A review on acute phase response in parasitic blood diseases of ruminants.

Parasitic blood diseases (theileriosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and trypanosomiasis) are common in regions where the distributions of the hosts, parasites, and vectors are convergent. They endanger animal production, and a few are also harmful to public health. The acute phase reaction (APR) is a complex, non-specific reaction that occurs in various events, including surgical trauma, infection, stress, inflammation, and neoplasia. To understand pathogenesis, we must study APR effects and acute phase proteins (APPs) alterations in naturally occurring and experimental infections. The elevation of haptoglobin (Hp), Serum amyloid A (SAA), and fibrinogen concentrations was markedly significant in bovine and ovine theileriosis. Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen concentrations in anaplasmosis were dramatically elevated. A significant increase in SAA was observed in bovine babesiosis, while ovine babesiosis showed a significant rise in sialic acid levels. In cases of trypanosomiasis caused by T. vivax, there have been reports of elevated levels of Hp, complement C3, and antitrypsin. Improving our understanding of APR could result in more effective methods for diagnosis, treatment, control, and eradication of diseases. The article provides an overview of APPs alterations and other inflammation-related parameters (some cytokines, adenosine deaminase, and sialic acids) in parasitic blood diseases of ruminants.

Acute phase reaction to lipopolysaccharide-induced mastitis in early lactation dairy cows fed nitrogenic, glucogenic, or lipogenic diets.

The availability of certain macronutrients is likely to influence the capacity of the immune system. Therefore, we investigated the acute phase response to intramammary (i.mam.) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in dairy cows fed a nitrogenic diet (n = 10) high in crude protein, a glucogenic diet (n = 11) high in carbohydrates and glucogenic precursors, or a lipogenic diet (n = 11) high in lipids. Thirty-two dairy cows were fed one of the dietary concentrates directly after calving until the end of trial at 27 ± 3 days in milk (mean ± standard deviation). In wk 3 of lactation, 20 µg of LPS was i.mam. injected in one quarter, and sterile NaCl (0.9%) in the contralateral quarter. Milk samples of the LPS-challenged and control quarter were taken hourly from before (0 h) until 9 h after LPS challenge and analyzed for milk amyloid A (MAA), haptoglobin (HP), and IL-8. In addition, blood samples were taken in the morning, and composite milk samples at morning and evening milkings, from 1 d before until 3 d after LPS challenge, and again on d 9, to determine serum amyloid A (SAA) and HP in blood, and MAA and HP in milk. The mRNA abundance of various immunological and metabolic factors in blood leukocytes was quantified by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR from samples taken at -18, -1, 6, 9, and 23 h relative to LPS application. The dietary concentrates did not affect any of the parameters in blood, milk, and leukocytes. The IL-8 was increased from 2 h, HP from 2 to 3 h, and MAA from 6 h relative to the LPS administration in the milk of the challenged quarter and remained elevated until 9 h. The MAA and HP were also increased at 9 h after LPS challenge in whole-udder composite milk, whereas HP and SAA in blood were increased only after 23 h. All 4 parameters were decreased again on d 9. Similar for all groups, the mRNA abundance of HP and the heat shock protein family A increased after the LPS challenge, whereas the mRNA expression of the tumor necrosis factor α and the leukocyte integrin ß 2 subunit (CD18) were decreased at 6 h after LPS challenge. The glucose transporter (GLUT)1 mRNA abundance decreased after LPS, whereas that of the GLUT3 increased, and that of the GLUT4 was not detectable. The mRNA abundance of GAPDH was increased at 9 h after LPS and remained elevated. The acute phase protein response was detected earlier in milk compared with blood indicating mammary production. However, immunological responses to LPS were not affected by the availability of specific macronutrients provided by the different diets.

Plant polyphenol extract supplementation affects performance, welfare, and the Nrf2-oxidative stress response in adipose tissue of heat-stressed dairy cows.

