Serum adipokine concentrations in dogs with acute pancreatitis

Alterations in serum concentrations of visfatin and betatrophin in dogs with diabetes mellitus

Canine diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Visfatin and betatrophin are adipokines involved in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and deranged lipid metabolism, and are also altered in obesity. We hypothesized that visfatin and betatrophin serum concentrations are altered in diabetic dogs, irrespective of their body condition. The study included 23 newly-diagnosed DM (NDDM) dogs, 34 insulin-treated DM (ITDM) dogs and 24 healthy dogs. Body condition score was determined and fasted serum samples were collected for measurement of betatrophin, visfatin and insulin serum concentrations. Visfatin concentrations (mean, 95% CI) were lower in overweight NDDM (4.5 ng/mL, 2.5-8.1, P=0.05) and ITDM (2.8 ng/mL 1.8-4.3, P=0.006) than healthy (7.7 ng/mL, 5.0-11.7) dogs, but were not different among lean dogs, and were negatively correlated to betahydroxybutyric acid in ITDM dogs (r=-0.59, P=0.05). Betatrophin concentrations were lower in NDDM (69 pg/mL, 43-112, P<0.001) and ITDM (53 pg/mL, 34-84, P<0.001) than healthy (267 pg/mL, 167-426) dogs. Among NDDM dogs, betatrophin concentrations were higher in those with concurrent liver disease (203 pg/mL, 49-844) than those with no evidence of liver disease (19 pg/mL, 4-90, P=0.007), and were negatively correlated with glucose concentrations (r=-0.44, P=0.04) and creatinine (r=-0.60, P=0.003). Insulin concentrations were not different among NDDM and healthy dogs. Among NDDM dogs, insulin concentrations were negatively correlated to concentrations of betahydroxybutyric acid (r=-0.65, P=0.002) and were lower in dogs with concurrent kidney disease (5.6 mU/L, 2.1-15.3) compared to those with no evidence of kidney disease (20.6 mU/L, 8.0-53.2, P=0.018). In conclusion, DM in dogs is associated with alteration in visfatin and betatrophin concentrations that are not resolved by insulin treatment.

Fuzapladib in a randomized controlled multicenter masked study in dogs with presumptive acute onset pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Currently, no specific treatment is available for acute onset pancreatitis (AP), and management relies on symptomatic and supportive standard of care (SOC). Fuzapladib is a novel leukocyte function-associated antigen type-1 (LFA-1) activation inhibitor, blocking activation and subsequent adhesion and migration of neutrophils, potentially decreasing the risk of pancreatitis progression and systemic inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the safety and clinical response of dogs with AP after 3 days of administration of fuzapladib.

ANIMALS

Sixty-one client-owned dogs with presumptive AP.

METHODS

Randomized, masked, and placebo controlled multicenter study. Sixty-one dogs with AP were included for safety assessment, whereas 35 evaluable cases (fuzapladib, n = 16; placebo, n = 19) were included for clinical evaluation. Clinical improvement was assessed based on the change in the modified clinical activity index (MCAI) score on Day 3 compared to Day 0. Secondary variables included canine acute pancreatitis clinical severity index (CAPCSI) scores and serum concentrations of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, cytokines, and C-reactive protein.

RESULTS

Fuzapladib was well tolerated by all treated dogs. Mean change in MCAI scores was significantly higher in the fuzapladib-treated (-7.75) than the placebo group (-5.68; P = .02, 95% confidence interval [CI] for the difference, -4.33, -0.35), suggesting clinical improvement in fuzapladib-treated dogs. No significant difference was found in any of the secondary variables between groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Administration of fuzapladib to dogs was safe, and a favorable response was detected in 2 clinical activity scores. Effects of fuzapladib on survival and duration of hospitalization were not studied.

Alterations in serum concentrations of visfatin and betatrophin in dogs with hypothyroidism

BACKGROUND

Hypothyroidism in dogs is associated with obesity and altered lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The adipokines, visfatin, and betatrophin, affect glucose tolerance. Betatrophin is involved in lipid regulation.

HYPOTHESIS

Visfatin and betatrophin serum concentrations are altered in hypothyroid dogs.

ANIMALS

Dogs with naturally occurring hypothyroidism (n = 25) and healthy dogs (n = 25).

