 in primiparous sows during the initial confinement (0–8 days). With the increase of the confinement duration, the serum cortisol, IgA, IL-6 concentrations and the vacuum-chewing frequency of sows in all groups increased significantly, and the serum concentrations of C-reactive protein and Pig-MAP increased significantly except for the sows in the first and second parity groups. The serum cortisol, IgA, IL-6 concentrations and the vacuum-chewing frequency of older sows were significantly higher than those of the young sows throughout the entire restricted feeding period, but the serum C-reactive protein concentrations of primiparous gilts was significantly higher than those of the other groups. The serum cortisol, IgA, IL-6 concentrations and bar-biting and trough-biting frequencies of all parity sows decreased significantly after entering the delivery bed. In conclusion, long-lasting and recurrent environmental constraints can significantly increase the frequency of stereotypical behavior and serious psychological and physical stress, seriously damaging sow welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress during late gestation negatively affects the physiology, health, and productivity of dairy cows as well as the calves developing in utero. Providing cows with active cooling devices, such as fans and soakers, and supplementing cows with an immunomodulating feed additive, OmniGen-AF (OG; Phibro Animal Health Corporation), improves immune function and milk yield of cows. It is unknown if maternal supplementation of OG combined with active cooling during late gestation might benefit the developing calf as well. Herein we evaluated markers of innate immune function, including immune cell counts, acute phase proteins, and neutrophil function, of calves born to multiparous dams in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Dams were supplemented with OG or a bentonite control (NO) beginning at 60 d before dry off and exposed to heat stress with cooling (CL) or without active cooling (HT) during the dry period (~46 d). At birth, calves were separated from their dams and fed 6.6 L of their dams’ colostrum in 2 meals. Calf body weight and rectal temperature were recorded, and blood samples were collected at birth (before colostrum feeding) and at 10, 28, and 49 d of age. Calves born to either CL dams or OG dams were heavier at birth than calves born to HT or NO dams, respectively. Concentrations of serum amyloid A were higher in the blood of calves born to OG dams relative to NO and for HT calves relative to CL calves. In addition, calves born to cooled OG dams had greater concentrations of plasma haptoglobin than calves born to cooled control dams. Neutrophil function at 10 d of age was enhanced in calves born to cooled OG dams and lymphocyte counts were higher in calves born to OG dams. Together these results suggest that adding OG to maternal feed in combination with active cooling of cows during late gestation is effective in mitigating the negative effects of in utero heat stress on postnatal calf growth and immune competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acute phase response (APR) is an early innate immune function that is initiated by inflammatory signals, leading to the release of acute phase proteins to the bloodstream to re-establish homeostasis following microbial infection. In this study we analysed the Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) whole-genome database and identified five C-reactive protein (CRP) / serum amyloid P component (SAP) like molecules namely CRP/SAP-1a , CRP/SAP-1b , CRP/SAP-1c , CRP/SAP-2 and CRP/SAP-3 . These CRP/SAP genes formed two distinct sub-families, a universal group (group I) present in all vertebrates and a fish/amphibian specific group (group II). Salmon CRP/SAP-1a , CRP/SAP-1b and CRP/SAP-1c and CRP/SAP-2 belong to the group I family whilst salmon CRP/SAP-3 is a member of group II. Gene expression analysis showed that the salmon CRP/SAP-1a as well as serum amyloid A-5 ( SAA-5 ), one of the major acute phase proteins, were significantly up-regulated by recombinant cytokines (rIL-1β and rIFNγ) in primary head kidney cells whilst the other four CRP/SAPs remained refractory. Furthermore, SAA-5 was produced as the main acute phase protein (APP) in Atlantic salmon challenged with Aeromonas salmonicida (aroA(-) strain) whilst salmon CRP/SAPs remained unaltered. Overall, these data illustrate the potential different functions of expanded salmon CRP/SAPs to their mammalian homologues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative energy balance in dairy cows in early lactation has been associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress in these cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dry period (DP) length and dietary energy source on inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress in dairy cows. Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (60 primiparous and 107 multiparous) were assigned randomly to a 3 x 2 factorial design with 3 DP length (0, 30, or 60 d) and 2 early lactation rations (glucogenic or lipogenic). Cows were fed a glucogenic or lipogenic ration from 10 d before the expected calving date. Blood was collected in wk -3, -2, -1, 1, 2, and 4 relative to calving. Dry period length affected inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress, especially in wk 1 and 2 after calving. Cows with a 0-d DP had higher levels of ceruloplasmin, cholesterol, and reactive oxygen metabolites, and they tended to have higher haptoglobin levels compared with cows with a 30- or 60-d DP. Cows with a 0-d DP had a lower plasma paraoxonase and bilirubin in the first 2 wk after calving and a lower liver functionality index compared with cows with a 60-d DP. Cows of parity >3 fed a glucogenic ration had higher cholesterol levels compared with cows of parity >3 fed a lipogenic ration. No interaction between DP length and ration was present for inflammatory biomarkers or oxidative stress variables. Plasma bilirubin levels for cows with a 0-d DP were negatively related to energy balance and metabolic status in these cows. Moreover, occurrence of clinical health problems (fever, mastitis, metritis, and retained placenta) was 41, 27, and 30% for cows with 0-, 30-, and 60-d DP, respectively. High levels of ceruloplasmin, cholesterol, and reactive oxygen metabolites in cows with 0-d DP were related to the occurrence of health problems in these cows. In conclusion, omitting the DP increased levels of ceruloplasmin, cholesterol, and reactive oxygen metabolites, and decreased levels of bilirubin and paraoxonase in plasma, independent of ration, compared with cows with a 60-d DP. These contrasting effects of DP length on inflammatory status could be explained in part by the improved energy balance and occurrence of health problems in these cows, but was not related to increased somatic cell count in cows with a 0-d DP. Cows with a 0-d DP had better energy balance, but also had higher levels of oxidative stress compared with cows with a 60-d DP. Moreover, occurrence of health problems did not differ between cows with different DP lengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A canine-specific immunoturbidimetric CRP assay, Gentian Canine CRP Immunoassay) with speciesspecific controls and calibrators was introduced and recently evaluated on the clinical chemistry analyzer Abbott Architect c4000 as well as on the Olympus AU600. Aims of our study were 1) to independently evaluate the canine-specific CRP assay on the ABX Pentra 400 clinical chemistry analyzer in comparison to the previously validated human-based immunoturbidimetric assay (Randox Canine CRP assay) and 2) to assess the impact of different sample types (serum versus heparinized plasma) on the results. Imprecision, accuracy, interference and the prozone effect were determined using samples from healthy and diseased dogs (n = 278). The Randox Canine CRP assay calibrated with canine specific control calibration material served as a reference method. Additionally, the impact of the sample type (serum and lithium heparin) was evaluated based on samples of healthy and diseased dogs (n = 49) in a second part of the study. Results: Linearity was present for CRP concentrations ranging from 4 to 281 mg/l. For clinically relevant CRP concentrations of 7-281 mg/l, recovery ranged between 90 and 105% and intra- and inter-assay CVs ranged between 0.68% - 12.12% and 0.88% - 7.84%, respectively. CV was thus lower than 12.16%, i.e. the desired CV% based on biological variation. Interference was not present up to a concentration of 5 g/l hemoglobin, 800 mg/l bilirubin and 10 g/l triglycerides. No prozone effect occurred up to 676 mg/l CRP. Method comparison study revealed a Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of rs = 0.98 and a mean constant bias of 5.2%. The sample type had a significant (P = 0.008) but clinically not relevant impact on the results (median CRP of 30.9 mg/l in lithium heparin plasma versus 31.4 mg/l in serum). Conclusions: The species-specific Gentian Canine CRP Immunoassay reliably detects canine CRP on the ABX Pentra 400 clinical chemistry analyzer whereby both serum and heparin plasma can be used. The quality criteria reached on the Abbott Architect c4000 and Olympus AU600 could be met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been demonstrated that video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is feasible and safe in humans and animal models. The aim of the present study was to compare the surgical outcome using VATS with that of the standard transthoracic approach for pneumonectomy in dogs, to determine the acute-phase reaction in VATS pneumonectomy, and to analyze the difference between VATS and the standard transthoracic approach. A total of 14 dogs were divided into two groups (n=7); one group underwent VATS and the other group underwent a transthoracic pneumonectomy. Pre-, intraand post-operative physiologic parameters were monitored, in addition to the blood cell count and serum acute-phase protein (APP) concentrations. The APP and hemodynamic changes between the two approaches were analyzed. Mean surgical time in the VATS group (176.7 min) was significantly longer compared with the open group (132.4 min). All APP concentrations were significantly increased at day 1 postoperation and gradually decreased to preoperative concentrations. The serum concentration of C-reactive protein on day 3 and the white blood cell count on day 1 were significantly higher following surgery in the open group compared with the VATS group (P<0.05). No differences were observed in the physiological parameters between the two groups. Although VATS took longer, animals experienced smaller incision and less stress. Therefore, the VATS approach