We examined the effects of a supplement of plant polyphenols extracts of green tea, capsicum, and fenugreek, and electrolytes ([Na+, K+]; AXT, Axion ThermoPlus, CCPA, France] during summer heat load on production, welfare, and oxidative stress proteins in adipose tissue (AT) of dairy cows. A total of 42 multiparous mid-lactation cows were divided into 3 groups during summer, and were fed for 2 wk either a standard milking cow diet (CTL, n = 14) or diets supplemented with 100 g/d of AXT (100AXT, n = 14), or 150 g/d of AXT (150AXT, n = 14), while being cooled 5 times a day. Then, half of the cows from each dietary treatment were cooled (CL) or not cooled (NCL) for 2 wk, after which the cooled and uncooled groups were switched for additional 2 wk. Cows were milked 3 times a day, and milk composition was analyzed at the end of each 2-wk period. Vaginal temperature (VT) was measured for 3 consecutive days in each period. Biopsies of subcutaneous AT were taken from 10 NCL cows (5 each of CTL and 150AXT) at the end of the period and examined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry proteomics analysis. Data were analyzed with PROC MIXED of SAS (version 9.2, SAS Institute Inc.). The model included the effects of dietary treatment, cooling regimen, period, and their interactions. Protein and mRNA abundances and proteomic data (P ≤ 0.05 and fold change [FC] ± 1.5) were analyzed by t-test. Milk yields and 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) were higher in 100AXT than in CTL; milk components were not different. Dry matter intake (DMI) was higher in 100AXT than in CTL. The effect of cooling and the interactions of period × cooling were significant for DMI, 4% FCM, energy-corrected milk, and milk/DMI. The proportion of time that VT was >39°C was lower in 100AXT and in 150AXT than in CTL. Daily rumination time was greater in 150AXT than in CTL, and lying time was greater in 100AXT and 150AXT than in CTL. Proteomics of AT demonstrated that 150AXT had increased abundances of peroxidasin (FC = 1.6), microsomal glutathione S-transferase 2 (FC = 2.5), and heme oxygenase 1 (FC = 3.6) compared with CTL. Top enriched canonical pathways included acute phase response signaling, Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress response, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/IL-1-mediated inhibition of RXR function. Immunoblots of AT showed a higher abundance of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and of LPS binding protein in AT of 150AXT compared with CTL. Supplementation of AXT increased DMI, milk, and 4% FCM, lowered VT, improved welfare indices, and enriched the AT with Nrf2-oxidative stress response and acute phase response proteins in heat-stressed dairy cows.

Associations of neonatal acute phase response with first lactation performance in dairy cows.

During the first 3 wk of life, the immune system of newborn ruminants starts to work, as indicated by fluctuations in the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins (APP). They have been shown to be markers for short and long-term weight gain in ruminants. This observational study investigated these proteins as possible indicators of first lactation performance of dairy cows. A total of 117 dairy calves from a single farm were enrolled in the study. Serum and fecal samples were taken once a week for the first 3 wk of life. Cryptosporidium spp. infection and its treatment were monitored and accounted for in statistical analysis. The concentrations of the APP serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp), and the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were analyzed in serum. After the first lactation, health and performance data of the cows were retrieved, and associations between APP and cytokine concentrations with first lactation outcomes were investigated through linear and logistic regression. This study found a negative association between the concentration of Hp in the second week of life and average daily weight gain at one year. The SAA concentration measured during the second and third weeks of life was positively associated with age at first calving. IL-6, SAA, and Hp measured in the second week of life were positively associated with calving to conception interval. The concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α during the first week of life were associated with higher odds of reproductive issues during the first lactation period. These markers can be used to help understand underlying processes that influence animal health and production. In conclusion, inflammatory responses during the first week of life are related to reproductive success, whereas the second and third weeks of life seem to influence the future productive performance in dairy cows.

Impact of L-Arginine and L-Glutamine supplementation on growth performance and immune status in weanling pigs challenged with Escherichia coli F4.

