Lipocalin-2 assay

Lipocalin -2 (or NGAL – Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin) is a protein in the lipocalin family involved in the regulation of innate immunity and inflammatory responses. It is notably expressed by neutrophils and certain epithelial cells in response to stress, infection, or acute inflammation.

Lipocalin-2 assay is used as an immune biomarker in the context of assessing animal health status, monitoring immune performance or developing functional formulations for animal nutrition.

Dosage objectives

• Monitor the inflammatory or infectious state in animals
• Evaluate the effect of immunostimulating ingredients (nutritional supplements)
• Validating biomarkers in veterinary clinical trials
• Characterize nutritional or physiological matrices (serum, milk, plasma)

Lipocalin -2 is also being studied in the context of oxidative stress, the gut-immunity axis or metabolic disorders, including in livestock or laboratory animals.

Analytical methods

The dosage is primarily determined by:

• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): the reference immuno-enzymatic method for quantifying specific proteins in biological samples. It allows for sensitive and reproducible detection.
• Spectrophotometry or other immunochemical techniques (immunoturbidimetry, immunoprecipitation), depending on the type of matrix and the expected concentration.

The ELISA kits used are validated for specific animal species (pig, ruminant, poultry, etc.) or custom-developed for R&D applications.

Affected matrices

• Animal serums and plasmas
• Protein extracts or functional products (nutritional supplements)
• Experimental samples (milk, feces, tissues)

This assay can be combined with other biomarkers such as haptoglobin , CRP , or inflammatory cytokines . It is integrated into comprehensive panels for monitoring immunity in animals.

Industrial applications

• Formulation and validation of nutraceutical products for animals
• Preclinical/clinical studies on the efficacy of veterinary dietary supplements
• Animal health programs and infectious disease prevention
• Monitoring the metabolic and immune performance of livestock

See also our fact sheet on the measurement of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PxE) , another marker of oxidative stress in animal health.

Why use YesWeLab?

YesWeLab selects the best specialized veterinary immunology laboratories for you, accredited to ISO 17025 and equipped with reagents adapted to the species being studied. Our team will assist you:

• In choosing the method best suited to your goal
• For the logistical organization and quality monitoring of your analyses
• With personalized and responsive scientific support

Need a quote or scientific support?

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