Analysis and comparison of tear protein profiles in dogs using different tear collection methods.

BACKGROUND: Tear proteomic analysis has become an important tool in medical and veterinary research. The tear collection method could influence the tear protein profile. This study aims to evaluate the protein profiles of dog tears collected using microcapillary tubes (MT), Schirmer tear strips (ST), and ophthalmic sponges (OS). METHODS: The tear samples were collected using MT, ST, and OS. Tear protein profiles were analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and the different protein spots' expression was compared. Fourteen protein spots were identified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: Tear protein concentrations ranged from 2.80 to 4.03 µg/µL, with no statistically significant differences among collection methods. Protein expression in each collection method differed in terms of both the number and intensity of the spots. There were 249, 327, and 330 protein spots found from tears collected with MT, ST, and OS, respectively. The proteins albumin, haptoglobin, and lactoferrin identified from OS were found to have higher spot intensities than other methods of collection. The use of MT demonstrated the downregulation of nine proteins. CONCLUSIONS: The recent study supported that tear protein analysis is affected by different tear collection methods. Although ST is commonly used for tear collection, it provides insufficient information to study particular tear proteins.

Proteomics identification of overexpressed serum proteins in dogs with Babesiacanis infection.

Background and Aim: Canine babesiosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Babesia canis, is characterized by clinical manifestations, including hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, multiple organ failure, and may result in death. This disease is detected using conventional blood smears, which are time-consuming and have low sensitivity. This study aimed to investigate a more rapid and sensitive method for detecting B. canis infection in dogs by examining the expressed serum protein profiles using proteomics. Materials and Methods: We collected six sera samples from three healthy and three B. canis-infected dogs diagnosed using blood smear and polymerase chain reaction. We analyzed the proteins using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The candidate spots from the gel were subjected to protein identification using a nano-liquid chromatography system coupled to an ion-trap mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization nano-sprayer. Results: We found that 10 protein spots were overexpressed in the serum samples from infected dogs compared with healthy dogs, which corresponded to three proteins: serotransferrin, serotransferrin isoforms X1, and hemopexin. Furthermore, analysis of the protein-protein interaction network confirmed that they strongly interacted with each other. Conclusion: This study suggests that high levels of serotransferrin and hemopexin are related to B. canis infection, making these proteins potential candidates for the development of diagnostic molecules or vaccines.

First study on stress evaluation and reduction in hospitalized cats after neutering surgery.

Background and Aim: In Thailand, domestic cats are the most common companion animal, and many are admitted to veterinary clinics for neutering surgery; however, such environment can induce stress. This is the first study to evaluate stress in hospitalized cats after neutering surgery using cat stress score (CSS) and salivary cortisol levels, including the impact of providing a hiding box (B) and/or administering a pheromone product to reduce stress. Materials and Methods: The study design was based on a randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 80 domestic cats undergoing routine neutering surgery were assessed for their behavioral demeanor scoring system (DSS) as friendly (DSS1) and aggressive (DSS2) based on a DSS. During admission, the cats were randomly allocated to single standard cages with one of the following treatments: (B), feline facial pheromone (P), a combination of hiding box and the pheromone (BP), or no additional enrichment (C). Cat stress score, food intake, and hide-seeking behavior were recorded. The cortisol enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to assess the salivary cortisol level. Results: On the 1st day of admission, aggressive cats had a significantly higher CSS (4.16 ± 0.29) than friendly cats (3.27 ± 0.16). Both demeanor cat groups showed statistically significant reductions in stress levels earlier than the control group after providing the enrichments. Saliva cortisol measurements ranged from 0.24 to 0.66 ng/mL. No statistical differences in cortisol levels were observed between the 1st day and other days of admission. In contrast, no differences in food intake and hide-seeking behavior were seen within each group during the same period. Conclusion: Results suggested that stress and stress responses in cats depended on behavioral demeanor. The provision of enrichment, including hiding box and feline facial pheromone in singly housed caging reduced stress, especially in aggressive cats. However, salivary cortisol analysis, food intake, and hide-seeking behavior were ineffective for assessing stress in cats after neutering surgery.