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Published on: September 15, 2023
Apoptosis-specific activation markers in on- versus off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients
Tamás Szerafin1, Ambrus Horvath, Bernhard Moser
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
Insights
Epithelial/endothelial apoptosis occurs during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, regardless of whether it is performed on-pump or off-pump. This finding highlights cellular damage during cardiac procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Cellular Biology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- The relationship between epithelial/endothelial apoptosis and death-inducing receptors (DIR) versus vascular adhesion molecules during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is unclear.
- Investigating these markers can provide insights into cellular stress during cardiac procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate epithelial/endothelial apoptosis and the secretion of death-inducing receptors (DIR) and vascular adhesion molecules.
- To compare these markers in patients undergoing on-pump versus off-pump CABG.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 30 patients (15 on-pump CABG, 15 off-pump CABG).
- Serum samples collected preoperatively and at 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 24 hours post-CABG.
- ELISA used to measure caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18 (CK18), soluble VCAM-1, ICAM-1, TNFR-1, and CD95.
Main Results:
- Soluble caspase-cleaved CK18 increased post-CABG, returning to baseline by 24 hours.
- Soluble ICAM-1 significantly decreased at 30 and 60 minutes post-CABG.
- Soluble TNFR-1/CD95 showed a non-significant increase compared to preoperative levels.
Conclusions:
- Epithelial/endothelial apoptosis occurs in patients undergoing CABG surgery.
- Apoptosis is observed irrespective of whether the CABG procedure is performed on-pump or off-pump.
- The study provides novel evidence of cellular apoptosis during bypass operations.
Background:
The relation of epithelial/endothelial apoptosis and secretion of death-inducing receptors (DIR) in comparison to vascular adhesion molecules is not known in patients undergoing the On- versus Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure.
Methods:
30 patients were prospectively included in the study (On- vs. Off-pump CABG, each n = 15). Serum samples were obtained prior to, and 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 24 hours after CABG operation. ELISA was utilized to detect caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18 (CK18) by means of M30 antibody, soluble VCAM-1, soluble ICAM-1, and soluble DIR TNFR-1 and CD95.
Results:
Soluble caspase-cleaved CK18 was increased and leveled to initial values at 24 hrs. sICAM-1 showed a significant decrease at 30 minutes and 60 minutes in comparison to preoperative values. sTNFR-1/sCD95 showed a rise that was not significant to preoperative values.
Conclusion:
These results indicate for the first time that epithelial/endothelial apoptosis is occurring in patients undergoing bypass operation, irrespective of the CABG procedure selected.

