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

Hepatic insufficiency in two juvenile dogs with histoplasmosis

A 9-month-old female intact toy poodle and a 1-year-old female intact Labrador retriever mix presented to separate teaching hospitals for chronic histories of malaise and clinicopathologic evidence of hepatic dysfunction. The signalment and clinical histories of these dogs prompted consideration of a congenital portosystemic shunt as a primary differential. However, microscopic evaluation of peritoneal effusion, pleural effusion, and peripheral blood samples from the dogs revealed round to ovoid yeast organisms morphologically most compatible with Histoplasma capsulatum. Additional testing confirmed histoplasmosis in each case. The poodle underwent a computed tomography (CT) study, which showed hepatomegaly with a spleno-gonadal shunt, pancreatic and gastric wall edema, and marked peritoneal effusion, findings compatible with portal hypertension and secondary acquired shunt formation. The dog was later humanely euthanized due to clinical deterioration, and on necropsy hepatic histoplasmosis was verified, with additional affected tissues comprising lungs and spleen. The Labrador Retriever mix responded clinically and clinicopathologically to antifungal therapy, though no abdominal imaging was performed to definitively exclude the possibility of a congenital portosystemic shunt. In retrospect, several features were more compatible with histoplasmosis than portosystemic shunt in these cases, including hyperbilirubinemia, effusion, and hepatomegaly. These findings serve as a reminder of the need to interpret serum biochemical findings in the context of the totality of the clinicopathologic data and imaging findings, as well as the diagnostic value of microscopy in the evaluation of hematologic and body cavity fluid samples.

Concurrent hepatopathy in dogs with gallbladder mucocele: Prevalence, predictors, and impact on long-term outcome

BACKGROUND

Information is limited regarding the prevalence and importance of hepatic histologic abnormalities in dogs with gallbladder mucocele (GBM).

OBJECTIVES

To (a) report prevalence of hepatic histologic abnormalities in dogs with GBM (b) evaluate for association between hepatic abnormalities and outcome in dogs with GBM (c) evaluate whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) differs in dogs with GBM with and without specific hepatic lesions.

ANIMALS

Fifty-two dogs with grossly and histologically confirmed GBM.

METHODS

Multicenter, retrospective study of dogs with GBM undergoing cholecystectomy with concurrent liver biopsy. Archived histological sections of gallbladder and liver evaluated by investigators blinded to data. Proportions of dogs with each histologic abnormality alive vs deceased at 1, 3, and 12 months post-cholecystectomy compared. Mann-Whitney U performed to determine if NLR differed in dogs with or without selected lesions.

RESULTS

51/52 (98%, 95% CI [89%, 99%]) dogs with GBM had at least 1 hepatic histologic abnormality. Hepatic fibrosis (37/51; 73%, 95% CI [59%, 83%]), biliary hyperplasia (29/52; 56%, 95% CI [42%, 68%]), and portal inflammation (25/52; 48%, 95% CI [35%, 61%]) were most common. The proportion of dogs alive vs dead differed based on the fibrosis score at 1, 3, and 12 (P ≤ .04) months post-cholecystectomy. Dogs with hepatic necrosis (P = .006) and cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis (P = .02) had higher NLRs compared to dogs without these lesions.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Histologic abnormalities of the liver are common in dogs with GBM. A higher portal fibrosis score might be associated with shortened long-term survival after cholecystectomy for dogs with GBM. An increase in NLR might predict hepatic necrosis and cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis in dogs with GBM.

