Assessment of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels, and selected vital and hematological parameters in colic affected horses

Yusuf Umut Batı; Mert Sezer; Uğur Aydın; Oğuz Merhan; Enes Akyüz; Ersin Tanrıverdi; Tahir Gezer; Ekin Emre Erkılıç; Celal Şahin Ermutlu; Ali Haydar Kırmızıgül; Gürbüz Gökçe

doi:10.31797/vetbio.1713506

Assessment of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels, and selected vital and hematological parameters in colic affected horses

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate selected vital signs, as well as biochemical, hematological, acute phase, and oxidative stress markers, in horses diagnosed with colic. The study population consisted of 50 horses, including 30 colic-affected horses (both male and female, aged 2 to 10 years, various breeds) presented due to dietary changes, and 20 clinically healthy horses of similar age serving as controls. For all horses, rectal temperature, respiratory and heart rates, and capillary refill time were assessed. Blood samples were collected from colic-affected horses immediately upon clinical presentation-approximately 4 to 8 hours after the onset of clinical signs as reported by owners-and before any treatment was initiated. Serum samples were analyzed for albumin (Alb), haptoglobin (Hpt), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and ceruloplasmin (Cp), along with white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), and platelet (THR) counts. Hpt (P<0.001), MDA, and Cp (P<0.05) levels were significantly higher in colic-affected horses compared to controls, whereas Alb was significantly lower (P<0.05). WBC, Hct, Hb, and THR were also significantly elevated (P<0.05). Among vital signs, respiratory and heart rates, as well as capillary refill time, were significantly increased in the colic group (P<0.05). In conclusion, the concurrent assessment of vital signs and selected biochemical, acute phase, and oxidative stress markers may provide valuable diagnostic insights in the evaluation of colic in horses

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted following the approval of the Local Animal Experiments Ethics Committee of KAFKAS University (KAÜ-HADYEK/2023-172).

References

Alshami, A. A., Alomaisi, S. A. M. A., Al-shawkany, A. A., Alrefaiey, H. A., Al Azazi, A. S., Tahir, M. D., & Al-sharabi, F. (2024). Prevalence, risk factors, and haemato-biochemical changes associated with colic in horses in sana’a province, Yemen. Sana'a University Journal of Applied Sciences and Technology, 2(6), 492- 498. https://doi.org/10.59628/jast.v2i6.1150.
Canola, P. A., de Salles, R. F., Daneze, E. R., Sobreira, M. F. R., de Oliveira, B. E., Favero, M. L., & Antonioli, M. L. (2024). Iron-related markers of inflammation in horses with colic. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 134(2024), 105010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105010
Ceron, J. J., Eckersall, P. D., & Martýnez-Subiela, S. (2005). Acute phase proteins in dogs and cats: current knowledge and future perspectives. Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 34(2), 85-99. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-165x.2005.tb00019.x.
Clark, S. (2016). Equine colic: a review of the equine hindgut and colic. Veterinary Science Development, 6(1), 6223. https://doi.org/10.4081/vsd.2016.6223.
Colombo, J. P., & Richterich, R. (1964). Zur bestimmung des caeruloplasmin im plasma [on the determination of ceruloplasmin in plasma]. Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift, 94, 715-720.
Cray, C. (2012). Acute phase proteins in animals. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science, 105, 113-50. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-394596-9.00005-6.
Cray, C., & Belgrave, R. L. (2014). Haptoglobin quantitation in serum samples from clinically normal and clinically abnormal horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 34, 337–340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2013.05.007
Deniz, Ö., & Çitil, M. (2022). Solunum Sistemi Hastalığı Olan Atlarda Serum Kollektin-11, Surfaktan Protein A ve D ile Akut Faz Protein Düzeyinin Diagnostik ve Prognostik Önemi. Firat Universitesi Saglik Bilimleri Veteriner Dergisi, 36(3).

