Correlations among homocysteine, cardiac troponin I and cardiac enzymes in different ages of clinically healthy male dromedary camels

Information regarding serum biochemical profile can reflect cardiovascular performance in animals. Although studies have evaluated the inter-relationship among cardiovascular biomarkers in animals and human beings, there are no reports of such a probable relationship in camelids. The aim of the present study was to provide data on the correlations among cardiovascular biomarkers in different ages of clinically healthy male dromedary camels to provide a basis for assessing cardiac muscle healthiness in this species. Thirty clinically healthy dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) were selected and divided into four age groups including 1-3 (n=7), 4-6 (n=7), 7-9 (n=8), and above 10 (n=8) years old. Blood samples were collected and sera were separated. Serum concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase-myocardial specific isoenzymes (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were evaluated. The results of the present study showed that there were significant correlations among cTnI and CK-MB (r=-0.853; p=0.015) and Hcy (r=0.916; p=0.004) in the 4 to 6-years-old group of clinically healthy male dromedary camels. LDH was significantly correlated with CK-MB in the 7 to 9-year-old group (r=-0.710; p=0.045). There were no significant correlations among different factors of 1-3 and above 10-year-old groups (p>0.05). The data provided here is the first report on cardiac health assessment parameters in dromedary camels. Moreover, the data is valuable in camel racing clubs, when an overall cardiac health and fitness is to be assessed. The correlation reported here might also be helpful for easier analysis of cardiac health status in dromedary camels. The data may be useful for assessing suspected cases of myocardial diseases and its changes maybe of prognostic value.