In serum, elevated concentrations of 13 proteins, including Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), C–C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3), Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EPCAM), Interleukin 17A (IL-17A), and Interleukin 17F (IL-17F), were observed in animals with peritonitis when compared to sham subjects while three proteins were found in lower concentrations namely Carboxypeptidase E (CPE), Contactin-4 (CNTN4) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D (VEGF-D) (Fig. 3B). The gene discussed is VEGFD; the disease is peritonitis.