Ischemia modified albumin as an early biomarker in diagnosing the late stages abortus in cows

Nowadays, Ischemia Modified Albumin (IMA) has been regarded as an indicator for various maladies and complicated pregnancy in humans. Therefore, it is hypothesized that evaluation of the maternal serum IMA degrees can serve as an early detection of abortion in dairy cows. 252 Holstein cows’ serum samples were taken both in the 2^nd and 6^th months of their pregnancy. Twenty-two cattle were selected as a positive control group among the non aborted ones. Furthermore, blood samples from 20 non-pregnant cows were taken to identify the effects of physiological changes of pregnancy. IMA and Ischemia Modified Albumin Rate (IMAR) were markedly higher (p<0.01); and albumin was markedly lower (p<0.01) in aborted cows and healthy-pregnant cows compared with non-pregnant cows in both months. In aborted cows, IMA, IMAR and Oxidative stress index (OSI) degrees were found to be more increased than healthy pregnancies both in 2^nd and 6^th months of pregnancy; however, there were statistically significant only at 6^th month (p<0.01). Total Oxidative Stress (TOS) levels were higher than healthy pregnancies. So, as a result of IMA which was caused by oxidative stress rising from hypoxia/ischemia could serve as an early bioindicator for miscarriage in cattle.