Alterations in biomarkers of endothelial function following on-pump coronary artery revascularization.

Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been associated with activation and injury of endothelial cells, probably responsible for the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) taking place in these patients.

Methods: We measured plasma concentrations of soluble P-selectin (sP-s), E-selectin (sE-s), tetranectin (TN), vonWillebrand factor (vWF) levels, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in 31 adult patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting, just before and up to three days after surgery, and in 25 healthy volunteers.

Results: Patients showed higher plasma sP-s and sE-s and ACE concentrations, just before surgery, but significantly lower TN levels, compared with controls. During the first three postoperative days (PD), the concentration of each of the molecules followed a different and independent pattern, although in the third PD, the levels of sP-s, sE-s and ACE were higher and those of vWF and TN lower, compared with the preoperative ones. However, patients had higher sP-s (P=0.06), sE-s (P=0.07), and vWF (P=0.005), but lower TN concentrations (P=0.02) on the third PD compared with controls.

Conclusions: CPB is characterised by pronounced changes in plasma sP-s, sE-s, TN, vWF levels, and ACE activity, which are associated with significant alteration in the intra- and early postoperative endothelial function observed in open heart surgery.