Evaluation of serum alpha-1B glycoprotein and C-reactive protein levels as biomarkers of canine benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

Background and Aim: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent disorder in aging male dogs, characterized by prostate enlargement secondary to hormonal dysregulation and chronic inflammation. Identifying non-invasive biomarkers is crucial for improving diagnosis and monitoring therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to evaluate serum alpha-1B glycoprotein (A1BG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in dogs with BPH before and after castration, to assess their diagnostic and prognostic utility. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 male dogs were assigned to two groups: healthy controls (n = 10) and BPH-affected dogs (n = 10). Blood samples were collected from controls and the BPH group at diagnosis and 1 month post-castration. Serum A1BG and CRP concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorescence immunoassay, respectively. Prostatic volume (PV) was evaluated ultrasonographically. Results: Dogs with BPH demonstrated significantly lower serum A1BG concentrations before castration compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01) and post-castration (p < 0.01). Post-castration A1BG levels were comparable to controls, suggesting biochemical normalization. Serum CRP concentrations remained within the normal range (<30 mg/L) across all groups and showed no significant differences. A significant negative correlation was observed between age and A1BG concentration in the pre-castration BPH group (r = -0.74, p = 0.02). Castration resulted in a marked reduction in PV, consistent with therapeutic response. Conclusion: Serum A1BG demonstrated potential as a sensitive biomarker for the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of canine BPH, in contrast to CRP, which exhibited limited diagnostic value. Normalization of A1BG levels post-castration supports its role in reflecting disease resolution. Integrating A1BG assessment into veterinary diagnostic workflows could enhance early detection, monitoring, and management strategies for BPH, offering a non-invasive and clinically informative approach. Further longitudinal studies with larger cohorts are warranted to validate these findings and explore long-term biomarker dynamics.