Acute Phase Proteins, Lipid Profile and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Healthy and Bronchopneumonic Water Buffalo Calves

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of Acute Phase Proteins (APP), lipid profiles and proinflammatory cytokines in healthy and bronchopneumonic water buffalo calves. Therefore, sixty water buffalo calves (9±1 month old, 175±15 kg) were divided into two equal groups, the first group represented healthy, control, calves whereas calves of the second group were affected with bronchopneumonia. Total leukocytic and differential counts were determined. Serum total protein, albumin, Triacylglyceol (TAG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), Total cholesterol, Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT), Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Fibrinogen (Fb), Haptaglobin (Hp), Serum Amyloid A (SAA), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukins (IL1β, IL-12) and Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) were also determined. In addition, Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) was collected and analyzed. The present findings indicated that, total leukocytic and neutrophils counts were significantly (p<0.05) higher in pneumonic water buffalo calves compare with control. The examined biochemical parameters were significantly (p<0.05) increased in pneumonic calves except for total protein, albumin, cholesterol and HDL-c which were significantly (p<0.05) lower compare with control. Serum concentrations of investigated APP and proinflammatory cytokines were significantly (p<0.05) higher in pneumonic water buffalo calves than those of control. The present study demonstrated that, APP, lipid profile and proinflammatory cytokines perhaps served as biomarkers of bronchopneumonia in water buffalo calves. However, future studies with higher baseline sampling are still needed to establish and validate reference values for APP and cytokines in water buffalo calves.