Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 21
Serum Amyloid A, Fibrinogen, and Haptoglobin
as Inflammation Markers in the Horse:
Preliminary Results
S. Prato, F. Passamonti, C. Tamantini, M. Cercone, S. Nannarone, C. Bazzica,
R. Gialletti, C. Maggio, I. Cerasoli, A. Di Meo, and M. Pepe
Abstract The early detection and monitoring of inflammation is a primary chal-
lenge in veterinary medicine. The circulating concentrations of acute-phase
proteins may provide an objective measure of both the severity of insult and the
intensity of inflammatory responses in the horse. A clinical study on the possible
role of serum amyloid A (SAA), fibrinogen, and haptoglobin as inflammation
markers in the horse was conducted in 40 horses, with a significant correlation
emerging between the patterns of SAA concentrations and clinical assessments of
the patients being monitored during their hospitalization. The results of this prelim-
inary study support the use of SAA as an important parameter at diagnostic,
prognostic, and therapeutic stages. The sequential levels of SAA appear to be
particularly useful in the postintervention monitoring of surgical patients.
Keywords Acute phase proteins • Equine • Fibrinogen • Serum amyloid A
21.1
Introduction
The immediate detection of an inflammatory response and the monitoring of its
clinical course are primary challenges for veterinary medicine (Crisman et al.
2008
). The search for early inflammation markers has therefore been an important
focus of both veterinary and human medical research. Special attention has been on
S. Prato (
*
) • C. Tamantini • M. Cercone • S. Nannarone • C. Bazzica • R. Gialletti • C. Maggio •
I.Cerasoli • A. Di Meo • M. Pepe
Sezione di Chirurgia e Radiodiagnostica del Dipartimento di Patologia, Diagnostica e Clinica
Veterinaria, Universit` di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
e-mail:
Stefanop@sidint.org
F. Passamonti
Sezione di scienze sperimentali e biotecnologie applicate del Dipartimento di Patologia,
Diagnostica e Clinica Veterinaria, Universit` di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