was satisfactory for total pneumonectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), an inflammatory cytokine of the IL-1 family, is primarily produced as a precursor protein by monocytes and macrophages, then matures and becomes activated through proteolytic catalysis. Although the biological characteristics of avian IL-1β are well known, little information is available about its biological role in songbird species such as house finches that are vulnerable to naturally-occurring inflammatory diseases. In this study, house finch IL-1β (HfIL-1β) was cloned, expressed, and its biological function examined. Both precursor and mature forms of HfIL-1β consisting of 269 and 162 amino acids, respectively, were amplified from total RNA of spleen and cloned into expression vectors. HfIL-1β showed high sequential and tertiary structural similarity to chicken homologue that allowed detection of the expressed mature recombinant HfIL-1β (rHfIL-1β) with anti-ChIL-1β antibody by immunoblot analysis. For further characterization, we used primary splenocytes and hepatocytes that are predominant sources of IL-1β upon stimulation, as well as suitable targets to stimulation by IL-1β. Isolated house finch splenocytes were stimulated with rHfIL-1β in the presence and absence of concanavalin A (Con A), RNA was extracted and transcript levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines and a chemokine were measured by qRT-PCR. The addition of rHfIL-1β induced significant enhancement of IL-2 transcript, a Th1 cytokine, while transcription of IL-1β and the Th2 cytokine IL-10 was slightly enhanced by rHfIL-1β treatment. rHfIL-1β also led to elevated levels of the chemokine CXCL1 and nitric oxide production regardless of co-stimulation with Con A. In addition, the production of the acute phase protein serum amyloid A and the antimicrobial peptide LEAP2 was observed in HfIL-1β-stimulated hepatocytes. Taken together, these observations revealed the basic functions of HfIL-1β including the stimulatory effect on cell proliferation, production of Th1/Th2 cytokines and acute phase proteins by immune cells, thus providing valuable insight into how HfIL-1β is involved in regulating inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electrophoretic profile in donkeys. • Pain evaluation on postsurgery of donkeys. • Sodium dodecyl sulfate on the evaluation of different acute phase proteins in donkeys submitted to orchiectomy. • Acute phase proteins associated to Inguinal technique on the orchiectomy of donkeys In most animals, pain can compromise physiological functions and delay healing so, rapid detection of pain through behavior and inflammatory reaction with biomarkers are necessary. This study aimed to evaluate pain, physiological variations and Acute Phase Proteins (APP) in donkeys undergoing orchiectomy technique by inguinal access. For this research, 15 male northeastern donkeys kept in extensive management were selected, with a mean age of 4.5±3.1 years. All animals had the same anesthetic protocol, using dissociative anesthesia and local block with lidocaine, followed by orchiectomy by inguinal access. Due to their predisposition to complications, the inguinal technique is the most indicated to minimize complications and excessive inflammation in donkeys' orchiectomy, the donkeys were evaluated regarding behavioral assessment of pain, hematological parameters, APP and the surgical wound, during 0 hour, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. As for the physiological parameters and APP, no significant differences were observed between times, due to the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. In the macroscopic evaluation of the surgical wound, it was observed that there were no significant differences between the times, with animals presenting mean scores of 1.8±0.414, in 48 hours 1.6 ± 0.507, and in 72 hours 1.6 ± 0.507. Most animals had mild to moderate edema in the scrotum and foreskin regions. As for pain assessment, the average scores were between 2 and 3, representing mild and moderate pain, not requiring intervention. However, further research is needed to elucidate the behavior of PFAs in the face of variables and the creation of new pain scales for animals raised in an extensive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute phase proteins are useful inflammatory markers in horses. Haptoglobin (Hp) serum level is increased in horses undergoing different inflammatory processes, including arthritis. However, Hp concentration has not been assessed in inflammatory synovial fluid (SF). The aim of the present study was to investigate the Hp response in serum and SF in horses undergoing experimentally induced arthritis. For this purpose, serum and SF samples were collected from 12 animals before amphotericin B-induced arthritis was created (T0, healthy) and 15 days after the lesion induction (T1, joint inflammation) and Hp was determined by single radial immunodiffusion. The Hp increase between T0 and T1 was significant in both serum and SF, and serum Hp concentration at T0 was significantly higher than in SF, but significant differences were not found at T1, indicating a higher Hp increase in SF. A significant positive correlation for Hp concentration between serum and SF samples was found. These results highlight the potential usefulness of Hp as inflammatory marker in horses, showing for the first