Serum concentration of high density lipoproteins (HDLs) in leishmaniotic dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Biochemistry
• Immunology

Background:

• Canine leishmaniasis is a significant parasitic disease with complex pathophysiological changes.
• Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in the progression of leishmaniasis.
• High density lipoproteins (HDLs) possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in HDL cholesterol (HDL-Chol, HDL%), C-reactive protein (CRP), and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) in dogs with leishmaniasis before and after treatment.
• To explore the relationship between HDL parameters, inflammation markers, and oxidative stress in affected dogs.

Main Methods:

• Sera from 10 control dogs and 10 leishmaniotic dogs were analyzed.
• Leishmaniotic dogs were sampled before and at multiple time points after treatment with antimonials and allopurinol.
• Measurements included HDL-Chol, HDL%, CRP, and PON-1 activity.

Main Results:

• Leishmaniotic dogs exhibited lower HDL-Chol and PON-1 levels compared to controls.
• HDL-Chol and PON-1 levels significantly increased after treatment.
• HDL-Chol and HDL% showed positive correlations with PON-1 and negative correlations with CRP.

Conclusions:

• HDL levels and PON-1 activity are reduced in canine leishmaniasis, indicating increased oxidative stress.
• Treatment reverses these changes, suggesting a role for HDLs in disease recovery.
• HDLs may serve as a valuable biomarker for monitoring oxidative stress and inflammation in leishmaniotic dogs.