Relationship between cobalamin-dependent metabolites and both serum albumin and alpha1 -proteinase inhibitor concentrations in hypocobalaminemic dogs of 7 different breeds.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Increased serum concentrations of homocysteine (HCY) and methylmalonic acid (MMA), the 2 main cobalamin-dependent metabolites, as well as decreased serum albumin and canine alpha1 -proteinase inhibitor (c&#x3b1;1 -PI) concentrations have previously been described in hypocobalaminemic dogs with gastrointestinal disease. However, no studies have been conducted to evaluate potential relationships between these serum biomarkers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between HCY and MMA, 2 cobalamin-dependent metabolites, and both serum albumin and c&#x3b1;1 -PI concentrations in hypocobalaminemic dogs. METHODS: Serum samples from 285 dogs including 7 different breeds (Beagle, Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Chinese Shar-Pei, and Yorkshire Terrier) with hypocobalaminemia were used. Serum HCY, MMA, albumin, and c&#x3b1;1 -PI concentrations were determined. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between serum HCY and albumin concentrations, as well as serum HCY and c&#x3b1;1 -PI concentrations (&#x3c1;&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.62 and &#x3c1;&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.37, respectively; P&#xa0;<&#xa0;.0001). No correlations were observed between serum MMA and albumin concentrations, or c&#x3b1;1 -PI concentrations (&#x3c1;&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.01 and &#x3c1;&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.08, respectively; P&#xa0;>&#xa0;.05). In addition, significant breed-specific correlations were observed between serum MMA and albumin concentrations in German Shepherds, and serum HCY and MMA concentrations in Chinese Shar-Peis with hypocobalaminemia. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a correlation between serum albumin and c&#x3b1;1 -PI and HCY concentrations, but not with serum MMA concentration in dogs with hypocobalaminemia. In addition, significant breed-specific correlations were observed between serum MMA and albumin concentrations in German Shepherds, as well as serum HCY and MMA concentrations in Chinese Shar-Peis, emphasizing the unique metabolic interactions in those dog breeds affected by hypocobalaminemia.