time the increase of Hp in SF from joint inflammation in the horse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary glutamine (Gln) + glutamic acid (Glu) supplementation on growth performance and physiological stress response in broiler chickens subjected to 24 h delay in placement. Equal number of day-old broiler chicks were assigned to either immediate placement or with 24 h delay in placement with no access to feed and water. Chicks from each placement group were fed either standard starter diet (control) or standard starter diet +1% AminoGut (AG; mixture of 10% Gln and 10% Glu) from 1 to 21 d. Blood and duodenal samples were collected at 21 d for analysis of serum levels of ceruloplasmin (CER), ovotransferin (OVT) and α-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), duodenal heat shock protein (HSP) 70 expression, and villi length and crypt depth. Results showed that delayed placement for 24 h was detrimental to weight gain during the starter phase (1 to 21 d) but not thereafter. AG supplementation was not able to eliminate that reduction in weight gain and feed intake during the starter stage. However, the observed enhancement in villi length and crypt depth at d 21 resulted in improvement of FCR and weight gain during the finisher stage (22 to 42 d) and consequently the overall period (1 to 42 d). Broiler chickens supplemented with AG also showed lower mortality rate, and higher AGP, OVT, CER, and HSP 70 expression compared to their control counterparts. Based on AGP, OVT, CER, and HSP 70 expression, there is no indication that delayed placement was physiologically stressful to the broiler chickens at 21 d of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The onset of Type 2 diabetes has been associated with low grade systemic inflammation. The inflammatory status has been studied by measuring acute phase reactant proteins like hsCRP, α1- antitrypsin, α1-acid glycoprotein, ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen. Most of these acute phase reactants form α1 and α2 bands on electropherogram of serum proteins. The aim of this study was to evaluate inflammatory status in controlled and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes using cellulose acetate electrophoresis and to find the impact of glycemic status as indicated by HbA1c on inflammation process. Materials and Methods: Serum protein electrophoresis was done on serum samples of 60 cases of Diabetes [controlled and uncontrolled] using cellulose acetate paper technique. The electropherogram obtained was stained with Ponseu S and then quantitated using densitometer. Glycemic status was studied by HbA1c analysis. The density of α1and α2 bands in electropherogram were correlated with HbA1c level. Result: A significant increase in the percentage of α1 and α2 band proteins (0.765 and 0.716, p Conclusion: Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of serum proteins show early phase acute inflammatory status in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. The process of systemic inflammation worsens with uncontrolled glycemia as indicated by HbA1c. Inflammatory status should be studied adjunct to glycemic status. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v2i3.6024 JPN 2012; 2(3): 211-214

The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of these acute phase proteins(Serum amyloid A, Milk amyloid A and serum Haptoglobin) and alteration in hematological values in some inflammatory diseases in dairy cattle. Fifty-six Holstein dairy cows with some inflammatory diseases were used in this study including: subclinical mastitis, hematological infections (Theileriosis and Anaplasmosis), metritis, pneumonia and displacement abomasums (n= 8 each). Clinically healthy cows were selected as control group (n= 8). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of both groups. One sample of pooled milk from both groups was taken after the milk samples gathered from four quarters of each cow were mixed. There were significant differences in mean concentrations of serum and Milk amyloid A between clinically healthy cows and diseased cows and also, between abomasal displacement and other infectious diseases (P

Aiming at evaluating the electrophoresis profile of serum and peritoneal protein in horses submitted to an experimental model of intestinal obstruction, 24 animals were divided into four groups: instrumented control (GI), duodenum obstruction (GII), ileum obstruction (GIII) and large colon obstruction (GIV). Blood and peritoneal fluid samples were collected before the surgical procedures (T0), 3h after the obstruction (Ti) and 1, 3, 12, 24, 72, 120 and 168h after reperfusion (Tr). After sample centrifuging and fractioning, total protein were determined by biuret method, and the proteic fractions were separated by electrophoresis in agarose gel. Alterations were observed in serum and peritoneal concentrations of α, β and γ globulins on the studied animals. The changes occurred due to the intestinal inflammatory process caused by the obstruction model and the surgical trauma, associated to laparotomy. Animals submitted to duodenum and ileum obstruction showed higher serum and peritoneal concentrations of acute phase proteins. The electrophoretic separation of proteins included in the peritoneal liquid is more sensible when compared to the serum concentration to the diagnosis of abdominal inflammatory process.

