Serum Ischemia-modified Albumin Levels in an Experimental Acute Mesenteric Ischemia Model

Objectives: This experimental study aimed to assess the changes in the levels of serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by time in cases of acute mesenteric ischemia due to superior mesenteric artery occlusion. Methods: Twenty-one New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. Blood samples were collected at hours 0, 1, 3, and 6 from animals in a control group; a sham group following a simple laparotomy; and in an ischemia group following superior mesenteric artery ligation. All blood samples were analyzed for serum IMA and IL-6 levels, and then the time-dependent changes of biomarkers were investigated. Results: The serum IMA levels of the ischemia group at hours 3 and 6 were significantly higher than those of the control and sham groups (hour 3, p = 0.017; hour 6, p = 0.001). The increase in serum IL-6 levels in the ischemia group at hours 1, 3, and 6 compared to the control and sham groups was also significant (hour 1, p = 0.002; hour 3, p = 0.003; hour 6, p = 0.003). Conclusions: IMA may be helpful as a marker in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia; however, its diagnostic value and use as a routine biochemical test should be assessed in further studies.