METHODS

Insulin, visfatin, and betatrophin serum concentrations were measured in all dogs and 19 of the hypothyroid dogs after 30 days of thyroxine treatment. Body condition score (BCS) was determined (1-9 scale).

RESULTS

Visfatin concentrations were lower in hypothyroid compared with healthy dogs (mean, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 2.0 ng/mL, 1.2-3.3 vs 5.1 ng/mL, 3.3-7.8; P = .004) and increased post-treatment (3.1 ng/mL, 1.9-4.9 vs 2.6 ng/mL, 1.6-4.1; P = .05). Betatrophin concentrations were lower in lean to normal (body condition score [BCS], 3-5) hypothyroid dogs compared to lean to normal healthy dogs (52 pg/mL, 9-307 vs 597 pg/mL, 216-1648; P = .03), but were not different between overweight (BCS, 6-9) hypothyroid and healthy dogs (341 pg/L, 168-695 vs 178 pg/mL, 77-415; P = .26), and decreased post-treatment in overweight dogs (206 pg/mL, 87-488 vs 268 pg/mL, 112-640; P = .004). Visfatin concentrations were higher in overweight compared with lean to normal dogs (4.7 ng/mL, 3.3-6.6 vs 2.2 ng/mL, 1.2-4.2; P = .04). Betatrophin concentrations were positively correlated with BCS (r = .47, P = .02) and insulin concentrations (r = .48, P = .03) in hypothyroid dogs and negatively correlated with BCS (r = -.47, P = .02) and thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations (r = -.56, P = .01) in healthy dogs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Hypothyroidism in dogs is associated with alterations in visfatin and betatrophin concentrations that partially resolve with thyroxine treatment.

Obesity, inflammation, and cancer in dogs: Review and perspectives

Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in dogs, and its prevalence has increased in recent decades. Several countries have demonstrated a prevalence of obesity in dogs similar to that observed in humans. Chronic low-grade inflammation is a prominent basis used to explain how obesity results in numerous negative health consequences. This is well known and understood, and recent studies have pointed to the association between obesity and predisposition to specific types of cancers and their complications. Such elucidations are important because, like obesity, the prevalence of cancer in dogs has increased in recent decades, establishing cancer as a significant cause of death for these animals. In the same way, intensive advances in technology in the field of human and veterinary medicine (which even proposes the use of animal models) have optimized existing therapeutic methods, led to the development of innovative treatments, and shortened the time to diagnosis of cancer. Despite the great challenges, this review aims to highlight the evidence obtained to date on the association between obesity, inflammation, and cancer in dogs, and the possible pathophysiological mechanisms that link obesity and carcinogenesis. The potential to control cancer in animals using existing knowledge is also presented.

Serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin in dogs with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

An imbalance in adipokines is associated with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in humans. However, alterations in adipokines in dogs with CKD remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether adipokine concentrations in serum differ between healthy dogs and dogs with CKD and to determine the correlation between serum adipokine concentrations and CKD severity in dogs.

ANIMALS

Twenty dogs with CKD and 10 healthy dogs.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured in healthy dogs and dogs with CKD, which were classified according to the International Renal Interest Society guidelines.

RESULTS

Serum leptin concentrations were positively correlated with systolic arterial blood pressure (r = .41), creatinine concentrations (r = .39), and symmetric dimethylarginine concentrations (r = .73). Serum adiponectin concentrations (median [range]) in CKD dogs with borderline or non-proteinuric (20.25 [14.9-45.8] ng/mL) were significantly higher than those in proteinuric CKD dogs (13.95 [6.4-22.1] ng/mL; P = .01). Serum IL-6 (median [range]; 43.27 [24.30-537.30] vs 25.63 [6.83-61.03] pg/mL; P = .02), IL-18 (median [range]; 25.98 [11.52-280.55] vs 10.77 [3.53-38.45] pg/mL; P = .01), and TNF-α (median [range]) concentrations (11.44 [8.54-38.45] vs 6.105 [3.97-30.68] pg/mL; P = .02) were significantly different between proteinuric and borderline or non-proteinuric CKD dogs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

leptin and adiponectin concentrations in serum might be associated with severity of CKD and proteinuria in dogs with CKD, respectively.