Deniz, Ö., Aragona, F., Murphy, B. A., Tümer, K. Ç., Bozacı, S., & Fazio, F. (2024a). Climate change impact on blood haemogram in the horse: A three-year preliminary study. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11, 1482268. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1482268.
Deniz, Ö., Ekinci, G., Onmaz, A. C., Derelli, F. M., Fazio, F., Aragona, F., & van den Hoven, R. (2024b). Monitoring of inflammatory blood biomarkers in foals with Rhodococcus equi pneumonia during antimicrobial treatment. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 138, 105103. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1482268
Di Filippo, P. A., Nogueira, A. F. S., Anai, L. A., Alves, A. E., Santana, Á. E., & Pereira, G. T. (2010). Perfil eletroforético das proteínas séricas e do líquido peritoneal de equinos submetidos à obstrução experimental do duodeno, íleo e cólon maior. Ciência Animal Brasileira, 11(4), 938–946. https://doi.org/10.5216/cab.v11i4.9699
Dondi, F., Lukacs, R. M., Gentilini, F., Rinnovati, R., Spadari, A., & Romagnoli, N. (2015). Serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, and ferritin in horses with colic: Association with common clinicopathological variables and short-term outcome. The Veterinary Journal, 205(2015), 50-55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.03.015
El-Bahr, S. M., & El-Deeb, W. M. (2016). Acute-phase proteins, oxidative stress biomarkers, proinflammatory cytokines, and cardiac troponin in Arabian mares affected with pyometra. Theriogenology, 86(4), 1132–1136. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.002
Emek Tuna, G., & Ulutaş, B. (2015). Hastalıkların biyobelirteçleri olarak akut faz proteinleri. Turkiye Klinikleri J Vet Sci Intern Med-Special Topic, 1(1), 8-19.
Ercan, N., & Fidancı, U. R., (2012). Piyodermalı köpeklerde idrarda 8-hidroksi-2’-deoksiguanozin (8-OHdG) düzeyleri. Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, 59, 163-168. https://doi.org/ 10.1501/Vetfak_0000002520
Hajimohammadi, A., Ghane, M., Ghari Tehrani, M., Paravar, B., Mirzaei, A., Razavi, S. A. & Nikzad, M. (2023). Association of the severity of colic in horses with oxidative stress biomarkers, acute-phase proteins, and certain trace elements. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 34(3), 73–81. .http://dx.doi.org/10.1294/jes.34.73
Karela, P., Singh, G., Rathor, N. S., Legha, R., & Yashpal Dedar, R. K. (2023). Biochemical and electrolytes analysis of colic in indigenous breeds of horses. International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research, 7(2), 12-15. https://doi.org/10.33545/26174693.2023.v7.i2a.193
Khosa, J., Anand, A., Sangwan, V., Mahajan, S. K., Mohindroo, J., & Singh, S. S. (2023). Evaluation of diagnostic, prognostic indicators and surgical outcome in 20 cases treated for equine intestinal colic. Indian Journal of Animal Research, 57(8), 1096–1100. https://doi.org/10.18805/IJAR.B-4359
Kızıl, Ö. (2006). Sancı semptomlu atlarda bazı klinik, hematolojik ve biyokimyasal parametreler. Erciyes Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, 3(2) 87-91.
Kızıl, Ö. (2007). Horse colic and examination parameters in the horse with colic. Fırat Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 21(6), 285–290.
Kim, H.-H., Lee, B.-S., Kweon, K., Kweon, D.-E., & Lee, T.-G. (2013). Extreme thrombocytosis in a traumatic patient. Korean Journal of Anesthesiology, 64(3), 288–289. https://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2013.64.3.288
Ludwig, E. K., Hobbs, K. J., McKinney-Aguirre, C. A., & Gonzalez, L. M. (2023). Biomarkers of intestinal injury in colic. Animals, 13(2), 227. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ani13020227
Maranon, G., Manley, W., Cayado, P., García, C., de la Muela, M.S., & Vara, E. (2009). Alterations in the glutathione metabolism could be implicated in the ischemiainduced small intestinal cell damage in horses. BMC Veterinary Research, 5, 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-5-10.
Merhan, O., & Bozukluhan, K. (2024). Clinical use of serum amyloid a in horses. In G. Yıldız & Ö. Durna (Eds.), Advances in animal health, nutrition, and sustainability: immunity, disease management, and the impact of global challenges, (pp. 37-48), Iksad Publishing House, Ankara, Türkiye. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14559976
Mihelić, K., Vrbanac, Z., Bojanić, K., Kostanjšak, T., Ljubić, B. B., Gotić, J., Vnuk, D., & Bottegaro, N. B. (2022). Changes in acute phase response biomarkers in racing endurance horses. Animals, 12(21), 2993. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12212993
