Serum Amyloid, and Haptoglobin Concentartion Changes After Experimentally Induced Inflammation in Caspian Horses (Equus ferus caballus)

Vojdanifar, Nader; Safi, Shahabeddin; Rahimi Forushani, Abbas

doi:10.66224/ari.2026.372360.4073

Serum Amyloid, and Haptoglobin Concentartion Changes After Experimentally Induced Inflammation in Caspian Horses (Equus ferus caballus)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ Department of Pathobiology, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

10.66224/ari.2026.372360.4073

Abstract

Introduction:
The Caspian horse, one of the oldest and rarest breeds worldwide, originates from northern Iran. Although not listed as endangered by the IUCN, the breed remains at risk because of its small population and restricted distribution. Continuous health monitoring is therefore essential, and acute phase proteins (APPs) serve as useful biomarkers for detecting inflammation and subclinical stress in this vulnerable population.
Materials & Methods:
This study assessed changes in serum total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin (Hp) after experimentally induced inflammation in Caspian horses. Thirty healthy, purebred 10‑year‑old males from the Khojir Research Center (Tehran, Iran) were randomly assigned to a treatment group receiving 5 mL subcutaneous turpentine (n = 15) or a control group receiving saline (n = 15). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at multiple intervals up to 144 hours post‑injection. TP and Alb were measured spectrophotometrically, and SAA and Hp were quantified via ELISA. Statistical analysis used t‑tests with significance at P < 0.05.
Results:
TP concentrations were significantly lower in the treatment group at 48 and 72 hours. Alb levels were reduced from 4 to 72 hours (P < 0.05). Hp increased significantly at 72 and 144 hours (P < 0.05), while SAA rose markedly from 16 to 144 hours (P < 0.05). SAA showed the most rapid and pronounced response to inflammation.
Conclusion:
Turpentine-induced inflammation altered acute-phase proteins. SAA was the most sensitive early biomarker, while Hp increased later, confirming their value in monitoring inflammation.

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