New insights into the etiology, risk factors, and pathogenesis of pancreatitis in dogs: Potential impacts on clinical practice

While most cases of pancreatitis in dogs are thought to be idiopathic, potential risk factors are identified. In this article we provide a state‐of‐the‐art overview of suspected risk factors for pancreatitis in dogs, allowing for improved awareness and detection of potential dog‐specific risk factors, which might guide the development of disease prevention strategies. Additionally, we review important advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of pancreatitis and potential areas for therapeutic manipulation based thereof. The outcome of pathophysiologic mechanisms and the development of clinical disease is dependent on the balance between stressors and protective mechanisms, which can be evaluated using the critical threshold theory.

Evaluation of serum histone concentrations and their associations with hemostasis, markers of inflammation, and outcome in dogs with naturally occurring acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

To compare serum concentrations of histones and inflammatory markers in dogs with acute pancreatitis and healthy control dogs, investigate associations of these variables with coagulation test results and survival (vs nonsurvival) to hospital discharge, and examine the prognostic utility of clinical findings and routine laboratory and coagulation tests in affected dogs.

ANIMALS

36 dogs.

PROCEDURES

Dogs with findings consistent with acute pancreatitis (n = 29) and healthy control dogs (7) were enrolled in a prospective, observational study. Serum concentrations of histones, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor-necrosis factor-α were assessed for all dogs. Clinical (including ultrasonographic) findings, relevant history, routine laboratory and coagulation test results, and outcomes were recorded for dogs with pancreatitis. Variables were assessed to determine an association with outcome for affected dogs and hospitalization time for survivors; histone concentrations and markers of inflammation were compared among survivors, nonsurvivors, and controls. Correlation between quantitative variables was investigated.

RESULTS

Serum histone and IL-6 concentrations did not differentiate survivors (n = 23) from nonsurvivors (6); IL-6 concentrations in affected dogs were correlated with 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero glutaric acid-(6'-methylresorufin) ester lipase activity (r_S = 0.436) and hospitalization time (r_S = 0.528). Pancreatitis-associated peritoneal fluid, obtundation, and jaundice were more common, and serum bilirubin concentration, serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, and prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times were greater in nonsurvivors than in survivors. Thromboelastometric changes consistent with hypercoagulability were detected in survivors; hypocoagulability was detected in 2 nonsurvivors.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Serum histone concentrations were not associated with presence of acute pancreatitis or outcome for affected dogs. Further research is needed to investigate the clinical and therapeutic implications of hypocoagulability, hepatocellular injury, and pancreatitis-associated peritoneal fluid in affected dogs.

Kinetics of Plasma Cytokines, Angiopoietin-2, and C-Reactive Protein in Dogs With Gastric Dilatation Volvulus

Background: The degree of systemic inflammation, reperfusion injury and endothelial activation are potentially important determinants of clinical outcomes in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV).

Objective: To evaluate plasma concentrations and kinetics of inflammatory markers in dogs with GDV over a time frame of 48 h, and to compare to healthy dogs.

Design and Setting: Prospective, observational cohort study in client-owned dogs with GDV.

Materials and Methods: Fifteen dogs with GDV and 9 healthy control dogs were enrolled. Plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), keratinocyte chemotactic-like, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, Angiopoietin (Ang)-2, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at admission (prior any therapeutic intervention, (T0), immediately after surgery (T1), 24 ± 4 h (T24), and 48 ± 4 h (T48) post-surgery. Cytokines were measured using multiplex magnetic bead assay. Plasma Ang-2 was measured with a commercial human ELISA test kit validated for dogs.

Results: Dogs with GDV had significantly higher plasma concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-10 compared to healthy control dogs at all time points. Concentrations of IL-6 were significantly higher at T1 and T24, concentrations of MCP-1 at T24, and concentrations of CRP at T24 and T48. A significant increase between T0 and T1 was found for IL-6, IL-10, and CRP, between T1 and T24 for IL-8, IFN-γ, MCP-1, and CRP, and between T24 and T48 for IL-15, Ang-2, and CRP. A significant decrease between T0 and T1 was found for IL-7, IL-8, IL-15, IL-18, and Ang-2; between T1 and T24 for IL-6 and KC-like; and between T24 and T48 for IL-6.