Arginine (ARG) and Glutamine (GLN) have been reported to play significant roles in protein metabolism, immunity, and intestinal health in weanling pigs. The present study investigated the independent and interactive effect of supplementing ARG and GLN on pigs immune status and growth performance following an Escherichia coli F4 challenge. A total of 240 mixed-sex pigs (24 ±â€…2 d old; 7.3 ±â€…0.1 kg BW) were used in a 42-d experiment after selection for E. coli F4 susceptibility. The pigs were group-housed (3 pigs per pen), and pens were randomly assigned to five experimental treatments (N = 16 pens per treatment). Experimental treatments were: 1) a wheat-barley-soybean meal-based basal diet (CTRL), 2) a basal diet with 2500 mg/kg zinc oxide (ZnO), 3) a basal diet + 0.5% Glutamine (0.5% GLN), 4) basal diet + 0.5% Arginine (0.5% ARG), and 5) basal diet with 0.5% Glutamine + 0.5% Arginine (0.5% GLN + ARG). All Pigs were inoculated with E. coli F4 on days 7, 8, and 9 post-weaning. Rectal swabs were taken from each pig and plated on blood agar plates for E. coli F4 presence. Blood and fecal samples were taken to determine the acute phase response and selected fecal biomarkers for the immune response. Growth performance and fecal scores were recorded. Fecal swabs resulted in no positive pig for E. coli F4 before inoculation and 73.3% positive postinoculation. Diarrhea incidence during days 7 to 14 was significantly lower for the ZnO treatment (P < 0.05). The haptoglobin level on day 3 was lower than days 10 and 20, irrespective of treatment (P < 0.05). The albumin level was lower on day 20 compared to days 3 and 10 (P < 0.05). There was no treatment effect on albumin levels regardless of sampling day (P > 0.05). The PigMAP was lowest on day 3 and highest on day 10 (P < 0.05). We did not observe significant treatment differences (P > 0.05) in myeloperoxidase and calprotectin. Pancreatitis-associated protein was higher in the ZnO (P = 0.001) treatment than in the other treatments. Fecal IgA tended (P = 0.10) to be higher in the ZnO and 0.5% ARG treatments. There were no performance differences, except during days 0 to 7, where the ZnO treatment was lower in average daily gain and average daily feed intake (P < 0.001), while feed efficiency (G:F) FE was similar across treatments. In summary, no improved performance was observed with either ARG, glutamate, or both. The immune response results showed that the E. coli F4 challenge may have exacerbated the acute phase response; hence, the benefits of dietary treatments did not go beyond immune repair and reduction in inflammation.

The supplementation of functional amino acids such as arginine and glutamine has been reported to improve growth performance in weanling pigs. However, during periods of enteric Escherichia coli challenge, results have been inconsistent. Here, we investigated whether independent or combined arginine and glutamine supplementation could improve performance and immune response under an E. coli F4 challenge. The results showed no performance improvements but an improvement in the acute phase response and immune response status. Thus, the benefit of supplemental arginine and glutamine may be prioritized towards building an immune response rather than growth under conditions of an enteric immune challenge.

Serum proteome of dogs with chronic enteropathy.

BACKGROUND: Chronic enteropathy (CE) is common in dogs and can occur with multiple etiologies including food-responsive enteropathy (FRE) and idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: To study the protein profile and pathway differences among dogs with FRE, IBD, and healthy controls using serum proteome analysis. ANIMALS: Nine CE dogs with signs of gastrointestinal disease and histologically confirmed chronic inflammatory enteropathy and 16 healthy controls. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with cases recruited from 2 veterinary hospitals between May 2019 and November 2020 was performed. Serum samples were analyzed using mass spectrometry-based proteomic techniques. RESULTS: Proteomic profiles showed marked variation in relative protein abundances. Forty-five proteins were significantly (P ≤ .01) differentially expressed among the dogs with CE and controls with ≥2-fold change in abundance. The fold change of dogs with IBD normalized to controls was more pronounced for the majority of proteins than that seen in the dogs with FRE normalized to control dogs. Proteins involving reactive oxygen species, cytokine activation, acute phase response signaling, and lipid metabolism were altered in dogs with CE. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Cytokine alterations, acute phase response signaling, and lipid metabolism are likely involved in pathogenesis of CE. Although there are insufficient current data to justify the use of proteomic biomarkers for assessment of CE in dogs, our study identifies potential candidates.

