Serum Proteomic Analysis from Bacteremic and Leucopenic Rabbits

BackgroundBacteremia causes mild to life-threatening illnesses as a consequence of inflammatory pathway activation, and leucopenia can increase mortality rates and treatment costs. The identification of novel biomarkers for leucopenia in the context of bacteremia would facilitate early detection and provide insights into the identification of novel therapeutic targets.MethodsRabbits were infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae to induce bacteremia with leucopenia, and sera from infected and noninfected rabbits was subjected to proteomic analysis using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) to compare serum protein profiles.ResultsFive differentially-expressed protein spots were identified in bacteremic rabbits with leucopenia compared to protein expression profiles prior to infection. The proteins were identified as desmin, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), interleukin (IL) 4, and the interleukin 6 precursor. The increased levels of desmin and CFTR in serum were further confirmed by Western blot analysis.ConclusionsThese results indicated that desmin, CFTR, IL-4, and the IL-6 precursor may be potential molecular biomarkers for leucopenia occurring with bacteremia.