Conclusion: In GDV dogs, a mild pro-inflammatory reaction was present at admission, which peaked immediately after and up to 24 h post-surgery, mainly represented by IL-6, IFN-γ, MCP-1, and CRP, and which decreased at T48. In addition, the anti-inflammatory IL-10 was increased in GDV dogs at all time points.

A preliminary evaluation of the circulating leptin/adiponectin ratio in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism and concurrent diabetes mellitus

Leptin and adiponectin are thought to modulate insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell function, but there is limited information regarding the adipokine status of hyperglycemic dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. This study aimed to determine whether alterations in the leptin/adiponectin ratio, insulin sensitivity, and/or pancreatic β-cell function are associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). A total of 48 client-owned dogs were included in this prospective observational study: 20 dogs with PDH (10 normoglycemic and 10 with DM), 15 dogs with DM, and 13 healthy dogs. The serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured, and homeostatic model assessment indices (HOMAs) were calculated and compared among the groups. Serum leptin was significantly higher in PDH dogs with and without DM than in healthy and DM dogs, and it was lower in DM dogs than in PDH dogs without DM. Serum adiponectin was significantly lower in PDH dogs with DM than in healthy and PDH dogs, and it was significantly lower in DM dogs than in healthy dogs. Serum IL-10 was significantly higher in PDH dogs with DM than in healthy and PDH dogs without DM. The leptin/adiponectin ratio was significantly higher in PDH dogs with DM than in normoglycemic PDH dogs. Serum IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher in DM dogs than in healthy dogs. Serum IL-1β concentration was significantly higher in DM dogs than in healthy dogs and PDH dogs with DM and without DM. Serum TNF-α and IL-18 concentrations were not different among groups. The HOMA_{β-cell function} was significantly lower in PDH dogs with DM than in normoglycemic PDH dogs, while HOMA_{insulin sensitivity} was significantly lower in PDH dogs with DM than in healthy dogs. These results suggest that adipokine dysregulation, a reduction in insulin sensitivity, and a further impairment in pancreatic β-cell function might predispose PDH dogs to DM. Further longitudinal study will be necessary to confirm this result.

Investigation of Genetic Modifiers of Copper Toxicosis in Labrador Retrievers

Copper toxicosis is a complex genetic disorder in Labrador retrievers characterized by hepatic copper accumulation eventually leading to liver cirrhosis. The variation of hepatic copper levels in Labrador retrievers has been partly explained by mutations in ATP7A c.980C>T and ATP7B c.4358G>A. To further elucidate the genetic background of this disease, we used targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in a cohort of 95 Labrador retrievers to analyze 72 potential modifier genes for variations associated with hepatic copper levels. Variants associated with copper levels were subsequently evaluated in a replication cohort of 144 Labrador retrievers. A total of 44 variants in 25 different genes were identified, of which four showed significant association with copper levels. Of the four variants found associated with hepatic copper levels in the NGS cohort, one was validated in the replication cohort. The non-reference allele of the variant NC_006602.3.g.52434480C>T in RETN resulting in amino-acid change p.Leu7Phe was associated with decreased hepatic copper levels. In humans, resistin is associated with severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, fibrosis, cirrhosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes. Further studies are needed to investigate the biological function of RETN p.Leu7Phe in the development of copper toxicosis in Labrador retrievers.

Protease inhibitors, inflammatory markers, and their association with outcome in dogs with naturally occurring acute pancreatitis

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) presumably is associated with pancreatic protease activation, protease inhibitor (PI) depletion, and inflammatory mediator secretion.

Objectives

Examine PIs and inflammatory mediator concentrations in dogs with AP and their association with death.

Animals

Thirty‐one dogs diagnosed with AP based on clinical signs, ultrasonographic findings, and increased canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) and 51 healthy control dogs.

Methods

Antithrombin and α₂‐antiplasmin activity (ATA and α₂AP, respectively) and concentrations of α₁‐proteinase inhibitor (α₁PI), α₂‐macroglobulin (α₂MG), C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukins (ILs)‐2,6,8 and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were prospectively measured. Severity of AP was assessed by clinical severity scoring systems.

