Serum concentrations of acute phase proteins in clinically stable dogs at different stages of chronic kidney disease

The determination of the acute phase protein (APP) profile in clinically stable dogs at different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was the objective of this study. Five groups of dogs, aged between 5 and 18 years, were evaluated: control (n=10), consisting of healthy dogs; CKD stage 1 (CKD-1, n=8); CKD stage 2 (CKD-2, n=10); CKD stage 3 (CKD-3, n=9); and CKD stage 4 (CKD-4, n=8). Classification was based on serum creatinine levels: 1.01 ± 0.04 mg/dL, 1.06 ± 0.17 mg/dL, 1.81 ± 0.10 mg/dL, 3.58 ± 0.87 mg/dL, and 6.09 ± 0.80 mg/dL, respectively. The APP profile was analyzed using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and data were subjected to ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (P<0.05). The concentrations of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, and haptoglobin showed no significant differences between groups. However, serum albumin levels were significantly reduced in CKD-3 and CKD-4 groups, and α1-acid glycoprotein levels were reduced in CKD-2 and CKD-3 groups. α1-antitrypsin levels were significantly lower in the CKD-3 group. It is concluded that with the progression of CKD, specific changes occur in the PFA profile.