Miranda, K. M., Espey, M. G., & Wink, D. A. (2001). A rapid, simple spectrophotometric method for simultaneous detection of nitrate and nitrite. Nitric Oxide, 5(1), 62-71, https://doi.org/10.1006/niox.2000.0319.
Murata, H., Shimada, N., & Yoshioka, M. (2004). Current research on acute phase proteins in veterinary diagnosis. Veterinary Journal, 168(1), 28-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1090-0233(03)00119-9.
Nursoy, H. (2008). Hayvan besleme ve beslenme hastalıkları. In M. Sarı, & İ. H. Çerçi (Eds.), At besleme ve beslenme hastalıkları. Medipres Yayıncılık Ltd. Şti. Malatya, Türkiye.
Onmaz, A. C., & van den Hoven, R. (2012). Atlarda sancı: Cerrahi veya ilaç ile sağaltım ölçütleri. Erciyes Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, 9(2), 123-131.
Peixoto Rabelo, I., Barroco de Paula, V., Carvalho Bustamante, C., Santana, A. M., Gomes da Silva, D., Baldassi, A. C., Canola, P. A., & Araújo Valadão, C. A. (2023). Acute phase proteins levels in horses, after a single carbohydrate overload, associated with cecal alkalinization. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1043656. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1043656
Pihl, T. H., Scheepers, E., Sanz, M., Goddard, A., Page, P., Toft, N., Andersen, P. H., & Jacobsen, S. (2015). Influence of disease process and duration on acute phase proteins in serum and peritoneal fluid of horses with colic. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 29(2), 651–658. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12542
Pihl, T. H., Scheepers, E., Sanz, M., Goddard, A., Page, P., Toft, N., Kjelgaard-Hansen, M., Andersen, P. H., & Jacobsen, S. (2016). Acute-phase proteins as diagnostic markers in horses with colic. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 26(5), 664–674. https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.12504
Purnama, M. T. E., Hendrawan, D., Wicaksono, A. P., Fikri, F., Purnomo, A., & Chhetri, S. (2021). Risk factors, hematological and biochemical profile associated with colic in Delman horses in Gresik, Indonesia. F1000Research, 10, 950. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.55312.2.
Sellon, D. C., Levine, J. M., Palmer, K. G., Millikin, E. K., Grindem, C. B., & Covington, P. K. (1997). Thrombocytosis in 24 horses (1989–1994). Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 11(1), 24–29. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.1997.tb00069.x
Sharma, S., Nagar, J., & Joshi, M. (2022). Clinical and haematobiochemical studies on gastro-intestinal colic in horses. Indian Journal of Animal Research, 56(4), 489-493. https://doi.org/10.18805/IJAR.B-4540
Souto, R. J. C., Fernandes, W. R., Lisbôa, J. A. N., Silva, S. L. M., & Bracarense, A. P. F. R. L. (2019). Evaluation of serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, and other biochemical analytes in horses with colic. Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 48(1), 44–52. https://doi.org/10.1111/vcp.12727
Tesena, P., Vinijkumthorn, R., Preuksathaporn, T., Piyakul, P., Chotikaprakal, T., Sirireugwipas, R., Wongaree, K., & Prapaiwan, N. (2024). Evaluation of gastrointestinal tract lesions and serum malondialdehyde levels after repeated oral administration of phenylbutazone in horses. Veterinary Research Communications, 48(4), 2343-2355. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-024-10415-y.
Tripathi, A. K., Pandey, R. P., & Sagar, R. (2018). Evaluation of clinical, hemato-biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in equine colic. Intas Polivet, 19(II), 214-216.
Westerman, T. L., Foster, C. M., Tornquist, S. J., & Poulsen, K. P. (2016). Evaluation of serum amyloid A and haptoglobin concentrations as prognostic indicators for horses with colic. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 248(8), 935-40. https://doi.org/ 10.2460/javma.248.8.935.
Yoshioka, T., Kawada, K., Shimada, T., & Mori, M.(1979). Lipid peroxidation in maternal and cord blood and protective mechanism against activated-oxygen toxicity in the blood. The American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 135(3), 372-376, 1979. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(79)90708-7.
Zuluaga, A., Silveira, G., & Martinez, J. (2016). Nitric oxide and malondialdehyde in gastric contents and blood in an equine model of gastric ulcer induced by phenylbutazone. Rough Cut Capacity Planning, 29(1), 43-50. https://doi.org/ 10.17533/udea.rccp.v29n1a05

