Paradoxical toxicity of cardioplegic compounds on ischemic cardiomyocyte using optimal design strategy

René Ferrera1, Pierre Michel, Michel Ovize

  • 1INSERM, Institut National pour la Santé et la Recherche Médicale, EMI-U 0226, Lyon, France. ferrera@lyon.inserm.fr

Abstract

Insights

Some cardioplegic solution components can harm myocardial tissue during cold ischemia. Ethanol and calcium chloride showed protective effects, while others like pyruvate were toxic, impacting cell membranes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Cardioplegic solutions are crucial for myocardial protection during cardiac surgery.
  • Prolonged cold ischemia can lead to myocardial injury.
  • Understanding the effects of individual components is vital for optimizing cardioplegic solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of individual components found in cardioplegic solutions.
  • To assess the effects of these components on myocardial tissue subjected to prolonged cold ischemia.

Main Methods:

  • Simultaneous testing of 19 compounds within 20 established cardioplegic solutions.
  • Utilized a predefined protocol for evaluating protective or toxic effects.
  • Assessed myocardial injury by measuring enzyme leakage (AST, LDH, CPK) after 24 and 72 hours of cold incubation (4°C) in pig heart tissue.

Main Results:

  • Pyruvate, polyethylene glycol, Ala-Gln, and reduced glutathione exhibited toxicity after 24 hours.
  • Ethanol and calcium chloride demonstrated protective effects.
  • Dextran 70 was found to be deleterious after 72 hours of incubation.

Conclusions:

  • Certain cardioplegic solution components can induce unexpected myocardial toxicity during prolonged hypothermic ischemia.
  • Metabolic activation by some components may exacerbate cellular damage through membrane rupture.
  • The effect of preservative compounds on cardiomyocyte membranes during hypothermia is dependent on the cell's metabolic state.