Evaluation of fibroblast growth factor-23 and alpha-klotho concentrations and related parameters in dogs with different stages of leishmaniasis

Objective: In the present study, it was aimed to determine the levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF-23) and α-Klotho in healthy dogs and dogs with different stages of Leishmaniasis, to reveal the changes in the staging of the disease based on kidney function and the relationship with other metabolites that are important in calcium-phosphorus metabolism. Material and Methods: In the study, 74 dogs of both sexes, different ages, and medium-sized breeds, 22 healthy, 52 with Leishmaniasis, were used. Dogs with Leishmaniasis were grouped as Stage I (n=16), Stage II (n=14), Stage III (n=9) and Stage IV (n=13) according to Leishvet's recommendations based on clinical and laboratory findings. In addition to routine hemato-biochemical parameters, plasma FGF-23 and serum α-Klotho, urea, creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, parathormone, vitamin D levels and urine protein/creatinine ratio were measured. The data of healthy dogs were compared to dogs with Leishmaniasis and according to stages. Results: Dogs with leishmaniasis had high FGF-23 (p<0.05), α-Klotho and parathormone levels (p<0.001), while vitamin D and calcium concentrations were low (p<0.001). FGF-23 concentration was higher in Stage IV than in all other stages. Differences in α-Klotho levels were not significant between stages. While a moderate positive correlation was determined between FGF-23 level and urea and creatinine concentrations and between urine protein/creatinine ratio, no correlation could be determined between α-Klotho and other parameters. Conclusion: As a result, the increase in FGF-23 and α-Klotho levels was shown for the first time in dogs with Leishmaniasis. It was observed that the increases in FGF-23 levels were more pronounced in the later stages of the disease and were consistent with the increase in urea and creatinine concentrations. It was thought that findings could be a source for future diagnostic and therapeutic studies to explain the pathophysiology of kidney disease in Leishmaniasis.