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Veterinary Internal Medicine

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Yusuf Umut Batı ^*
0000-0001-7528-4376
Türkiye

Mert Sezer
0000-0003-1691-7764
Türkiye

Uğur Aydın
0000-0001-5756-4841
Türkiye

Oğuz Merhan
0000-0002-3399-0667
Türkiye

Enes Akyüz
0000-0002-3288-2058
Türkiye

Ersin Tanrıverdi
0000-0001-8502-2070
Türkiye

Tahir Gezer
0000-0001-7838-2553
Türkiye

Ekin Emre Erkılıç
0000-0003-2461-5598
Türkiye

Celal Şahin Ermutlu
0000-0002-8923-7682
Türkiye

Ali Haydar Kırmızıgül
0000-0002-9283-1391
Türkiye

Gürbüz Gökçe
0000-0002-2492-5193
Türkiye

Publication Date

January 11, 2026

Submission Date

June 3, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 1, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31797/vetbio.1713506

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA58GU64RU

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Batı, Y. U., Sezer, M., Aydın, U., Merhan, O., Akyüz, E., Tanrıverdi, E., Gezer, T., Erkılıç, E. E., Ermutlu, C. Ş., Kırmızıgül, A. H., & Gökçe, G. (2026). Assessment of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels, and selected vital and hematological parameters in colic affected horses. Journal of Advances in VetBio Science and Techniques, 1, 8-14. https://doi.org/10.31797/vetbio.1713506

AMA

1.Batı YU, Sezer M, Aydın U, et al. Assessment of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels, and selected vital and hematological parameters in colic affected horses. J Ad VetBio Sci Tech. 2026;(1):8-14. doi:10.31797/vetbio.1713506

Chicago

Batı, Yusuf Umut, Mert Sezer, Uğur Aydın, et al. 2026. “Assessment of Haptoglobin, Ceruloplasmin, Albumin, Malondialdehyde, and Nitric Oxide Levels, and Selected Vital and Hematological Parameters in Colic Affected Horses”. Journal of Advances in VetBio Science and Techniques, no. 1: 8-14. https://doi.org/10.31797/vetbio.1713506.

EndNote

Batı YU, Sezer M, Aydın U, Merhan O, Akyüz E, Tanrıverdi E, Gezer T, Erkılıç EE, Ermutlu CŞ, Kırmızıgül AH, Gökçe G (January 1, 2026) Assessment of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels, and selected vital and hematological parameters in colic affected horses. Journal of Advances in VetBio Science and Techniques 1 8–14.

IEEE

[1]Y. U. Batı et al., “Assessment of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels, and selected vital and hematological parameters in colic affected horses”, J Ad VetBio Sci Tech, no. 1, pp. 8–14, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.31797/vetbio.1713506.

ISNAD

Batı, Yusuf Umut - Sezer, Mert - Aydın, Uğur - Merhan, Oğuz - Akyüz, Enes - Tanrıverdi, Ersin - Gezer, Tahir et al. “Assessment of Haptoglobin, Ceruloplasmin, Albumin, Malondialdehyde, and Nitric Oxide Levels, and Selected Vital and Hematological Parameters in Colic Affected Horses”. Journal of Advances in VetBio Science and Techniques. 1 (January 1, 2026): 8-14. https://doi.org/10.31797/vetbio.1713506.

JAMA

1.Batı YU, Sezer M, Aydın U, Merhan O, Akyüz E, Tanrıverdi E, Gezer T, Erkılıç EE, Ermutlu CŞ, Kırmızıgül AH, Gökçe G. Assessment of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels, and selected vital and hematological parameters in colic affected horses. J Ad VetBio Sci Tech. 2026;:8–14.

MLA

Batı, Yusuf Umut, et al. “Assessment of Haptoglobin, Ceruloplasmin, Albumin, Malondialdehyde, and Nitric Oxide Levels, and Selected Vital and Hematological Parameters in Colic Affected Horses”. Journal of Advances in VetBio Science and Techniques, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 8-14, doi:10.31797/vetbio.1713506.

Vancouver

1.Yusuf Umut Batı, Mert Sezer, Uğur Aydın, Oğuz Merhan, Enes Akyüz, Ersin Tanrıverdi, Tahir Gezer, Ekin Emre Erkılıç, Celal Şahin Ermutlu, Ali Haydar Kırmızıgül, Gürbüz Gökçe. Assessment of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels, and selected vital and hematological parameters in colic affected horses. J Ad VetBio Sci Tech. 2026 Jan. 1;(1):8-14. doi:10.31797/vetbio.1713506