Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, vitamin D receptor, and vitamin D binding protein concentrations in dogs with acute pancreatitis compared to healthy control dogs

BackgroundPrevious studies have documented vitamin D imbalance in dogs with acute pancreatitis (AP), but no studies have investigated serum vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) concentrations. ObjectivesCompare serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), VDR, and VDBP concentrations in healthy dogs and dogs with AP and identify correlations between these concentrations with ionized calcium, C-reactive protein (CRP), and canine-specific pancreatic lipase (Spec cPL) concentrations. AnimalsTwenty-two dogs with AP and 20 healthy control dogs. MethodsProspective cross-sectional study. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured using a chemiluminescence immunoassay, and VDR and VDBP concentrations were measured using a ELISA kit designed for dogs. ResultsSerum concentrations of 25(OH)D were lower in dogs with AP (mean & PLUSMN; SD, 66.1 & PLUSMN; 39.2 ng/mL) than in controls (96.8 & PLUSMN; 30.4 ng/mL; P = .01), and VDR concentrations were lower in dogs with AP (5.3 & PLUSMN; 3.5 ng/mL) than in controls (7.4 & PLUSMN; 2.5 ng/mL; P = .03). No difference was observed in serum VDBP concentrations between the groups. Serum VDR concentrations differed between survivors (median [interquartile range] = 6.6 [4.3-8.2] ng/mL) and nonsurvivors (2.7 [0.5-3.5] ng/mL; P = .01). Negative correlations were observed among serum VDR, CRP (r(s) = -0.55), and Spec cPL (r(s) = -0.47) concentrations in dogs with AP. Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDogs with AP had lower serum 25(OH)D and VDR concentrations than controls. Additionally, our study suggests a potential role of VDR expression in the inflammatory process of AP in dogs.