Low alanine aminotransferase activity gene variant in a Siberian Husky with copper-associated hepatopathy

BACKGROUND

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is commonly used as a marker of hepatocellular injury. Increased serum ALT activity due to hepatocyte injury occurs in copper-associated hepatopathy (CuCH) and other necroinflammatory liver conditions. Blood ALT concentrations are frequently used to monitor therapy in cases of CuCH. Low serum ALT activities have been associated with an allele at a CFA13 locus.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 9-year-old female spayed Siberian Husky was diagnosed with CuCH (hepatic copper dry weight 2680 µg/g [normal, 120-400 µg/g; toxic, > 1500 µg/g]) and a normal ALT (78 U/L; reference range, 10-125 U/L). Mild hepatocellular necrosis was evident histologically. Genetic testing (Embark) revealed that the dog was heterozygous for the low ALT activity gene allele.

CONCLUSIONS

This case report illustrates the clinical implications for diagnosing and managing necroinflammatory liver disease such as CuCH in dogs with a low ALT activity genotype.

Fetotoxicity and Subacute Toxicity of Some Plants Involved in the Treatment of Infectious Diarrhea in Benin

This study aimed to provide data on the subacute toxicity and fetotoxicity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalziel, Anacardium occidentale L., Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC., Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss., Ocimum gratissimum L., Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir., and Manihot esculenta Crantz used in the treatment of diarrheal diseases in Benin. For subacute toxicity, each male and female Wistar rat received by esophageal gavage a maximum of 1000 mg/kg over 28 days following the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guideline No. 407. Bodyweight changes, biochemical and hematological parameters were assessed. The fetotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated on Dutch Blue hen eggs at 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. The hatching rate, biochemical and hematological constants were subsequently determined. The subacute toxicity data did not indicate any mortality or signs of toxicity. Also, no significant difference in the bodyweight of the rats and the hematological parameters was noted. Concerning fetotoxicity, a low hatching rate (varying from 20% to 50%) was observed in the batches treated with the extracts at 300mg/kg compared to the rate obtained in the negative control batch (80%). The batches that received the hydroethanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina and Manihot esculenta at the tested doses had a hatching rate of 0%. When looking at hematological parameters, no significant difference was noted for all batches. However, an increase in the Aspartate Amino-Transferase (ASAT) values was noted in the batches that received the hydroethanolic extract of Khaya senegalensis and the aqueous extract of Diospyros mespiliformis at 100 and 300 mg/kg. These results explicitly show that the hydroethanolic extracts of Manihot esculenta and Vernonia amygdalina are fetotoxic at the tested doses.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and C-reactive protein and plasma von Willebrand concentrations in 23 dogs with chronic hepatopathies

BACKGROUND

Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)VD) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and von Willebrand's factor (vWF) concentration correlate with histopathologic disease grade and stage in chronic inflammatory and fibrotic hepatopathies (CH) in humans.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate serum 25(OH)VD and serum CRP concentrations and plasma vWF concentration and determine if they correlate with histopathologic and biochemical variables in dog with CH.

ANIMALS

Twenty-three client-owned dogs with a histopathologic diagnosis of CH were prospectively enrolled.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected before liver biopsy. Correlations between biomarkers and clinical pathological and histopathologic variables were evaluated using Pearson's or Spearman's test.

RESULTS

Serum 25(OH)VD concentration (median, 213 nmol/L; range, 42-527 nmol/L) was negatively correlated with serum aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST; rho = -0.59, P < .01), polymorphonuclear neutrophil count (PMN; r = -0.46, P < .05), and positively correlated with serum albumin concentration (r = 0.69, P < .001). Serum CRP concentration (median, 7.4 μg/L; range, 1-44.9 μg/L) was positively correlated with overall histopathologic necroinflammatory activity (r = 0.78, P < .001) and fibrosis score (rho = 0.49, P < .05). Plasma vWF concentration (median, 73.3%; range, 15-141%) was positively correlated with fibrosis score (r = 0.53, P < .05) and prothrombin time (rho = 0.67, P < .01), and negatively correlated with serum albumin concentration (r = -0.73, P < .001).

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

In dogs with CH, serum 25(OH)VD concentration was negatively correlated with disease activity, whereas serum CRP concentration and plasma vWF concentration were positively correlated with histopathologic grade and stage. Our results provide preliminary evidence that these biomarkers may be useful to assess grade and stage of CH in dogs in the absence of liver biopsy.

