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Acute phase proteins in dogs and cats: current knowledge and future perspectives
Jose Joaquýn Ceron1, Peter David Eckersall, Silvia Martýnez-Subiela
1Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Spain. jjceron@um.es
Veterinary Clinical Pathology
|May 20, 2005
Summary
Acute phase proteins (APPs) are key indicators of inflammation in pets. Monitoring APPs in dogs and cats aids in diagnosing and managing inflammatory conditions, with future automated assays promising wider clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- The acute phase response is a physiological reaction to tissue injury.
- Acute phase proteins (APPs) are plasma proteins with altered concentrations during inflammation.
- Positive APPs increase (e.g., C-reactive protein), while negative APPs decrease (e.g., albumin).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the acute phase response in veterinary medicine.
- To discuss the clinical applications of monitoring APPs in dogs and cats.
- To explore the diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring potential of APPs.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on APPs in dogs and cats.
- Discussion of biochemical characteristics and assays for APPs.
- Analysis of preanalytic and analytic factors affecting APP results.
Main Results:
- APPs are valuable biomarkers for inflammation and infection in small animals.
- Monitoring APP concentrations can aid in treatment efficacy assessment.
- Current assays and interpretation require careful consideration of influencing factors.
Conclusions:
- APP monitoring offers significant diagnostic and prognostic value in veterinary medicine.
- Future development of automated, cost-effective assays will enhance APP utility.
- APPs are promising biomarkers for infection and inflammatory lesions in dogs and cats.