Serum Amyloid A and Haptoglobin Levels in Cats with Gingivitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic gingivostomatitis has been associated with increases in α1-acid glycoprotein and serum haptoglobin (Hp) in cats. However, serum amyloid A (SAA) and Hp have not been previously evaluated in cats with uncomplicated gingivitis. OBJECTIVES: To compare SAA and Hp between cats with gingivitis and healthy cats, and to investigate the correlation between these two proteins and the severity of gingivitis. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Adult, FIV- and FeLV-seronegative cats were included. The cats were allocated into two age- and sex-matched groups. The case group included cats with gingivitis, and the control group included clinically and clinicopathologically healthy cats. The severity of gingivitis was assessed by the Total Mouth Periodontal Score (TMPS)-G index. Serum samples were used to measure SAA and Hp using a previously validated turbidimetric immunoassay and haemoglobin-binding method, respectively. The R statistical language was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 22 cats were included, 11 in each study group. The median (range) age of cats was 5.0 (3.0-11.0) years. The median Hp concentration was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in the case group (2.40 [0.72-4.44] g/L) compared with the control group (1.06 [0.50-1.42] g/L). A significant correlation was found between Hp and TMPS-G (rho = 0.636, p = 0.040). The SAA was below the detection limit (0.4 mg/L) in all samples of the control group and in 10/11 samples of the case group. CONCLUSIONS: Feline gingivitis is associated with increased Hp, suggesting the presence of an acute-phase reaction. Haptoglobin appears to be correlated with the severity of the disease.