Ischemia modified albumin and carbonyl protein as potential biomarkers of protein oxidation in hemodialysis

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HD on ischemia modified albumin (IMA) and protein carbonyl groups in order to investigate the role of IMA as a marker of protein oxidation.Design and methodsThis study was conducted with 23 chronic hemodialysis patients. The serum IMA levels and protein carbonyl groups were measured immediately before hemodialysis (pre-HD) and after the end of hemodialysis (post-HD).ResultsIMA concentrations were significantly higher in post-HD than those of the pre-HD and carbonyl protein concentrations were higher in post-HD in comparison with pre-HD. A significant correlation was observed between IMA and carbonyl protein levels.ConclusionsThe increase of IMA levels and protein carbonyl groups post-HD could be attributed to the increase of oxidative stress associated with HD, and IMA appears to be an important biomarker for assessing protein oxidation after HD.

► Effects of hemodialysis (HD) on ischemia modified albumin (IMA) and protein carbonyl groups.
► IMA and protein carbonyl as biomarkers of protein oxidation.
► IMA and carbonyl protein concentrations were higher in post-HD.
► HD is associated with overproduction of free radicals which may produce a chemical modification of proteins.