Serum ischemia-modified albumin as a novel marker of ovarian torsion: an experimental study.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of ovarian torsion on serum levels of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) in an experimental model.

Study Design: Sixteen female adult Sprague-Dawley rats were involved in the study. Rats were allocated randomly to group I or group II on the day of the experiment. Group I (eight rats) comprised the control (sham operated) group. In group II (eight rats), a torsion model was created by using atraumatic vascular clips just above and below the right ovary. At the end of a 3-h period of ischemia, the ovaries were removed. Blood was sampled before and after operation to assess serum IMA levels. Serum IMA levels (absorbance units) and histopathologic damage scores were evaluated.

Results: Initial serum IMA levels were similar in both groups. After the operation, significant elevation was observed in group II in contrast to group I (0.191+/-0.034 and 0.277+/-0.089 ABSU, p=0.05). Histologic specimens of the ovaries in group II had higher scores of follicular cell degeneration, vascular congestion, hemorrhage and inflammatory cell infiltration than those in group I (p<0.001).

Conclusions: The elevated serum IMA levels observed in the ovarian torsion model seem to have a potential role as a serum marker in the early diagnosis of ovarian torsion.