Mefepronic acid is associated with a decrease in serum liver enzyme activities in dogs with suspected hepatopathy

Although suspected hepatopathy in dogs can be assessed by the blood levels of both liver enzyme activities and functional liver parameters, very often the precise diagnosis of primary or secondary hepatobiliary diseases can remain uncertain. Therefore, in a number of patients, the therapeutic intervention has the purpose of slowing the progression of fibrosis and provide for optimal hepatic support. Recently the PPARs (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors) have been identified as a family of hepatic nuclear hormonal receptors, involved in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. The aim of this work is to assess the effect of mefepronic acid (PMPA), a PPAR agonist, on liver enzyme markers in blood samples of dogs with suspected hepatopathies. Twenty dogs, with suspected hepatopathies, were divided into two groups: ten of them received subcutaneously daily 10 mg/kg of PMPA for 7 days (treated, group T), while the remaining dogs were treated with a conventional supportive treatment for hepatopathies consisting of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) 10 mg/kg PO SID for 45 days (control, group C). PMPA yielded a faster decrease in liver enzyme activities compared to UDCA, that in most cases was maintained after the suspension of the treatment. These data suggest that PMPA might be considered as supportive treatment for dogs with suspected hepatopathy.

α-mangostin preserves hepatic microvascular architecture in fibrotic rats as shown by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts

Liver fibrosis is a dynamic condition caused by wound-healing in which scar tissue replaces the liver parenchyma following repetitive injuries. It is hypothesized that α-mangostin (AM), the major constituent of the xanthone fraction in extracts of Garcinia mangostana L., may protect the hepatic microvascular bed from thioacetamide (TAA)-induced fibrosis. In the present study, rats were divided into 4 groups: Control rats received no treatment; TAA-treated rats received 150 mg/kg TAA 3 times per week intraperitoneally; AM-treated rats received 75 mg/kg AM twice per week intraperitoneally; and TAA+AM-treated rats received both TAA and AM as described above. Rat livers were processed either for light microscopy or for vascular corrosion casting after 30 and 60 days of treatment. Vascular parameters were measured by 3D morphometry analysis of scanning electron micrographs. AM attenuated hepatocellular injuries and delayed both periportal and pericentral fibrosis in the TAA-treated rats. The comparison of findings at day 30 and 60 showed that TAA-induced fibrotic changes were progressive in time, and that the beneficial effects of AM only became apparent after prolonged treatment. The livers of rats treated with both TAA and AM had less space surrounding the portal vessels, improved preservation of the hepatic microvascular pattern, and minimally altered sinusoidal patterns with few signs of terminal portal venule remodeling. AM therefore partially protected the liver against hepatotoxin-induced fibrosis and the associated microvascular changes. The mechanism of the protective effect of AM on the liver remains to be investigated.

Cfa-miRNAs-122 and -21 as modern biomarkers of primary hepatitis in dogs

Primary hepatitis (PH) is one of the most frequently diagnosed hepatic diseases in dogs. Its popular forms are acute hepatitis (AH) and chronic active hepatitis (CAH) which can progress to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. This investigation aimed to evaluate the use of hepatocyte released Canine familiaris miRNAs(cfamiR)-122 and -21 as serum biological markers for the early and reliable diagnosis of PH and to reveal the onset of hepatic fibrosis. After the ultrasonographic and histological examination, fifteen healthy dogs were involved in the study as control group to compare with other thirty dogs confirmed to have AH or CAH (n = 15). Activity of liver enzymes as well as serum level of globulin and total bilirubin were significantly elevated in AH (P 0.001) and CAH (P 0.01) groups whereas, serum level of total protein, albumin, BUN and A/G ratio were significantly lowered in both PH groups (P 0.01) compared to control. Cfa-miR-122 significantly expressed in AH (P 0.001) and CAH (P 0.01) and exhibited a potential significance in distinguishing these groups from control with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.98 and 0.96, respectively. Additionally, cfa-miR-122 displayed a potential role in distinguishing AH (P 0.05) from CAH group with an AUC of 0.85. Cfa-miR-21 was only expressed in dogs of CAH group and displayed a potential role in distinguishing this group (P 0.001) from AH and healthy groups with an AUC of 0.99 and 0.88, respectively. Therefore, cfa-miR-122 can be significantly expressed in dogs with two forms of PH whereas, cfa-miR-21 could be potentially enhanced only in chronic form of PH and may act as new non-invasive biomarker for distinguishing AH from CAH.

