Plasma-free amino acid profiles in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Metabolomic analysis using blood samples has been suggested to be useful for the early detection of cancer. Among metabolites, plasma-free amino acid (PFAA) profiles are potential diagnostic biomarkers for several diseases including cancer. However, the relationship between PFAA concentrations and liver tumors in dogs remains unknown. Objective: To determine the characteristics of PFAA profiles of dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and correlated clinical features. Animals: Thirty-four client-owned dogs diagnosed with HCC (n = 26) and benign liver diseases (n = 8) and 11 age-matched healthy dogs. Methods: Prospective study using heparinized blood samples from fasted dogs. Plasma was deproteinized, and the concentrations of 21 amino acids were measured using an automated high-performance liquid chromatography amino acid analyzer. Results: Plasma glutamic acid concentrations were significantly different among groups (P