An updated profile of the bovine acute phase response following an intravenous lipopolysaccharide challenge.

The objective was to provide an updated profile of the bovine acute-phase response to include recent advancements in technologies and expanded hematological, cytokine, and serum chemistry variables. Beef steers (n = 32; body weight [BW] = 251 ±â€…19.5 kg) were fitted with indwelling jugular catheters 1 d before lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.25 µg LPS/kg BW from Escherichia coli O111:B4) administration to facilitate serial blood collection. Rectal temperature was measured using indwelling probes, and ocular temperature was measured using infrared thermal imaging. Blood samples were collected for subsequent analysis of serum chemistry, hematology, and cytokine concentrations. Pearson correlation of rectal temperature and ocular infrared temperature was 0.61 (P < 0.01) and the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.56 (P < 0.01). Interactions of hour × method were observed for ocular and rectal measurements of body temperature in response to endotoxin exposure. Maximum observed temperature was 39.6 °C at 2.5 h for both rectal and ocular measurements. Body temperature differed by method at hours 0.5, 2.5, 4.5, 7.5, 12.5, 36.5, and 47.5 (P < 0.01), but were not different otherwise. All variables of serum chemistry and complete blood count were influenced by LPS administration, except creatinine, serum glucose, and percent basophils (P ≤ 0.02). Alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase peaked at hour 2 relative to LPS administration, returned to baseline at hour 12 and continued to decrease below the baseline value at hour 48 (P < 0.01). Total protein concentration decreased 3% in response to LPS (P = 0.01). Total white blood cell count decreased 75% after LPS administration at hour 1 (P < 0.01). Lymphocyte count recovered to baseline at hour 6; sooner than neutrophil count at hour 36. Serum cortisol concentration increased 294% relative to baseline at hour 1 followed by a sustained decrease and return to normal concentration at hour 4 (P < 0.01). Additionally, circulating cytokine concentrations changed with time in response to the LPS challenge, excluding aFGF, bFGF, IGF-1, IL-2, IL-4, MCP-1, and ANG-1 (P ≤ 0.08). Maximum observed concentration of TNF-α at hour 1 was 117% greater than the pre-challenge value (P < 0.01). Data presented herein add to existing works to understand the endocrine and immune responses of beef steers administered exogenous LPS, and incorporate recent technologies, additional biomarkers, and an expanded cytokine profile that can be used as referential data in future research.

The acute phase response is a component of innate immunity initiated by infection, inflammation, or tissue damage. Characteristics of these host responses can be emulated by administration of exogenous endotoxin and closely studied in controlled settings to understand the response to inflammatory diseases that are commonplace in livestock production. Beef steers were administered exogenous lipopolysaccharide, and responses of body temperature, serum chemistry, complete blood count, cortisol, and cytokines were quantified. A moderate correlation of body temperature measured via rectal probe or ocular infrared temperature was observed, but both methods had a similar temporal response and were sensitive to changes in body temperature. Response of serum chemistry variables highlighted the links between metabolism and the inflammatory response. The initial inflammatory response was initiated by cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines at hour 1 and tempered by anti-inflammatory cytokines at hours 3 and 4. Therefore, these data offer an expanded view to our understanding of the bovine acute phase response.

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

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

Pain Assessment and Acute Phase Response in Donkeys Submitted to Inguinal Orchiectomy.

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.