Inflammatory response and MAPK and NF-κB pathway activation induced by natural street rabies virus infection in the brain tissues of dogs and humans

BACKGROUND

Street rabies virus (RABV) usually infects hosts at peripheral sites and migrates from motor or sensory nerves to the central nervous system. Several studies have found that inflammation is mild in a mouse model of street RABV infection. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms of street RABV in naturally infected dogs or humans are not well understood.

METHODS

Brain tissues collected from 3 dogs and 3 humans were used; these tissue samples were collected under the natural condition of rabies-induced death. The inflammatory response and pathway activation in the brain tissue samples of dogs and humans were evaluated by HE, IHC, ARY006, WB and ELISA. The clinical isolate street RABV strains CGS-17 and CXZ-15 from 30 six-week-old ICR mice were used to construct the mouse infection model presented here.

RESULTS

Neuronal degeneration and increased lymphocyte infiltration in the cerebral cortex, especially marked activation of microglia, formation of glial nodules, and neuronophagy, were observed in the dogs and humans infected with the street RABV strains. The various levels of proinflammatory chemokines, particularly CXCL1, CXCL12, CCL2, and CCL5, were increased significantly in the context of infection with street RABV strains in dogs and humans in relation to healthy controls, and the levels of MAPK and NF-κB phosphorylation were also increased in dogs and humans with natural infection. We also found that the degrees of pathological change, inflammatory response, MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway activation were obviously increased during natural infection in dogs and humans compared with artificial model infection in mice.

CONCLUSION

The data obtained here provide direct evidence for the RABV-induced activation of the inflammatory response in a dog infection model, which is a relatively accurate reflection of the pathogenic mechanism of human street RABV infection. These observations provide insight into the precise roles of underlying mechanisms in fatal natural RABV infection.

Liver and spleen elastography of dogs affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and its correlation with clinical biomarkers

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is correlated to alterations in liver and spleen elasticity. Forty-eight brachycephalic and 22 mesocephalic dogs were submitted to a BOAS functional assessment, laboratory tests, abdominal ultrasound and liver and spleen Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography. Dogs clinically affected by BOAS had higher values of liver stiffness (p < 0.001) than healthy dogs: medial lobes (1.57 ± 0.37 m/s), left and right lateral lobes (1.54 ± 0.50 m/s, 1.23 ± 0.28 m/s, respectively) and caudate lobe (1.28 ± 0.42 m/s). Compared to the mesocephalic group, the brachycephalic group (BOAS clinically affected and unaffected dogs) had higher spleen (2.51 ± 0.45 m/s; p < 0.001) and liver stiffness (p < 0.001): medial lobes (1.53 ± 0.37 m/s), left and right lateral lobes (1.47 ± 0.47 m/s, 1.20 ± 0.30 m/s, respectively) and caudate lobe (1.23 ± 0.40 m/s). Principal component analysis explained 70% of the variances composed by liver stiffness increase, erythrocytes and alanine aminotransferase reduction. Brachycephalic dogs had higher spleen and liver stiffness and a subacute inflammatory state, which represent another BOAS systemic effect. Consequently, these dogs can be at higher risk of hepatic disorders compared with mesocephalic dogs, similarly to humans affected by sleep apnea syndrome.

