Open Access
Research (Published online: 22-10-2021)
16. Determination of autoantibodies in dogs with diabetes mellitus
Franco González-Villar and Francisco Pérez-Bravo
Veterinary World, 14(10): 2694-2698

Franco González-Villar: Doctoral Program in Silvoagropecuary and Veterinary Sciences, University of Chile, South Campus, 11315 Santa Rosa, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile.
Francisco Pérez-Bravo: Department of Nutrition, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.

doi: www.doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2021.2694-2698

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Article history: Received: 25-05-2021, Accepted: 08-09-2021, Published online: 22-10-2021

Corresponding author: Francisco Pérez-Bravo

E-mail: fperez@inta.uchile.cl

Citation: González -Villar F, Pérez-Bravo F (2021) Determination of autoantibodies in dogs with diabetes mellitus, Veterinary World, 14(10): 2694-2698.
Abstract

Background and Aim: The classification of diabetes mellitus (DM) in dogs has been controversial as currently canine insulin-dependent DM is classified together with absolute insulin deficiency, non-insulin-dependent DM, and relative insulin deficiency. Studies on human autoantibodies evaluated in canines with DM, such as anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65), anti-islet antigen 2 (IA2), and anti-zinc transporter isoform 8 (ZnT8), have been inconclusive. Thus, this study was designed to establish the serological profile of anti-GAD65, anti-IA2, and anti-ZnT8 antibodies in a group of dogs with and without DM.

Materials and Methods: Sixty-one dogs, including 31 patients with DM (with and without insulin treatment) and 30 patients without DM (normal weight and obese), were included for determining autoantibodies using a human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection system for type 1 DM.

Results: This study found the presence of anti-IA2 antibodies in 58% of the sample (18/31 patients with DM); however, the presence of anti-GAD65 was not detected, and anti-ZnT8 was found in 3 (9.6%) patients with DM.

Conclusion: This study showed a higher positive frequency of anti-IA2 antibodies in a sample of canine with DM, indicating that alterations in the signaling vesicle tyrosine phosphatase 2 lead to lower insulin release and thus to an increase in patients' glycemia. These preliminary results should be taken with caution and corroborated by a canine-specific assay when an ELISA is available for such determination.

Keywords: autoantibodies, autoimmunity, diabetes, dogs.