Assessment of Doppler Ultrasonography and Hepatocyte MiRNA-122 for the Diagnosis of Acetaminophen-induced Acute Hepatic Injury in Dogs

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of Doppler ultrasound parameters of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and interlobar artery as well as the potential use of miRNA-122 for the diagnosis of acetaminophen-induced acute hepatic injury in dogs. Ten healthy mongrel dogs were orally administered 200 mg/kg body weight of acetaminophen daily for ten days. Clinical, Biochemical, Ultrasonographic, and Doppler ultrasonographic examinations were performed for all dogs on zero day before induction, 3rd day, and the 10th day of induction. The results of the current study showed that depression, dullness, and jaundice signs appeared in dogs on the 10th day of induction. Significant increase (P<0.05) in the level of ALT, AST, ALP, BUN, Creatinine Cholesterol, triglycerides, and total bilirubin coincident with a significant decrease in levels of total protein, and albumin at the same time. The measurement of miRNA-122 showed its elevation at 6.34-fold on the 3rd day, and 9.64-fold on the 10th day of induction. Ultrasonographic findings revealed increased echogenicity of liver parenchyma on the 3rd day and 10th day of induction. The resistive index value of the portal vein, hepatic artery, and renal interlobar artery showed a significant increase(P<0.05) on the 3rd day, and 10th day of induction. The results of the current study revealed that Doppler ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic tool for early diagnosis of acute liver injury in dogs, and miRNA-122 could be used as a biomarker for early diagnosis of drug-induced acute liver injury in dogs.