The investigation of serum protein profiles in anal fistula for potential biomarkers

An anal fistula is an external abnormal anatomical connection between the rectum and the outer skin of the anus. Symptoms include anorectal pain, abscesses, perianal cellulitis, smelly or bloody drainage of pus, and, in some cases, difficulty controlling bowel movements. Diagnosis and evaluation of anal fistulas is crucial for prognosis and for the choice of the treatment method. In this study, we aimed to discover potential biomarkers from serum proteins for the prediction of anal fistulas.