Results

Mortality rate was 19%. Antithrombin activity was lower (P = .004) and maximal CRP, IL‐6, and TNF‐α concentrations higher (P < .04) in the AP group compared to the controls, whereas IL‐2, IL‐8, α₁PI, and α₂AP concentrations did not differ between groups. Serum α₂MG concentration was not reliably detected. Serum cPLI, CRP, and IL‐6 concentrations were significantly and positively correlated. The ATA was lower (P = .04), and canine acute pancreatitis severity (CAPS) scores higher (P = .009) in nonsurvivors compared to survivors. Higher CAPS scores were associated (P < .05) with decreased ATA and increased cPLI, CRP, and IL‐6 concentrations.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Systemic inflammation in dogs with AP is manifested by increased inflammatory mediator concentrations, correlating with cPLI and CRP concentrations. Hypoantithrombinemia is associated with death. Serum concentrations of α₂AP and α₁PI are less useful prognostic markers. The CAPS score is a useful prognostic marker in dogs with AP.

Adiponectin as a sepsis biomarker in dogs: Diagnostic and prognostic value

BACKGROUND

Adiponectin (ADPN) is an adipocytokine with insulin-sensitizing, vascular-protective, and anti-inflammatory properties for which concentration changes occur in response to inflammation. Little is known about the regulation of ADPN and the impact of this adipocytokine in septic dogs.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of ADPN vs other traditional acute-phase proteins (APPs), such as albumin (ALB), haptoglobin (HPT), fibrinogen (FBG), ferritin (FRT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in dogs with naturally acquired sepsis.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included 20 dogs with sepsis, 27 with low-grade systemic inflammation (LGSI), and 18 clinically healthy dogs as controls. For method analyses, plasma samples were obtained from all dogs on admission and then every 24-48 hours until discharge or death in the septic group.

RESULTS

Septic dogs had lower ADPN (2.4 ± 0.46 vs 4.5 ± 0.41mg/L, P < .001) dand ALB (17 ± 1 vs 22 ± 0.8g/L, P = .002), and tended to have higher CRP (87 ± 4.8 vs 73 ± 4.1mg/L, P < .079) concentrations than dogs with LGSI on admission. Only ADPN and ALB were able to successfully discriminate animals with LGSI from those presenting with sepsis with areas under the curve (AUCs) for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of 0.811 and 0.789, respectively. In the septic group, ADPN concentration did not differ between survivors and non-survivors, either on admission or at discharge or death.

CONCLUSIONS

Although plasma ADPN can be used as a reliable negative APP in dogs with sepsis, further studies are warranted to confirm the usefulness of this biomarker in terms of disease progression and recovery.

Resistin concentrations in serum and stifle synovial fluid from normal and cruciate deficient dogs with osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To compare synovial fluid (SF) resistin concentrations in healthy dogs to dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) injury and to correlate resistin concentrations with body condition score (BCS) and evaluate resistin release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and adipocytes.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled, prospective, clinical study ANIMALS: Thirty-nine client-owned dogs, 13 healthy and 26 with secondary OA, were enrolled. Blood was collected from six healthy purpose-bred dogs for PBMC culture. An additional six mixed-breed dogs were used for adipocyte collection and culture.

METHODS

Resistin concentrations were measured with a canine-specific enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. Resistin was compared between healthy SF and OA SF with Student's t test. Correlation of resistin concentrations to BCS was performed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and adipocytes were cultured under three conditions: negative control, lipopolysaccharide, and concanavalin A (Con A). A linear mixed model was used to determine differences in resistin concentrations among treatments.

RESULTS

Resistin concentrations in OA SF were comparable to healthy SF. Neither serum nor SF resistin was correlated with BCS. Cultured PBMC stimulated with Con A released resistin, while adipocytes did not.

CONCLUSION

Neither serum nor SF resistin were altered in dogs with OA secondary to CrCL insufficiency. In addition, resistin was not correlated with canine body fat and did not appear to function as adipocytokine in the dog.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Resistin may not be involved in the pathogenesis of OA. However, resistin may be important in inflammation because it is released from inflammatory cells.

