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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 28, 2008; 14(16): 2540-2543
Published online Apr 28, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.2540
Diagnostic value of plasminogen activity level in acute mesenteric ischemia
Yusuf Gunerhan, Neset Koksal, Munire Kayahan, Yavuz Eryavuz, Hilal Sekban
Yusuf Gunerhan, Department of Surgery, Kafkas University Faculty of Medicine, Pasacayiri 36100, Kars, Turkey
Neset Koksal, Munire Kayahan, 2nd Department of General Surgery, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul 34640, Turkey
Yavuz Eryavuz, 5th Department of General Surgery, Okmeydan Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul 34271, Turkey
Hilal Sekban, Department of Biochemistry, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul 34640, Turkey
Correspondence to: Yusuf Gunerhan, MD, Department of Surgery, Kafkas University Faculty of Medicine, Pasacayiri 36100, Kars, Turkey. ygunerhan@superonline.com
Telephone: +90-474-2124632
Fax: +90-474-2120996
Received: December 17, 2007
Revised: February 29, 2008
Published online: April 28, 2008
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the changes in plasminogen activity level during mesenteric ischemia.

METHODS: We performed laparotomy in 90 female Wistar-Albino rats (average weight 230 g). In sham groups (SL) (GroupsIand II) the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV) were explored, but not tied. In SMA groups (Groups III and IV) the SMA was ligated, and in SMV groups (Groups V and VI) the SMV was ligated. On re-laparotomy 2 mL of blood was drawn at 1 h in groupsI, III and V, and at 3 h in groups II, IV and VI. Plasminogen levels were assessed and comparisons were made between groups and within each group.

RESULTS: The mean plasminogen activity in the SL group was significantly higher than SMA (25.1 ± 10.8 vs 11.8 ± 4.6, P < 0.001) or SMV (25.1 ± 10.8 vs 13.7 ± 4.4, P < 0.001) groups both at 1 h and at 3 h (29.8 ± 8.9 vs 15.1 ± 5.7, P < 0.0001; 29.8 ± 8.9 vs 14.2 ± 2.9, P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the values of SMA and SMV groups at 1 h (P = 0.28) and at 3 h (P = 0.71). In each group, plasminogen activity levels did not change significantly between the two measurements performed at 1 h and 3 h.

CONCLUSION: We conclude that blood plasminogen activities decrease during early phases of both arterial and venous mesenteric ischemia which may be a useful marker for early diagnosis.

Keywords: Mesenteric ischemia; Necrosis; Activity level