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Increased plasma levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde in dogs infected by Ehrlichia canis: Effect of doxycycline treatment

Abstract:

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate nitric oxide (NO) levels and lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde: MDA) in plasma of dogs naturally infected by Ehrlichia canis, and to determine the effect of doxycycline on clinical, hematological, and oxidative parameters. Methods: Clinical and hematological parameters and positive serology for E. canis were used to diagnose the disease. Plasma samples were obtained from infected animals (n = 15) before and after doxycycline treatment (10 mg/kg, daily for 28 days) and from healthy dogs (n = 8). The concentrations of NO and MDA were determined by Griess’ assay and thiobarbituric acid assay, respectively. Results: Increased plasmatic levels of NO and MDA were observed in infected dogs compared to healthy animals (P < 0.001), those levels decreased after doxycycline treatment (P < 0.001). Altered hematological parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocyte, and platelet counts) in infected dogs, returned to normal values after antibiotic treatment (P < 0.001). High and positive correlation was obtained between NO levels and MDA content (r = 0.7812; P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that dogs infected by E. canis develop oxidative stress that might be involved in the pathophysiology of the disease and highlights the beneficial effect of doxycycline in this infection.