Experimental infection with African Horse Sickness Virus in horses induces only mild temporal hematologic changes and acute phase reactant response.

OBJECTIVE: African Horse Sickness (AHS) is a vector-borne disease endemic to sub-Saharan Africa caused by African Horse Sickness Virus (AHVS). Infections in naïve horses have high morbidity and mortality rates. AHS pathogenesis is not well understood; neither the hematologic changes nor acute phase response occurring during infection has been fully evaluated. The study's objective was to characterize the hematologic changes and acute phase response during experimental infection with AHSV. ANIMALS: 4 horses negative for AHSV group-specific antibodies. PROCEDURES: In this prospective, longitudinal study conducted between November 23 and December 2, 2020, horses were experimentally infected with AHSV, and blood samples were obtained before inoculation and then every 12 hours until euthanasia. Hematologic changes and changes for serum amyloid A (SAA) and iron concentration were evaluated over time using a general linear model including natural logarithm of sampling time. RESULTS: All horses were humanely euthanized due to severe clinical signs typical of AHS. Median Hct increased significantly, and the median WBC count, monocyte count, eosinophil count, and myeloperoxidase index changed significantly in all horses over time. Horses developed marked thrombocytopenia (median, 48 X 103 cells/µL; range, 21 X 103 to 58 X 103 cells/µL) while markers of platelet activation also changed significantly. Median SAA increased and serum iron concentration decreased significantly over time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated severe thrombocytopenia with platelet activation occurs during infection with AHSV. Changes in acute phase reactants SAA and iron, while significant, were unexpectedly mild and might not be useful clinical markers.

Influence of Short and Medium Distance Road Transport on the Acute Phase Proteins in Horses.

Horse transport is a common practice and is usually associated as a cause of stress in animals, with consequences for their well-being. There are several of evidence that stress can increase an acute phase response. The aim of this study was to verify whether the road transport of horses over distances of 50 and 300 kilometers induces changes in the values of acute phase proteins. To do this, the serum SDS-PAGE was performed and the bands obtained were identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). The blood samples were collected in tubes without anticoagulant to obtain the serum, and the evaluations occurred before the road transportation (T0), immediately after the journey (T1), six hours later (T2), and 24 hours (T3), 48 hours (T4), 72 hours (T5), 96 hours (T6), 120 hours (T7) and 144 hours (T8) after the end of the trip. All analyzes were performed using the Minitab 17 statistical package, and significance was considered when P<0.05. The APPs found through SDS-PAGE and properly identified were α2-macroglobulin, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, α1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, apolipoprotein alpha 1, and α1-acid glycoprotein. No differences were observed in the concentration values between 50 and 300 km or between the moments after each route. The distances covered with the horses were not challenging enough to provoke an acute phase response reflected in changes in APPs.

Evaluation of acute phase proteins, adiponectin and endothelin-1 to determine vascular damage in dogs with heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis), before and after adulticide treatment.

Previous studies have shown the existence of an acute phase response in dogs with heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis), probably caused by the vascular inflammation that occurs during the pathogenesis of this disease. In addition, it has been seen that this acute phase response persists after finishing treatment, especially in dogs with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Furthermore, echocardiographic studies have shown that PH and endarteritis appear to persist for at least 10 months after completion of adulticide treatment, suggesting that the vascular changes in these dogs may not be reversible. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the serum concentrations of different positive acute phase proteins (APP) [C reactive-protein (CRP), haptoglobin and ferritin] and negative APP (albumin and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1)), and the usefulness of the endothelin-1 (ET-1) and adiponectin, in dogs infected by D. immitis to evaluate their usefulness as diagnostic biomarkers of vascular damage and PH and their progression throughout therapy up to 7 months after the end of adulticide treatment. Twenty-five heartworm-infected dogs received adulticide treatment, and serum measurements were performed on the day of diagnosis (day 0), day of discharge (day 90), and 6 months after discharge (day 270). In addition, presence or absence of PH was also echocardiographically determined using the Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility Index. PH was present in 44% of the dogs on day 0 and day 90, and in 48% of dogs on day 270. Alterations were observed in the concentrations of all APP throughout the study, persisting the alterations in PON-1 and ferritin on day 270. Depending on the presence or absence of PH, CRP showed significant differences throughout the study, as did ET-1. On the other hand, adiponectin did not show variations throughout the study, so it did not seem a useful marker in this disease. These results could reflect the possible persistence of vascular inflammation up to 7 months after finishing treatment, whether or not there was PH, and consolidate the study of APP as useful markers in heartworm disease. Moreover, persistent PH could be the consequent clinical manifestation in dogs with more severe vascular alterations so the study of APP, especially CRP, and ET-1 could be especially advantageous in these patients in the early evaluation of the disease, as well as for the determination of disease severity, monitoring therapeutic responses, and predicting outcomes.

