Investigation of Biomarkers Secreted from Adipose Tissue in Cattle Infected with Theileria annulata

Theileria annulata (T. annulata) is a parasite that causes tropical theileriosis, affecting around 250 million cattle in regions such as Turkey, Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia. Anemia, a primary symptom of T. annulata infection, is critical to understanding the disease’s pathogenesis. Adipokines secreted from adipose tissue serve as signaling molecules influencing various systems, including energy metabolism and coagulation. This study aims to investigate the role of adipose tissue secretions (adiponectin, leptin, resistin, omentin-1) in the pathogenesis of the disease by evaluating the symptoms of anemia and inflammation associated with tropical theileriosis. The study involved 40 cattle, including 32 infected with T. annulata and eight healthy cattle. Hematological tests and measurements of serum adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and omentin-1 levels were conducted using ELISA kits. Adiponectin (p = 0.002) and omentin-1 (p = 0.001) levels were significantly higher in the infected groups compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were found in leptin and resistin levels between the infected and control groups. Adiponectin exhibited a moderate negative correlation with HCT (p = 0.011, r = −0.397) and RBC (p = 0.033, r = −0.338). A moderate negative correlation was found between HCT concentration and omentin-1 (p = 0.039, r = −0.328). The findings of this study suggest that the levels of adiponectin and omentin-1 are associated with T. annulata infection in cattle and that these adipokines may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of tropical theileriosis. These biomarkers may also have potential diagnostic value in the diagnosis of T. annulata infection.