# Investigation of Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 Concentrations as Biomarkers in Dogs with Neurological Distemper

## TL;DR

This study found that Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 levels are higher in dogs with neurological distemper, suggesting they could be useful biomarkers for the disease.

## Contribution

The study is the first to investigate Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 as potential biomarkers for neurological distemper in dogs.

## Key findings

- Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 serum concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with neurological distemper compared to controls.
- Galectin-3 showed negative correlation with monocytes and positive correlation with platelet levels in affected dogs.
- Cardiotrophin-1 had negative correlation with lymphocytes and positive correlation with granulocytes in neurological distemper cases.

## Abstract

Canine distemper is a highly morbid and fatal disease that manifests itself with both systemic and neurological signs. In recent years, biomarkers such as Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 have been studied in inflammatory and degenerative diseases. However, their role in neurological distemper has not been investigated yet. The study aimed to investigate the differences in serum concentrations of Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 between dogs with neurological distemper and a control group, and to explore their correlations with hematobiochemical parameters. Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 serum concentrations were found to be significantly elevated in dogs diagnosed with neurological distemper when compared to the control group. In addition, significant correlations were found between both Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 and certain hematological parameters. Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 may serve as potential biomarkers for the pathogenesis of neurological distemper.

Canine distemper, caused by Morbillivirus canis, is a highly morbid and lethal disease characterized by multiple systemic and neurological signs. In recent years, biomarkers, such as Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1, have been investigated in inflammatory and degenerative diseases. However, the role of these biomarkers in neurological distemper has not been investigated. The aim of this study is to compare blood serum Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 concentrations between the neurological distemper and control group, and to evaluate the correlations of these biomarkers with hematobiochemical parameters in dogs with neurological distemper. Nineteen owned dogs (13 diagnosed with neurological distemper and 6 controls) were included in the study. Hematobiochemical analyses were performed in all dogs, and Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 concentrations were measured using ELISA. Serum concentrations of Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 were markedly elevated in dogs with neurological distemper compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A negative correlation between Galectin-3 and monocytes (p < 0.05) and a positive correlation between Galectin-3 and platelet and platelecrit levels (p < 0.05) were observed. There was negative correlation with Cardiotrophin-1 and lymphocyte percentage (p < 0.01) and a positive correlation with Cardiotrophin-1 and granulocyte percentage (p < 0.01). Galectin-3 and Cardiotrophin-1 may serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis and understanding of neurological distemper pathogenesis. Elevated serum concentrations of these biomarkers may indicate underlying neuroinflammation. This may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurological distemper.