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

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

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

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

Lipopolysaccharide challenge following intravenous amino acid infusion in postpartum dairy cows: II. Clinical and inflammatory responses.

Amino acids (AA) are integral nutrients for a functioning immune system. Postpartum cows experience AA deficits early postpartum that may influence the response to immune activation. This study investigated the clinical and inflammatory responses to a systemic inflammatory stimulus after a 4-d intravenous (IV) AA infusion with a mix of essential and nonessential AA designed to ameliorate the estimated metabolizable protein deficit in early postpartum cows. Our objectives were (1) to describe the clinical and inflammatory response to an acute IV lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in early postpartum cows, and (2) to compare these clinical and inflammatory responses between IV AA-treated and control cows. Cows (n = 14, 4 ± 1 d in milk) were continuously infused IV for 4 d in a matched-pair randomized controlled design and received 0.9% NaCl (CTRL) or IV AA (IVAA) to supply 1 g/kg of BW per day of combined essential and nonessential AA. After infusion ended, cows were challenged with IV LPS (0.0625 µg/kg of BW over 1 h), and serial blood samples were collected for complete blood cell counts and to quantify plasma cytokines and acute-phase proteins. Body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate were monitored for 24 h during challenge. During challenge, maximum body temperature was greater in IVAA (41.3 ± 0.20°C) than in CTRL (40.6 ± 0.19°C). In both groups, respiratory rate increased during the first 2 h following challenge, whereas heart rate first decreased over the first 2 h and then increased to reach a maximum at 4 h. Acute leucopenia occurred within 1 h of challenge in both groups before leukocytosis was observed at 24 h, with white blood cell counts returning to baseline values within 72 h. Plasma haptoglobin and serum amyloid A concentrations increased 3-fold and 4-fold in both groups and peaked at 48 and 24 h following challenge, respectively. Plasma concentrations of TNF-α and IL-10 increased within 1 h and peaked at 2 h following the start of challenge. Plasma IL-10 concentrations increased to a greater extent in CTRL compared with IVAA during challenge. Despite differences in IL-10 concentration, previous AA infusion did not alter the acute-phase protein response to LPS challenge. We conclude that AA infusion before systemic inflammatory challenge decreased the anti-inflammatory response but did not alter concentrations of other systemic markers of inflammation.

The effect of natural infection with different Leptospira interrogans serovars on oxidative stress biomarkers and acute-phase responses in horses and cattle.

