Acute-Phase Proteins and Iron Status in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

R Javard1, C Grimes2, L Bau-Gaudreault2

  • 1Companion Animal Research Group, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.

Insights

Inflammation and altered iron metabolism are linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. Elevated hepcidin and serum amyloid A (SAA) indicate these changes, potentially contributing to anemia in feline CKD.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The role of inflammation in feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well understood.
  • Hepcidin, an acute-phase protein (APP), impacts iron metabolism and anemia in human CKD.
  • This study investigates inflammation and iron status in cats with CKD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare serum APP concentrations, iron status, and erythropoietin (EPO) in healthy cats versus cats with naturally occurring CKD.
  • To explore the relationship between inflammation markers and iron metabolism in feline CKD.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 18 healthy cats and 38 cats with CKD.
  • Measured serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (HAP), EPO, iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC).
  • Quantified serum hepcidin-25 using an ELISA kit.

Main Results:

  • Cats with CKD showed significantly higher SAA and hepcidin, and lower iron and TIBC.
  • Elevated SAA and hepcidin correlated with decreased TIBC and hematocrit in CKD cats.
  • Anemia (37% of CKD cats) was associated with lower TIBC, suggesting functional iron deficiency.

Conclusions:

  • Feline CKD is associated with systemic inflammation and disturbed iron metabolism.
  • Hepcidin and SAA may serve as indicators of inflammation in feline CKD.
  • Further validation of hepcidin assays could enhance understanding of these relationships in cats.
Abstract

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