Serum alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and interleukin-8 elevations in felines with localized and metastatic tumors.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the expression of acute phase proteins and plasma cytokines in cats with various tumor types and varying metastatic statuses.

Animals: 5 clinically healthy cats and 22 cats with neoplastic disease that underwent CT imaging before treatment were enrolled. Patients were grouped based on their tumor types and metastatic status.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from all cats for general blood analyses before they underwent CT imaging. The remaining plasma sample was frozen for subsequent alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and feline cytokine panel measurements. These results were compared with those of healthy cats as well as between metastatic status and tumor types.

Results: Only 4 cats (18%) exhibited elevated SAA levels, whereas 16 (73%) showed elevated AGP levels. AGP was significantly increased in cats with tumors (P = .016), while SAA was not. Only IL-8 showed a significant difference (P = .002) between cats with primary tumors and those with radiologically suspected tumor metastasis.

Clinical relevance: While AGP is a more prominent biomarker than SAA in cats with tumors, a significant elevation of AGP and SAA levels in association with metastasis and specific tumor types could not be identified. Alternatively, further investigation is warranted to evaluate the potential significance of IL-8 in tumor progression and metastasis.