Leptospirosis is one of the important zoonotic bacterial diseases with a worldwide distribution that is often subclinical. We aimed to investigate the oxidant/antioxidant balance and acute-phase response in naturally infected horses and cattle with Leptospira interrogans. A total of 600 serum samples from horses and cattle were examined for L. interrogans antibodies using the microscopic agglutination test to determine anti-Leptospira IgG antibodies against a panel of eight important Leptospira antigens in Iran. Then, serum total antioxidant capacity, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde activities, and nitric oxide, total protein, serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, and albumin concentrations were measured in seropositive and seronegative samples. Serum catalase activities and malondialdehyde, serum amyloid A, and haptoglobin |concentrations in seropositive cattle and horses were significantly higher (P < .05) than in those that were seronegative. Antibody titers increased from 1:100 to ≥ 1:200 in cattle with L. interrogans infection, resulting in a decrease in the serum total antioxidant capacity (P < .05), an increase in serum glutathione peroxidase (P < .01) activity and nitric oxide (P < .05) , serum amyloid A (P < .01), and haptoglobin (P < .05) concentrations. Following the increase in the agglutinating antibody titers in horses infected with L. interrogans, the serum total antioxidant capacity (P < .01) decreased, and serum nitric oxide (P < .05), malondialdehyde (P < .05), and serum amyloid A (P < .01) concentrations were increased. In this study, horses and cattle had extensive changes in oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium and acute-phase protein concentrations when infected with L. interrogans. We also demonstrated a direct link between antibody titers and the type of leptospiral serovar using serum oxidative and inflammatory markers.

Un-fractionated heparin counteracts the systemic inflammatory responses and multiple organ damages caused by endotoxaemia in sheep.

BACKGROUND: Endotoxaemia is believed to be a major cause of mortality and there are several therapeutic regimens for the treatment of this situation. OBJECTIVES: The present experimental study was conducted to evaluate acute phase response, cardiovascular and hepatorenal damages following the treatment of Ovine experimental endotoxaemia model employing unfractionated heparin (UFH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty clinically healthy 1-year-old fat-tailed ewes were randomly divided into four equal groups, comprising UFH 200, UFH 400, Ctrl+ and Ctrl-. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli serotype O55:B5 at 0.4 µg/kg was administered intravenously to the ewes. UFH (at 200 and 400 IU/kg) was administrated to the UFH 200 and UFH 400 groups, respectively. All the ewes were evaluated clinically before and 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6 and 24 hours after LPS injection. Blood samplings were also performed at those hours. We measured serum concentrations of haptoglobin, interferon-gamma, total antioxidant status, malondialdehyde, cardiac lactate dehydrogenase, cardiac troponin-I, total bilirubin, alanine transaminase and creatinine. Serum concentrations of acute phase response, cardiovascular, hepatic and renal biomarkers and clinical parameters increased significantly following the induction of endotoxaemia in the groups receiving LPS. RESULTS: The significantly lowest concentrations of these parameters at hours 4.5 and 6 among the treatment groups belonged to the UFH 400 sheep. CONCLUSIONS: UFH could act as an anti-inflammatory mediator by decreasing inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins, modulating oxidative stress biomarkers and reducing multiple organ dysfunction following endotoxaemia in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of UFH at 400 IU/kg were significantly higher than another dose. This research examined the effect of two doses of UFH and higher doses may have more anti-inflammatory effects that require further studies.

Seasonal differences in the intensity of acute phase response in dogs infected with Babesia canis.

The highest number of acute Babesia canis cases in dogs is recorded over the February-May (Feb-May) period, which also represents the optimal climate conditions for tick activity in Belgrade, Serbia. A possibility that the acute phase response is more intense in dogs developing the disease in the Feb-May period compared with the response in other time periods of the year was tested. A total of 63 client-owned dogs with acute B. canis infection were enrolled and the routine hematology and biochemistry parameters-serum amyloid A (SAA), IgG against B. canis, level of parasitemia, ceruloplasmin (CER), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and fibrinogen-were measured. Acute phase indexes (API) were calculated as (SAA×CER)/(Iron×PON-1) and (SAA×CER)/(Albumin×Iron). Statistics included Kruskal-Wallis test and logistic regression analysis. The results showed that in the Feb-May period, the following parameters were lower: creatinine, albumin, iron, and level of parasitemia. Furthermore, increased API values were more probable in the Feb-May than in the other periods. Together, higher acute phase response intensity and presumptive hemodilution in the Feb-May period indicate a more acute course of B. canis infection than in other time periods of the year.

