The present study evaluated for the first time changes in the saliva
proteome in bitches with
pyometra through a high-throughput quantitative proteomic analysis. The aims were to explore whether saliva composition could reflect the physiopathological changes occurring in canine
pyometra and to identify potential
biomarkers of the disease. Saliva samples from six healthy (H) and six bitches with
pyometra (P) were analyzed using tandem mass tags-based approach. Additionally, 15 samples were used for the validation of changes in
haptoglobin (Hp) concentration in saliva of dogs with
pyometra. Proteomic analysis quantified 707
proteins in saliva. Comparison of the two groups revealed 16 unique
proteins significantly modulated in saliva, with S100A
calcium-binding protein 12 (
S100A12),
vimentin, and Hp the most up-regulated in canine
pyometra. According to PANTHER (
Protein Analysis Through Evolutionary Relationships) classification tool, these
proteins are mainly related to proinflammatory mediators,
acute-phase proteins, and
sepsis. In conclusion, it can be stated that there are changes in various
proteins in saliva in canine
pyometra reflecting different physiopathological changes occurring in this disease. These
proteins could be a source of potential non-invasive
biomarkers for this disease that should be confirmed in future studies.