Investigation of Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 Concentrations as Biomarkers in Dogs with Neurological Distemper

Canine distemper, caused by <i>Morbillivirus canis</i>, is a highly morbid and lethal disease characterized by multiple systemic and neurological signs. In recent years, biomarkers, such as Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1, have been investigated in inflammatory and degenerative diseases. However, the role of these biomarkers in neurological distemper has not been investigated. The aim of this study is to compare blood serum Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 concentrations between the neurological distemper and control group, and to evaluate the correlations of these biomarkers with hematobiochemical parameters in dogs with neurological distemper. Nineteen owned dogs (13 diagnosed with neurological distemper and 6 controls) were included in the study. Hematobiochemical analyses were performed in all dogs, and Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 concentrations were measured using ELISA. Serum concentrations of Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 were markedly elevated in dogs with neurological distemper compared to the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). A negative correlation between Galectin-3 and monocytes (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and a positive correlation between Galectin-3 and platelet and platelecrit levels (<i>p</i> < 0.05) were observed. There was negative correlation with Cardiotrophin-1 and lymphocyte percentage (<i>p</i> < 0.01) and a positive correlation with Cardiotrophin-1 and granulocyte percentage (<i>p</i> < 0.01). Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 may serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis and understanding of neurological distemper pathogenesis. Elevated serum concentrations of these biomarkers may indicate underlying neuroinflammation. This may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurological distemper.