Objective: Elevated ischemia modified albumin (IMA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have been reported as a result of ischemia, which is due to atherosclerosis and increased inflammatory processes. We measured serum CRP levels and ESR to determine inflammatory status of patients. We measured also serum IMA levels of these patients to investigate the relationship between these parameters.

Materials and Methods: 117 patients admitted for routine biochemical analysis were included. CRP levels were measured by nephelometric method, sedimentation rates were measured by optical method, IMA levels were analyzed by Bar-Or's spectrophotometric absorbance method.

Results: Patients' (44 men, 73 women) mean age was 50.07±18.02 years. Mean IMA level was found 0.37±0.08 absorbance unit, mean CRP level was found 1.15±2.66 mg/dL, mean 30 min sedimentation rate was found 12.39±12.23 mm, and mean 60 min sedimentation rate was 28.34±21.12 mm. There is no significant difference between gender and age, IMA levels, CRP levels, and sedimentation rates (p>0.05). There was a statistically positive correlation between IMA, CRP and sedimentation (30 min and 60 min rates) rates (p<0.05). No significant correlation was found between age and the IMA levels.

Conclusion: We determined increase of IMA accompanied by increase of sedimentation and CRP levels as markers of inflammation. Ischemia-induced oxidative stress may start proinflammatory processes that increase CRP and sedimentation rate. On the other hand, IMA may come forward as a marker for inflammatory processes.