Changes in serum proteins in dogs with Ehrlichia canis infection.

The aim of this study was the identification of proteins differentially represented in the serum proteome of seropositive dogs with (Group 1) and without (Group 2) clinical-pathologic signs consistent with ehrlichiosis compared to healthy control dogs. Serum samples were collected from 20 dogs of various breeds with naturally occurring ehrlichiosis (10 dogs belonged to Group 1 and 10 to Group 2) and 10 healthy dogs. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) of pooled serum for each of the group of dogs were run in triplicate. 2D image analysis showed 39 spots differently expressed between Group 1 and Group 2 compared with healthy ones. Mass spectrometry analysis allowed identification of 6 proteins: albumin, haptoglobin (Hp), alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), Retinol Binding Protein 4 (RBP-4), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP). When a confirmatory study was performed for albumin, Hp, AAT and RBP-4 by using different assays, significant differences (P < 0.05) between diseased and healthy groups were observed. It can be concluded that there are significant changes in the serum proteome of dogs with ehrlichiosis with modifications in proteins related with the acute phase response such as Hp, albumin and AGP, with vitamin A transport such as RBP-4, with inhibitors of serine proteases and anti-inflammatory proteins such as AAT, and vitamin D metabolism and actin scavengers such as VDBP.

EVALUATION OF CARDIOLOGIC FUNCTIONS IN CAPTIVE EURASIAN BROWN BEARS (URSUS ARCTOS ARCTOS) IN TURKEY.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiac functions in healthy Eurasian brown bears (Ursus arctos arctos) living in a seminatural area during their active season. Twelve clinically healthy brown bears were selected based on their normal physical examination, hematologic, and serum biochemistry results. These bears were divided into two groups based on age; subadult (<5 yr, n = 4) and adult (≥5 yr, n = 8). After the chemical immobilization (ketamine and xylazine), routine clinical and laboratory examinations were performed. Also, cardiologic examinations were performed using electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. There were no significant differences for the clinical parameters between the two groups including for body temperature, heart and respiratory rates, capillary refilling time, and oxygen saturation. The Q, R, and S wave (QRS) complexes and T wave amplitude were higher (P < 0.05) in the subadult group when compared to those of adult bears. Notching of QRS complexes and peaked T wave were also observed in both groups. Left ventricular diameter at systole and diastole in adult bears was wider (P < 0.05) than that of subadult bears. Subadult bears had reduced aortic diameter compared to adult bears (P < 0.05). Doppler variables of mitral, tricuspid, and aortic inflows between groups were similar; however, pulmonary artery variables such as flow velocity integral, mean velocity, and gradient were higher (P < 0.05) in the subadult group. These results suggest that electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters should be evaluated based on the age of brown bears.