Research on acute phase proteins and inflammatory cytokines biomarkers in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) with clinical endometritis

Uterine diseases are prevalent in camels and lead to economic losses because of decreased fertility. The aim of this study is to look into the expression patterns of acute-phase proteins (APPs) and inflammatory cytokines in dromedary camels with clinical endometritis (CE) to highlight their role in the immune pathogenesis of the disease. Moreover, to identify the use of these parameters as a complementary tool for CE screening as well as investigate the efficacy of ceftiofur antibiotic, APPs and inflammatory cytokines were estimated in camels with CE. Values of APPs (Hp, SAA, and Fg), pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) were higher in camels with CE than in healthy controls (P < 0.05). The strongest correlations were observed between HP and IFN-γ (r = 0.73) and IL-1β and IL-6 (r = 0.73), while the weakest correlations were observed between Fg and IFN-γ (r = 0.25). Corynebacterium pyogenes and Arcanobacterium pyogenes were the most common pathogens involved in the etiology of CE. All investigated biomarkers demonstrated a high degree of recognition between CE camel and healthy controls (AUC was > 0.90). A higher proportion of camels with CE that were treated with ceftiofur (90%, P < 0.0001) scored clinical cures after the first dose, while 10% required a second dose. In conclusion, CE causes increased APPs and inflammatory cytokine biomarkers, indicating a significant acute phase response in diseased camels with CE. These changes in biomarkers could be beneficial for understanding the immune pathogenesis of CE in dromedary camels, clinical practice, and basic clinical research.