Low molecular weight heparin reduces acute phase response and multiple organ dysfunction following Ovine experimental endotoxemia model.

Endotoxemia is one of the most common inflammatory situations leading to death of ruminants. Owing to the importance of this condition, several therapeutic regimens have been proposed, evaluated and implemented to treat endotoxemia. It has recently been suggested that low molecular weight heparin may be effective in treating endotoxemia. Thus, the present experimental study was conducted to evaluate the acute phase response and multiple organ dysfunction following the treatment of the Ovine experimental endotoxemia model employing this compound. In this regard, 20 clinically healthy 1-year old Iranian fat-tailed ewes were randomly divided into 4 equal groups, comprising LMWH 50, LMWH 100, Ctrl+, and Ctrl-. Lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli serotype O55:B5 at 0.4 µg/kg was intravenously administered to the ewes. Low molecular weight heparin (at 50 and 100 IU/kg) was administrated to LMWH 50 and LMWH 100 groups, respectively. Positive control (Ctrl+) received lipopolysaccharide and treated only by intravenous fluid without any drugs, and negative control (Ctrl-) only received intravenous fluids without lipopolysaccharide or any drugs. All the ewes were clinically evaluated before and 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6 and 24 h after lipopolysaccharide injection, and blood samplings were also performed at those hours. Serum concentrations of serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, creatine kinase-MB, homocysteine, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatinine were measured. Serum concentrations of acute phase proteins, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, cardiovascular, hepatic and renal biomarkers, and clinical parameters were significantly increased following the induction of endotoxemia in the groups receiving lipopolysaccharide. Significantly lower concentration of these markers was observed at 4.5 and 6 h after lipopolysaccharide administration in the sheep treated with LMWH compared to the Ctrl + group. In conclusion, low molecular weight heparin could act as an anti-inflammatory drug by decreasing cytokines and acute phase proteins, modulating oxidative stress biomarkers, and by reducing multiple organ dysfunction following the induction of endotoxemia by Escherichia coli serotype O55:B5 in Iranian fat-tailed sheep in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of low molecular weight heparin at 100 IU/kg were significantly higher than 50 IU/kg in the treatment of endotoxemic sheep.

Evidence of acute phase reaction in asymptomatic dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis.

Asymptomatic outdoor dogs can be carriers of Babesia canis, but data describing the development of an acute phase response (APR) are not available. We hypothesised that these dogs have a moderate APR that could be detected by hematological and biochemical changes. Two groups of Babesia-exposed dogs were represented by nine B. canis PCR-positive and twenty B. canis PCR-negative, seroreactive dogs. The control group consisted of ten Babesia-naïve dogs. Serum amyloid A (SAA), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), complete blood count, and biochemistry parameters were analysed by standard methodologies. Protein and lipoprotein fractions were separated using agarose gel electrophoresis (GE), and the dominant diameters of lipoproteins were assessed on gradient GE. Results were evaluated using non-parametric tests and the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve. SAA (median 39.0 µg/mL, range 2.2-48.8 µg/mL), total protein (median 74.7 g/L, range 57.1-98.3 g/L) and the dominant diameter of α-lipoproteins (median 13.31 nm, range 12.09-14.17 nm) in B. canis PCR-positive dogs were higher relative to dogs in the control group or dogs that were PCR-negative but seroreactive (p < 0.001 for both groups). Mild to moderate anemia (4/29), thrombocytopenia (7/29), and leukocyte counts that were close to the upper limit of the reference range were encountered in both Babesia-exposed groups. When compared to controls, Babesia-exposed dogs displayed decreased a PON-1 activity and protein GE pattern consistent with low-grade chronic inflammation (p < 0.001 for both groups). Dogs with detectable amounts of B. canis DNA in blood contain increased levels of SAA and total protein along with α-lipoproteins that display an increased diameter relative to those dogs with positive Babesia serology but undetectable levels of B. canis DNA in blood.