Variations in concentrations of sex hormones in healthy females and males might be associated with differences in synovial fluid C-reactive protein(SFCRP) levels due to joint laxity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of gender on SFCRP levels.The study used a sample of 60 healthy dogs of both genders. Peripheral blood and knee synovial fluid samples were collected, and the serum C-reactive protein (SCRP) and SFCRP levels were measured. In addition, the thickness of the joint capsule was measured using ultrasonography. According to study results, SFCRP levels were always lower than the SCRP levels. Females always presented higher SCRP and SFCRP levels than males, but these showed thicker joint capsules. A strong positive relationship was established between the joint capsule thickness and SFCRP in both genders. Statistical significant differences were registered between SCRP and SFCRP levels in females (P=0.002) contrary to males (P=0.175). These differences seems to be associated with the different sex hormone environment which influence joint stability, development of local inflammatory reaction and the SFCRP levels.
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