Vol. 12, Special Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
R Lakshmi, PK Ramkumar, DT Kaarthick, K Vijayakaran, N Arunmozhi and A Vijayarajan

Abstract:
The liver produces acute phase proteins as a reaction to the acute phase response, which occurs during infection, inflammation, or tissue damage. These proteins exhibit minimal significance in healthy animals, but their concentrations rapidly increase during these conditions, making them valuable indicators of inflammation. However, it's important to note that the concentrations and clinical relevance of acute phase proteins differ across various animal species, requiring separate evaluation for each species. While extensive research on acute phase proteins has been conducted in human medicine, their utilization in veterinary medicine has been relatively limited. In this review, we aim to provide the latest information on acute phase proteins specifically relevant to cattle. We will emphasize their potential for early disease diagnosis, differentiation between viral and bacterial infections, guiding therapeutics decisions for diseased animals, and conclusive prognosis. By highlighting the characteristic and prognostic applications of acute phase proteins in cattle, we seek to bridge the gap between human and veterinary medicine. This review aims to raise awareness about the characteristic value of acute phase proteins in bovine health, emphasizing their potential for improving disease management, treatment outcomes, and overall animal welfare.