Serum haptoglobin concentrations in dogs with liver disease

Abstract

Dogs with liver disease have been shown to have increased serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. However, it is unclear whether dogs with liver disease also have increased serum haptoglobin concentrations. The aim of the study was to measure serum haptoglobin concentrations in healthy dogs, hospitalised dogs and dogs with liver diseases. Haptoglobin concentrations were measured in 30 healthy dogs, 47 hospitalised dogs with non-hepatic illness, 46 dogs with congenital portosystemic shunt (cPSS) and 11 dogs with primary hepatopathy. Haptoglobin concentrations were not significantly different between cPSS dogs with and without hepatic encephalopathy (HE), thus all cPSS dogs were considered as one group. Haptoglobin concentrations were significantly different between the remaining groups (P<0.0001). Hospitalised ill dogs had significantly higher haptoglobin concentrations than healthy dogs (P<0.001), dogs with cPSS (P<0.001) and dogs with primary hepatopathy (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between haptoglobin concentrations in healthy dogs, dogs with cPSS and dogs with primary hepatopathy. Haptoglobin concentrations were not significantly increased in dogs with liver diseases or in dogs with cPSS and HE. This is in contrast with the previously reported CRP results. This study demonstrates that liver function should be considered when interpreting haptoglobin concentrations in dogs.

Acute phase proteins in dogs naturally infected with the Giant Kidney Worm (Dioctophyme renale)

“…Serum HP concentrations were measured via a hemoglobin binding assay previously validated for use in dogs . Serum CRP concentrations were determined by a commercial ELISA kit (cCRP; Avacta, York, UK) based on a previous assay validated for use in dogs .…”

“…Serum HP concentrations were measured via a hemoglobin binding assay previously validated for use in dogs. 28 Serum CRP concentrations were determined by a commercial ELISA kit (cCRP; Avacta, York, UK) based on a previous assay validated for use in dogs. 29 Serum amyloid A concentrations were measured using an automated latex agglutination turbidimetric assay, based on human monoclonal antibodies (SAA-1; EIKEN Chemical Co., Tokyo, Japan) previously validated for use in dogs.…”

Identification of serum biomarkers in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis canis using a proteomic approach

“…CRP and haptoglobin levels were determined using an automated analyser Pentra 400 (Horiba UK Ltd, Northampton, UK) using established methods (ReactivLab, Avacta Animal Health, Wetherby, UK) as described in Gow et al [11] and Crawford et al [12]. The canine CRP assay is an immunoturbidimetric assay.…”

“…Briefly, formed antibody-antigen complex is measured turbidimetrically by the spectrophotometer, and the absorbance is directly proportional to the amount of CRP present in the serum sample [11]. Haptoglobin was assayed with a biochemical assay in which a sample of serum is incubated with haemoglobin in addition of activator to form an Hp-Hb complex [12]. The pH is then reduced by addition of reagent which destroys the peroxidase activity of Hb, except for the Hb molecules bound to Hp.…”

“…The pH is then reduced by addition of reagent which destroys the peroxidase activity of Hb, except for the Hb molecules bound to Hp. The preservation of the peroxidase activity of the Hb is directly proportional to the amount of Hp present in the sample [12]. …”