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Aspirin decreases vascular endothelial growth factor release during myocardial ischemia
Rabin Gerrah1, Mina Fogel, Dan Gilon
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hadassah University Hospital, P.O.B. 12000, Jerusalem 91120, Israel. rmger@yahoo.com
Insights
Aspirin use before bypass surgery lowers Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels, independent of platelet count. Post-surgery, VEGF and creatine kinase levels were lower in aspirin patients, indicating potential protective effects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Surgical Research
- Biomarker Analysis
Background:
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a key angiogenesis factor implicated in cardiovascular disease pathophysiology.
- Modulating serum VEGF levels may offer significant prognostic value in managing cardiovascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of perioperative aspirin administration on serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
- To compare VEGF and creatine kinase (CK) levels between aspirin-treated and non-aspirin groups before and after CABG.
- To assess the correlation between VEGF levels and platelet counts in the context of aspirin use.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 24 patients undergoing CABG, divided into aspirin and non-aspirin groups.
- Serum VEGF and creatine kinase (CK) levels were measured preoperatively and postoperatively.
- Platelet counts were analyzed and correlated with VEGF levels.
Main Results:
- Patients receiving aspirin pre-surgery exhibited significantly lower serum VEGF levels (94 pg/ml) compared to the non-aspirin group (241 pg/ml), irrespective of platelet count.
- Postoperative VEGF levels decreased in both groups, with aspirin patients showing lower levels.
- Serum CK levels were significantly lower in the aspirin group both preoperatively and postoperatively, suggesting reduced myocardial injury.
Conclusions:
- Perioperative aspirin administration is associated with reduced serum VEGF levels in CABG patients.
- The observed difference in VEGF levels between aspirin and non-aspirin groups is not attributable to variations in platelet count.
- Aspirin may have a protective effect, indicated by lower VEGF and CK levels, during the perioperative period of CABG.
Background:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is an important angiogenesis factor involved in pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Controlling this factor's level in the serum might have significant prognostic outcomes.
Methods:
Twenty-four patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were prospectively categorized into two groups according to aspirin administration before surgery. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor levels were compared and correlated and adjusted with platelets count between two groups in the serum, before and after the surgery. Serum creatine kinase (CK) levels were determined before and after the operation in parallel to other clinical data.
Results:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor levels were significantly lower in patients of the aspirin group compared to those of the non-aspirin group; 94+/-61 vs. 241+/-118 pg/ml, p=0.0003, respectively, this-despite an absence of difference in the platelet count between the groups. These titers decreased postoperatively in both groups, 94+/-61 to 10+/-9 pg/ml, p=0.001 in aspirin group and from 241+/-118 to 84+/-54 pg/ml, p=0.001 in control group. Serum creatine kinase levels were higher in the non-aspirin group, 214+/-83 u/l compared to 70+/-32 u/l in the aspirin group. Creatine kinase levels increased significantly postoperatively in both groups; however, the aspirin group had a significantly lower creatine kinase levels compared to non-aspirin group, 107+/-51 vs. 401+/-127 u/l, respectively, p=<0.0001. A significant correlation was seen between VEGF levels and platelets count in both groups, r=0.5.
Conclusions:
Aspirin treated patients have lower Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor titer levels in the perioperative course. This difference between the aspirin and the non-aspirin group is not accounted for by the platelets count.
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