Background: 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2 D) is vital in the homeostasis of calcium and bone health as well as in the prevention of many disorders such as neoplasms. Epidemiological data show that low concentrations of both 1,25(OH)2 D and its precursor 25(OH) vitamin D (25(OH)D) are associated with an increased risk of a variety of human tumours.
Objectives: To investigate 25(OH)D, parathormone (PTH) and immunity marker concentrations in dogs with transmissible venereal tumour (TVT).
Methods: 25(OH)D, PTH and various biochemical and immunity markers were evaluated in dogs with TVT (n = 26) and in healthy (n = 30) dogs.
Results: 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with TVT in comparison with healthy dogs. In contrast, PTH, immunoglobulin G and interleukin (IL)-9 concentrations were higher in the dogs with TVT. Other variables, including IL-10, interferon γ, calcium and inorganic phosphate, were not statistically different between the two groups.
Conclusions: Decreased serum 25(OH)D concentration may be a risk factor for the development of canine TVT; however, cause-and-effect remains incompletely understood. Further studies are required to elucidate the exact role of 25(OH)D in canine TVT and whether vitamin D supplementation may be useful prophylactically or as an adjunct to chemotherapy.
Keywords: 25-hydroxyvitamin D; cytokines; dogs; transmissible venereal tumour.
© 2023 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.