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Veterinary research communications2023; 48(2); 1263-1269; doi: 10.1007/s11259-023-10280-1

Procalcitonin and carbonylated protein concentrations in equine synovial fluid.

Abstract: Early diagnosis of joint diseases is fundamental for prompt and appropriate management, particularly in septic arthritis. Procalcitonin (PCT) and protein carbonylated content (PCC) have been investigated in both human and veterinary medicine. An increase in PCT has been shown in infectious bacterial diseases, while higher levels of PCC have been shown in inflammatory pathologies characterized by oxidative damage. This study evaluated PCT and PCC in plasma and synovial fluid (SF), in healthy and pathological equine joints, affected by different types of arthropathy. Twenty-nine joints were evaluated and underwent orthopedic, radiographic, ultrasonographic and SF evaluation. The joints were divided in three groups: healthy, septic, and non-septic arthritis. PCT and PCC were measured in horse plasma and SF. Data distribution was evaluated and results were expressed as median, quartile values. Statistical differences in SF values among groups and correlations were assessed between plasma and SF of both PCT and PCC. The groups of joint disease included: 8/29 healthy, 13/29 non-septic and 8/29 septic. Significant differences were obtained for SF PCC and plasma PCT between healthy and septic joints, while no differences were found for plasma PCC and SF PCT. A positive correlation was found between plasma and SF PCT. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting PCT in equine SF. SF PCC could be a useful biomarker to differentiate between septic and healthy joints.
© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.
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Publication Date: 2023-12-21 PubMed ID: 38127161PubMed Central: 9293762DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10280-1Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The research explored the levels of protein procalcitonin (PCT) and carbonylated protein content (PCC) in the synovial fluid of horses to early diagnose joint disorders. The study revealed that PCT and PCC could serve as indicators of septic and non-septic arthritis in horses.

Overview of the Study

In order to diagnose joint diseases at early stages, this study investigated the concentration of procalcitonin (PCT) and carbonylated protein content (PCC) in equine synovial fluid (SF). The study aimed to explore the presence and significance of these protein markers in healthy and diseased equine joints with a focus on different types of arthropathy (joint disease).

  • For the study, a total of 29 equine joints were examined with methods including orthopedic assessment, radiography, ultrasonography, and evaluation of synovial fluid.
  • These joints were then categorized into three groups: healthy, septic (infectious) arthritis, and non-septic arthritis.
  • The concentrations of PCT and PCC were then measured in both the horses’ plasma and synovial fluid.

Results of the Study

The study identified significant differences of PCC in synovial fluid and PCT in plasma between healthy and septic equine joints.

  • Out of the 29 examined joints, 8 were healthy, 13 had non-septic arthritis, and 8 had septic arthritis.
  • Significant disparities were discovered in SF PCC and plasma PCT levels when comparing healthy and septic joints.
  • No significant difference was found in the levels of plasma PCC and SF PCT.
  • Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between the levels of PCT in plasma and synovial fluid.

Significance of the Study

This research is the first of its kind to report on the relation between PCT in equine synovial fluid and joint diseases, thereby contributing significantly to veterinary medicine.

  • The results suggest that PCC in synovial fluid could be utilized as a biomarker to differentiate between septic (infected) and healthy equine joints, aiding in early diagnosis and treatment of joint diseases.
  • Furthermore, this study provides new insights into the role of PCT and PCC in the context of equine joint health specifically, which could have broader implications for the understanding of joint health across different animal species.

Cite This Article

APA
Nocera I, Sgorbini M, Meucci V, Gracia-Calvo LA, Tapio H, Camisi M, Sala G, Citi S. (2023). Procalcitonin and carbonylated protein concentrations in equine synovial fluid. Vet Res Commun, 48(2), 1263-1269. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-023-10280-1

Publication

Veterinary research communications
ISSN: 1573-7446
NlmUniqueID: 8100520
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 48
Issue: 2
Pages: 1263-1269

Researcher Affiliations

Nocera, Irene
  • Institute of Health Sciences, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy. irene.nocera@vet.unipi.it.
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. irene.nocera@vet.unipi.it.
Sgorbini, Micaela
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Meucci, Valentina
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Gracia-Calvo, Luis A
  • Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Tapio, Heidi
  • Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Camisi, Marcello
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Sala, Giulia
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Citi, Simonetta
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Arthritis, Infectious / diagnosis
  • Arthritis, Infectious / veterinary
  • Biomarkers
  • Calcitonin
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horses
  • Procalcitonin
  • Protein Precursors
  • Synovial Fluid

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Yao J, Dai X, Yv X, Zheng L, Zheng J, Kuang B, Teng W, Yu W, Li M, Cao H, Zou W. The role of potential oxidative biomarkers in the prognosis of intracerebral hemorrhage and the exploration antioxidants as possible preventive and treatment options. Front Mol Biosci 2025;12:1541230.
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  2. Sala G, Boccardo A, Ferrulli V, Meucci V, De Marchi L, Sgorbini M, Castelli M, Pravettoni D, Bonelli F. Cross-sectional study: can endogenous procalcitonin differentiate between healthy and bovine respiratory disease-affected preweaned dairy calves?. Vet Q 2024 Dec;44(1):1-10.
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