OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of the myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX) enzyme was investigated in the diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: In total, 40 rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 8, for each group) while left kidney ischemiareperfusion was implemented in groups 2, 3, 4 and 5. Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 underwent 1-hour ischemia and 2-hour reperfusion. Group 3 underwent 1-hour ischemia and 4-hour reperfusion. Group 4 underwent 2-hour ischemia and 2-hour reperfusion. Group 5 underwent 2-hour ischemia and 4-hour reperfusion. RESULTS: Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels in all ischemia-reperfusion groups were higher than in the control group (p < 0.001). Serum MIOX level was higher in groups 2, 3 and 4 than in group 1 (p =0.002). Tissue MIOX level was lower in groups 2, 4, and 5 than in group 1 (p = 0.039). Serum and tissue neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels were not signifi cantly different between the groups. The injury level in histopathologic examination was as follows: group 1 < group 3 < group 2 = group 4 < group 5. CONCLUSION: The serum MIOX level increases in the early stages of AKI, however, decreases subsequently. Therefore, the serum MIOX may be a potential promising biomarker in the early diagnosis of AKI (Tab. 5, Fig. 6, Ref. 30).