Evaluation of serum C-reactive protein and high mobility group box 1 concentrations in 22 dogs with acute pancreatitis: a pilot study

Background: High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an important mediator of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in humans with severe acute pancreatitis (AP), but there is little information regarding its role in dogs. Aim: To compare the serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and HMGB1 in healthy dogs and those with AP with or without SIRS. Methods: The study included 22 dogs with AP and 20 healthy dogs. CRP and HMGB1 were assessed by ELISA. Statistical analyses were conducted by non-parametric tests. Results: Median (interquartile range) serum CRP and HMGB1 concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in dogs with AP [60.56 (14.50-140.10) µg/mL and 0.35 (0.03-1.12) ng/mL, respectively] than in healthy dogs [2.23 (1.75-5.14) µg/mL and 0.02 (0.01-0.05) ng/mL, respectively]. After the recommended treatments for AP, serum CRP concentration in AP dogs significantly decreased, but that of HMGB1 in AP dogs significantly increased. There was also a significant difference in median serum HMGB1 concentration between AP dogs with and without SIRS. The use of serum HMGB1 concentration of 0.35 ng/mL to distinguish AP dogs with and without SIRS was associated with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 71.5%. A positive correlation was identified between HMGB1 and clinical severity of AP. All AP dogs had a positive outcome during hospitalization [6.0 (1.5-6.0) days]. Conclusion: Results indicate that HMGB1 might be a useful biomarker for the progression of AP and may play a role in progression of AP into SIRS in dogs.

Serum proteome of dogs at subclinical and clinical onset of canine leishmaniosis

The objective of this study was to identify changes in serum proteome in dogs that may occur after an experimental infection at subclinical and clinical stages of canine leishmaniosis (CanL). For this purpose, canine pre- and post-infection with Leishmania infantum serum proteomes in the same dogs were analysed by a high-throughput label-based quantitative LC-MS/MS proteomic approach. A total of 169 proteins were identified, and 74 of them including complement C8 alpha chain, adiponectin, transferrin, sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase acid-like 3A and immunoglobulins showed different modulation between the different stages of CanL. These proteins could be considered as potential serum biomarkers of early diagnostic or disease progression in CanL. Additionally, biological pathways modulated during CanL such as blood coagulation or gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor were revealed, which could help to understand the pathological mechanisms of the disease.

Changes in pre- and postoperative serum leptin concentrations in dogs with gallbladder mucocele and cholelithiasis

Background

Leptin has been shown to have various physiological and pathological roles in the canine gallbladder. In this study, we performed pre- and postoperative short-term follow-up analyses to confirm changes in serum leptin levels before and after cholecystectomy due to gallbladder mucocele (GBM) or cholelithiasis in dogs.

Results

Twenty-six cholecystectomized dogs (GBM: n = 14; cholelithiasis: n = 12) for prophylactic or clinical symptom relief were enrolled in the present study. Dogs were subgrouped according to clinical symptoms and prognosis after surgery as follows: 1) asymptomatic group (n = 13), 2) recovery group (n = 8), and 3) death group (n = 5). Liver enzymes, total bilirubin, lipid profiles, and leptin concentrations were determined from sera on the pre-operative day and at 1, 3, and 7 days postoperation. Serum leptin concentrations were gradually but significantly decreased in the asymptomatic group (p = 0.008, 0.004, and 0.004 on days 1, 3, and 7, respectively, compared with that before surgery) and the recovery group (p = 0.048 and 0.048 on days 3 and 7, respectively, compared with that before surgery). However, in the death group, leptin concentrations did not differ significantly over time (p = 0.564). Additionally, serum leptin levels in the recovery group (p = 0.006) and death group (p = 0.021) were significantly higher than those in the asymptomatic group. Liver enzymes and total bilirubin (T-Bil) were significantly decreased only in the recovery group, particularly on day 7. In the asymptomatic group, liver enzymes and T-Bil were not changed significantly over time, and in the death group, only T-Bil was significantly decreased on day 7. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not significantly decreased over time in all groups.

Conclusions

These results indicate that leptin is a potential biomarker reflecting the severity and prognosis of GBM and cholelithiasis both before and after cholecystectomy in dogs.