Intrahepatic biliary strictures after liver transplantation are morphologically similar to primary sclerosing cholangitis but immunologically distinct

OBJECTIVE

Biliary strictures are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in primary hepatic disease and after liver transplantation (LT). We aimed to characterize inflammatory cytokines in biliary fluids in biliary strictures to investigate their immunological origin.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study on 72 patients with strictures after LT, eight patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and 15 patients with secondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC). We measured cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, -4, -6, -10, -17, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ as well as biochemical components such as protein and phospholipids in biliary fluid obtained from endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). Cell viability assays were performed on human cholangiocytes (H69) after being treated with IL-6, IL-4 and IFN-γ.

RESULTS

Bile of patients with diffuse strictures after LT or due to SSC showed low values of all measured cytokines except for IL-6 levels, which were largely elevated in patients with diffuse strictures after LT. Patients high in biliary IL-6 showed an increase in profibrotic markers FGF-2 and MCP-1. In contrast, PSC bile was dominated by a Th1/Th17 profile with elevated IL-2, IL-17 and IFN-γ. In LT patients with biliary strictures, biliary IL-6 negatively predicted retransplantation-free survival after ERC.

CONCLUSION

PSC patients showed a biliary Th1/Th17 cytokine profile, while SSC and diffuse strictures showed low values of cytokines except IL-6. In diffuse intrahepatic strictures after LT, biliary IL-6 is strongly associated with retransplantation-free survival after ERC.

Neutrophilia is associated with a poorer clinical outcome in dogs with chronic hepatitis

BACKGROUND

Liver disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. Currently, it is challenging to prognosticate in these cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of the haematological variables in dogs with chronic hepatitis.

METHODS

Dogs with chronic hepatitis confirmed on histopathology had presenting haematological values retrospectively obtained and evaluated against survival time. Eighty-two dogs met the inclusion criteria and their data analysed.

RESULTS

Neutrophilic patients, with a count greater than 12×10⁹/l, controlled for sex and age, had a shorter survival time (P≤0.01). In dogs, neutrophilia at presentation predicted a poor outcome, whereas the other haematological parameters were not prognostically informative. When the dogs were split into even quarters on the basis of their neutrophil count, those within the higher quartiles had poorer survival times. Neutrophilia was associated with a poorer survival time in comparison to those patients with a lower count.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between neutrophils, inflammation and clinical outcome is deserving of future study in dogs with chronic hepatitis.

Biomarkers in Stress Related Diseases/Disorders: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Values

Various internal and external factors negatively affect the homeostatic equilibrium of organisms at the molecular to the whole-body level, inducing the so-called state of stress. Stress affects an organism's welfare status and induces energy-consuming mechanisms to combat the subsequent ill effects; thus, the individual may be immunocompromised, making them vulnerable to pathogens. The information presented here has been extensively reviewed, compiled, and analyzed from authenticated published resources available on Medline, PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, and other scientific databases. Stress levels can be monitored by the quantitative and qualitative measurement of biomarkers. Potential markers of stress include thermal stress markers, such as heat shock proteins (HSPs), innate immune markers, such as Acute Phase Proteins (APPs), oxidative stress markers, and chemical secretions in the saliva and urine. In addition, stress biomarkers also play critical roles in the prognosis of stress-related diseases and disorders, and therapy guidance. Moreover, different components have been identified as potent mediators of cardiovascular, central nervous system, hepatic, and nephrological disorders, which can also be employed to evaluate these conditions precisely, but with stringent validation and specificity. Considerable scientific advances have been made in the detection, quantitation, and application of these biomarkers. The present review describes the current progress of identifying biomarkers, their prognostic, and therapeutic values.

