Changes in Paraoxonase-1 and Sialic Acid Levels due to Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Response in Sheep Naturally Infected with Anaplasma spp.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the molecular detection of Anaplasma spp. in sheep from the Northeastern Anatolia region of Türkiye and to evaluate the effects of infection on oxidative stress, antioxidant protection, and inflammation.

METHODS

A total of 45 sheep blood samples (30 infected and 15 non-infected) were analyzed by molecular methods for Anaplasma spp. detection. Total sialic acid (TSA), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), whole blood reduced glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were determined using biochemical assays and ELISA methods.

RESULTS

Molecular analysis revealed a 345 bp gene fragment specific for Anaplasma spp. in infected sheep, whereas no amplification was observed in negative controls. Infected animals had significantly lower TSA levels (P < 0.001) and higher MDA (P < 0.001), TNF-α (P = 0.0225), and IL-6 levels (P = 0.0004), while PON-1 activity and GSH levels were significantly lower than controls (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

As Anaplasma spp. infection is followed by significant changes in redox and inflammatory response, clinical implementation of the tested markers could contribute to disease progression/resolution monitoring.