Leptin and Immunological Profile in Obesity and Its Associated Diseases in Dogs

Growing scientific evidence has unveiled increased incidences of obesity in domestic animals and its influence on a plethora of associated disorders. Leptin, an adipokine regulating body fat mass, represents a key molecule in obesity, able to modulate immune responses and foster chronic inflammatory response in peripheral tissues. High levels of cytokines and inflammatory markers suggest an association between inflammatory state and obesity in dogs, highlighting the parallelism with humans. Canine obesity is a relevant disease always accompanied with several health conditions such as inflammation, immune-dysregulation, insulin resistance, pancreatitis, orthopaedic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and neoplasia. However, leptin involvement in many disease processes in veterinary medicine is poorly understood. Moreover, hyperleptinemia as well as leptin resistance occur with cardiac dysfunction as a consequence of altered cardiac mitochondrial metabolism in obese dogs. Similarly, leptin dysregulation seems to be involved in the pancreatitis pathophysiology. This review aims to examine literature concerning leptin and immunological status in obese dogs, in particular for the aspects related to obesity-associated diseases.

Evaluation of Hypertriglyceridemia as a Mediator Between Endocrine Diseases and Pancreatitis in Dogs

The role of hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) secondary to endocrine diseases in the occurrence of pancreatitis in dogs has not been fully investigated. The objective of the present study was to evaluate HTG as a mediator between endocrine diseases and pancreatitis in dogs. The study design was a retrospective case-control study. Medical records of dogs newly diagnosed with acutely presenting pancreatitis between 2012 and 2014 were reviewed for the presence or absence of hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypothyroidism. A matched case-control analysis was performed, and the association between endocrine diseases and pancreatitis was evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis. In dogs with pancreatitis, the odds of HAC (P &lt; .001) and DM (P &lt; .001) were 4.5 and 12.4 times that of dogs without pancreatitis, respectively. HTG significantly mediated the association between DM and pancreatitis but not between HAC and pancreatitis. Additional studies will be necessary to confirm these findings and to further elucidate the associations between endocrine diseases and pancreatitis.

Evaluation of potential serum biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in dogs with liver disease

Background

Serum interleukin 6 (IL‐6), chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and the ratio of aspartate transaminase to alanine transaminase (AST:ALT) have been correlated with fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in humans with various hepatopathies.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine whether increases in serum IL‐6, CCL2, CRP, or AST:ALT were associated with moderate to severe fibrosis or necroinflammatory activity in dogs with various hepatopathies.

Animals

Forty‐four client‐owned dogs with clinical evidence of liver disease and 10 healthy purpose‐bred dogs, all undergoing liver biopsies by laparoscopy or laparotomy.

Methods

Measurement of serum IL‐6, CCL2, CRP, AST, and ALT before scheduled liver biopsy and evaluation of liver histopathology using the METAVIR scoring system used in human medicine, blinded to clinical presentation.

Results

Median serum IL‐6 was approximately twice as high in dogs with high fibrosis scores (15.5 pg/mL; range, 1.4 to 235 pg/mL) compared to dogs with low fibrosis scores (7.6 pg/mL; range, 1.4 to 148.1 pg/mL), with marginal significance (P = .05). Median serum CCL2 was significantly higher in dogs with active necroinflammation (444 pg/mL; range, 144 to 896 pg/mL) compared to dogs without detectable necroinflammation (326 pg/mL; range, 59 to 1692 pg/mL; P = .008), but with considerable overlap between groups. Neither serum CRP nor AST:ALT ratios were significantly different based on fibrosis or necroinflammatory scores.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Because of substantial variability among dogs, single measurements of IL‐6 and CCL2 have limited diagnostic utility for identifying fibrosis or necroinflammation, respectively, in dogs with various chronic liver diseases. The value of these biomarkers should be explored further in monitoring response to treatment in individual dogs with chronic hepatopathies.

Cytokine Concentrations Measured by Multiplex Assays in Canine Peripheral Blood Samples

Cytokines are known to play important roles in a wide range of pathologic conditions spanning all organ systems in every species studied. As our knowledge of the physiology of individual cytokines expands and our ability to measure multiple cytokines in smaller biological samples increases, we gain more insight into the significance and function of each cytokine and the importance of cytokine networks. Previous studies that reported measurements of cytokine concentrations from serum or plasma in dogs with infectious, autoimmune, metabolic, endocrine, and neoplastic diseases yield an appreciation for the complexity of cytokine control and potential applications for cytokine measurements in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of a variety of disease conditions. In this review, we highlight the benefits of multiplex cytokine analysis, summarize clinical and experimental reports that have used this technology in dogs, and discuss the strengths and limitations of data analysis for the interpretation of results in these studies. We describe how differences in technical acuity, data reporting tactics, statistical analysis, study population selection criteria, and cross-sectional experimental design methods may affect interpretation of results from this technology. We also suggest methods for analysis in future studies, such as reporting median fluorescence intensity values, analyzing the proportion of patients above population medians, and performing longitudinal studies.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis

The present study aimed to determine whether circulating serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH) D] differed between healthy dogs and dogs with acute pancreatitis (AP). Twenty-two healthy dogs and twenty client-owned dogs with AP were enrolled in the study. Serum concentrations of 25-(OH) D, blood ionized calcium (iCa), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Concentrations of serum 25-(OH) D and blood iCa in dogs with AP were significantly lower than those of healthy dogs, and serum concentrations of CRP in dogs with AP were significantly higher than those of healthy dogs. A significant difference in 25-(OH) D serum concentrations was observed between survivor and non-survivor dogs with AP. After resolution of clinical signs, concentrations of serum 25-(OH) D, blood iCa, and serum CRP did not differ compared to those before treatment. This study shows that dogs with AP exhibit decreased 25-(OH) D levels, which might be associated with calcium imbalances and mortality rate in canine AP.

Increased Leptin and Leptin Receptor Expression in Dogs With Gallbladder Mucocele

BACKGROUND

Leptin and its receptor play a role in several disease processes such as pancreatitis and heart disease. However, their association with gallbladder mucocele (GBM) in dogs has not been reported.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To evaluate differences in the expression of leptin and leptin receptor between dogs with and without GBM.

ANIMALS

Twenty-five healthy dogs, including 9 laboratory beagle dogs, and 22 client-owned dogs with GBM.

METHODS

Serum leptin concentration was determined in blood samples of all dogs by ELISA. Canine gallbladder samples were collected from 9 dogs with GBM that underwent surgery for therapeutic purposes and from 9 healthy laboratory beagle dogs as a normal control group. Samples were analyzed for leptin and leptin receptor mRNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Serum leptin concentration was significantly higher in dogs with GBM than in healthy dogs (medians of 7.03 and 2.18 ng/mL, respectively; P < .001). Patients with GBM that had undergone surgery had significantly higher serum leptin concentrations than those that had not (medians of 12.2 and 4.09 ng/mL, respectively; P = .001). However, no difference in serum leptin concentration was found between dogs with GBM with or without endocrinopathies. The mRNA expression levels of leptin and its receptor were significantly increased in the gallbladder tissues of dogs with GBM.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Dysregulation of leptin might be involved in the pathophysiology of GBM, and leptin concentrations might be associated with GBM severity.

Serum Concentrations of Leptin and Adiponectin in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease

Background

The concentrations of circulating adipokines in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) have not been investigated in detail.

Objectives

To determine whether serum concentrations of adipokines differ between healthy dogs and dogs with MMVD and whether circulating concentrations depend on the severity of heart failure resulting from MMVD.

Animals

In the preliminary study, 30 healthy dogs and 17 client‐owned dogs with MMVD, and in the subsequent study, 30 healthy dogs and 46 client‐owned dogs with MMVD.

Methods

Prospective case‐controlled observational study. In the preliminary study, serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐18, and tumor necrosis factor‐α were measured. In the subsequent study, MMVD dogs were divided into three groups according to the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC) classification, and serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin were measured.

Results

In the preliminary study, serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations differed significantly between dogs with MMVD and healthy dogs. Serum leptin (P = .0013) concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with MMVD than in healthy dogs, whereas adiponectin (P = .0009) concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with MMVD. However, we observed no significant differences in the other variables. In the subsequent study, dogs classified as ISACHC class 3 had higher serum concentrations of leptin (P = .0022) than healthy dogs but ISACHC class 1 or 2 dogs did not. Serum adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in ISACHC class 1 (P < .0001) dogs than in healthy dogs, whereas adiponectin concentrations in ISACHC class 3 dogs were significantly higher than in ISACHC class 1 dogs (P = .0081).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Circulating concentrations of leptin and adiponectin might be altered in dogs with MMVD.