We examined acute phase protein (APP) concentrations in viral infections of dairy ruminants and assessed the potential role of characteristic patterns of APP changes in auxiliary diagnosing viral diseases. All viruses reviewed are common causes of farm animal diseases. APPs are among the first agents of immunity, and their concentrations could be diagnostically relevant. In the most common ruminant viral diseases, elevated serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) levels in blood serum have been observed. However, since these proteins are the main APPs in many viral infections, it is impossible to use their levels for diagnosing particular infections. Decreased Cp and albumin expression could help differentiate the bluetongue virus infection from other diseases. Lastly, analysis of SAA levels in blood serum and milk could be helpful in diagnosing small ruminant lentivirus infection. While promising, APP levels can only be considered as an auxiliary tool in diagnosing viral diseases in ruminants.

Thirty health queens were submitted to ovariectomy by conventional technique or by videolaparoscopy. In order to study the intensity of inflammatory response by means of acute phase protein analysis and white blood cell count, serum samples were taken before and until 144 hours after the surgical procedures. The protein concentrations that were significantly increased 24 hours after surgical procedures were: ceruloplasmin, hemopexin, haptoglobin, and α1-acid glycoprotein, 69.8%, 103.5%, 117.3%, and 199.0%, respectively, for conventional ovariectomy; and 22.3%, 46.1%, 79.8%, and 74.6%, respectively, for laparoscopic ovariectomy. Therefore, inflammatory response was more intense in queens submitted to conventional ovariectomy. Results indicate that the increase or decrease in acute phase proteins, as well as in white blood cells count, may be useful in the evaluation of inflammatory response induced by these surgical procedures.Trinta gatas, saudáveis, foram submetidas à ovariectomia pela técnica convencional e por videolaparoscopia. Amostras de sangue foram obtidas com o objetivo de verificar a intensidade da resposta inflamatória por meio da análise das concentrações de proteinas de fase aguda e contagem de leucócitos antes e até 144 horas após procedimento cirúrgico. As proteínas que apresentaram aumento significativo 24 horas após a cirurgia foram: ceruloplasmina, hemopexina, haptoglobina e α1-glicoproteína ácida, 69,8%, 103,5%, 117,3% e 199,0%, respectivamente, para ovariectomia convencional, e 22,3%, 46,1%, 79,8% e 74,6%, respectivamente, para ovariectomia por videolaparoscopia. A resposta inflamatória foi mais evidente nas gatas submetidas à ovariectomia convencional. Os resultados mostram aumento e diminuição na concentração de proteínas de fase aguda e na contagem de leucócitos, podendo ser utilizados na avaliação da resposta inflamatória induzida por procedimentos cirúrgicos.

The associations between human phthalate exposure and the onset of chronic diseases with an immunological component (e.g., metabolic syndrome, cancer) remain unclear, partly due to the uncertainties in the underlying mechanisms. This study investigates cross-sectional associations of the concentrations of 10 phthalate metabolites with 19 cytokines and acute phase proteins in 213 serum samples of Spanish adults. The associations were explored by Spearman's correlation, multivariable linear regression, and weighted quantile sum regression analyses. In the multivariable analyses, levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 were positively associated with mono-n-butyl phthalate (fold-change per one IQR increase in phthalate levels, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.65, 1.45–1.88) and mono-iso-butyl phthalate (3.07, 2.39–3.95), mono-ethyl phthalate (2.05, 1.62–2.61), as well as categorized mono-iso-decyl and mono-benzyl phthalates. The same phthalates also were significantly associated with leptin, interleukin (IL)-18 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Moreover, the proinflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-17, IL-8, IL-6, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein showed positive and negative associations with, respectively, mono-(2-ethyl-hexyl) and mono-methyl phthalates. Finally, phthalate mixtures were positively associated with PAI-1, leptin, IL-18, IL-12, IL-8 and IL-1β. Despite the cross-sectional design limitation, these associations point to relevant subclinical immuno-inflammatory actions of these pollutants, warranting confirmation in future studies. [Display omitted] • We studied associations of serum phthalates with immuno/inflammatory markers. • Low molecular weight phthalates correlated with PAI-1, leptin, IL-18 and MCP-1. • Associations with PAI-1 were particularly strong. • MEHP and MMP were positively and negatively linked to proinflammatory markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Intestinal leakage commonly occurs in severe dengue infection with zonulin as a biomarker. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of NS1 on liver weight, zonulin expression and serum zonulin levels., Materials and Methods: This laboratory experiment used 18 ddY mice, which were randomly divided into control (C), PBS (T1), and PBS + NS1 (T2) groups. Mice in the T1 and T2 groups were intravenously injected with 500 μl PBS only and 50 μg NS1 respectively. Mice blood samples were collected before and after three-day treatment for measurement of zonulin level. The fresh liver was weighted directly and were then used for immunostaining., Results: The C group had lower wet liver weight compared to the T groups (p=0.001). Increased expression of liver zonulin was found in the T2 group, significant different from the C (p=0.014) and T1 groups (p=0.020). After treatment, serum zonulin levels in the T1 group was higher than that of the T1 group before treatment (p=0.035) but not in control (p=0.753) and T2 groups (p=0.869)., Conclusion: Administration of 50 μg NS 1 increases wet liver weight and zonulin expression in hepatocytes, but did not increase serum zonulin levels in ddY mice., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Introduction: Apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1) acts as a negative acute phase protein (APP) during inflammatory states, and has a potential prognostic value in people and dogs with sepsis. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the association of serum Apo-A1 concentration with disease severity, multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and outcome in a population of dogs with sepsis, and to assess its correlation with major canine APPs., Methods: Ninety-nine dogs with uncomplicated sepsis ( n = 78) or septic shock ( n = 21) were included. The serum concentration of Apo-A1, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were recorded, alongside the canine acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation fast (APPLE fast ) score and the presence of MODS., Results: Dogs with septic shock had significantly lower serum Apo-A1 concentrations (106.3 ± 22.7 mg/dl; reference interval: 123.0-142.3 mg/dl), higher APPLE fast score (30, 13-38) and greater frequency of MODS (67%) compared to those with uncomplicated sepsis (117.9 ± 19.3 mg/dl; 25, 6-33 and 8%, respectively) ( P = 0.0201; P = 0.0005; P < 0.0001, respectively). Similarly, dogs with MODS had significantly lower serum Apo-A1 concentrations (104.1 ± 4.6 mg/dl) and higher APPLE fast score values (31, 13-38) compared to those without MODS (118.32 ± 2.1 mg/dl and 26, 6-33, respectively) ( P = 0.0050 and P = 0.0038, respectively). Conversely, neither CRP nor SAA were different between these groups. No difference in serum APPs concentrations was detected between survivors and non-survivors. Significant negative correlations were detected between serum Apo-A1 and SAA ( P = 0.0056, r = -0.277), and between serum Apo-A1 and the APPLE fast score ( P = 0.0027, r = -0.3). In this population, higher values of the APPLE fast score and the presence of MODS were independently associated with a higher risk of death., Discussion: Our study shows that Apo-A1 is a useful biomarker of sepsis severity in dogs, since it is decreased in those with septic shock and MODS. Further prospective investigations are deemed to evaluate the applicability of Apo-A1 to predict sepsis course and response to treatment in septic dogs., Competing Interests: MG is an associate editor of the journal but only participated in the peer review process as an author. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Bulgarelli, Ciuffoli, Troia, Goggs, Dondi and Giunti.)

Background: Anecdotal evidence suggests plasma transfusions increase serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations in healthy neonatal foals making this marker of inflammation inappropriate for therapeutic decision making in such animals., Hypothesis/objectives: Administration of hyperimmune fresh frozen plasma (FFP) increases SAA concentration in healthy foals and in foals with failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI)., Animals: Eighty-six healthy foals., Methods: Prospective cohort study. Foals <24 hours of age receiving plasma transfusion for treatment of FTPI (serum immunoglobulin G [IgG] concentrations <8 g/L; n = 17) or as a preventative measure for Rhodococcus equi infection (IgG >8 g/L; n = 33) were enrolled. A healthy nontransfused group of foals (IgG >8 g/L; n = 21) also was included. Serum amyloid A concentration was determined before (t0h) and after (t24h) administration of FFP. Changes in blood SAA concentration were assessed using linear regression models., Results: No statistical differences were found in SAA concentration at t0h or t24h among the 3 groups (P > .05, for all comparisons). The variation in SAA concentration before (t0h) and after (t24h) plasma transfusion showed that administration of FFP was not associated with the changes in SAA concentration (P > .05). An association between SAA concentration at t0h and at 24 hours (P < .05) was identified, where foals with higher SAA concentration at t0h also had higher SAA concentration at t24h., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Administration of FFP to newborn foals was not associated with changes in SAA concentration., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)