Biomarkers in Stress Related Diseases/Disorders: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Values

Various internal and external factors negatively affect the homeostatic equilibrium of organisms at the molecular to the whole-body level, inducing the so-called state of stress. Stress affects an organism's welfare status and induces energy-consuming mechanisms to combat the subsequent ill effects; thus, the individual may be immunocompromised, making them vulnerable to pathogens. The information presented here has been extensively reviewed, compiled, and analyzed from authenticated published resources available on Medline, PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, and other scientific databases. Stress levels can be monitored by the quantitative and qualitative measurement of biomarkers. Potential markers of stress include thermal stress markers, such as heat shock proteins (HSPs), innate immune markers, such as Acute Phase Proteins (APPs), oxidative stress markers, and chemical secretions in the saliva and urine. In addition, stress biomarkers also play critical roles in the prognosis of stress-related diseases and disorders, and therapy guidance. Moreover, different components have been identified as potent mediators of cardiovascular, central nervous system, hepatic, and nephrological disorders, which can also be employed to evaluate these conditions precisely, but with stringent validation and specificity. Considerable scientific advances have been made in the detection, quantitation, and application of these biomarkers. The present review describes the current progress of identifying biomarkers, their prognostic, and therapeutic values.

Use of serum biomarkers in staging of canine hepatic fibrosis

Accurate staging of hepatic fibrosis (HF) is important for treatment and prognosis of canine chronic hepatitis. HF scores are used in human medicine to indirectly stage and monitor HF, decreasing the need for liver biopsy. We developed a canine HF score to screen for moderate or greater HF. We included 96 dogs in our study, including 5 healthy dogs. A liver biopsy for histologic examination and a biochemistry profile were performed on all dogs. The dogs were randomly split into a training set of 58 dogs and a validation set of 38 dogs. A HF score that included alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, potassium, and gamma-glutamyl transferase was developed in the training set. Model performance was confirmed using the internal validation set, and was similar to the performance in the training set. The overall sensitivity and specificity for the study group were 80% and 70% respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.80 (0.71-0.90). This HF score could be used for indirect diagnosis of canine HF when biochemistry panels are performed on the Konelab 30i (Thermo Scientific), using reagents as in our study. External validation is required to determine if the score is sufficiently robust to utilize biochemical results measured in other laboratories with different instruments and methodologies.

Ammonium tetrathiomolybdate treatment of copper-associated hepatopathy in dogs

Background

Copper‐associated hepatopathy (CAH) is a common cause of liver disease in dogs. Although d‐penicillamine can be an effective treatment, some dogs fail treatment or develop adverse effects. Ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (TTM) has been used to treat pathologic copper accumulation in other species, but its therapeutic potential for CAH is unknown.

Objectives

To investigate short‐term safety and efficacy of TTM for treatment of CAH.

Animals

Ten dogs with CAH.

Methods

Prospective study. All dogs were treated with TTM PO for 6 weeks, and hepatic biopsies were performed after the treatment course. Dog experiencing initial decreases in hepatic copper concentrations ([Cu]_H) received 6 additional weeks of TTM treatment and underwent 1 additional biopsy. Physical and laboratory examinations were performed every 2 weeks for study duration.

Results

Eight of 10 dogs had decreases in [Cu]_H. Compared to baseline (median, 1606 μg/g; range, 572‐5158 μg/g), [Cu]_H were decreased at 6 weeks (1033 μg/g, 450‐2975 μg/g; P = .04) and 12 weeks (931 μg/g, 218‐1677 μg/g; P = .02). Hepatic molybdenum concentrations increased >50‐fold (P < 0.001). Changes in histologic scores and hematologic and biochemical test results were variable and not significantly different from baseline. One dog developed presumed immune‐mediated anemia and thrombocytopenia, but it was unclear if this was related to TTM administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Results suggest that TTM can effectively decrease [Cu]_H in some dogs with CAH. Larger studies are needed to determine the overall safety and efficacy of TTM for treating CAH and how it compares with current treatments.

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.