Carotid surgery affects plasma kynurenic acid concentration: a pilot study
Piotr Terlecki1, Paulina Pawlik2, Adam Iwaniuk3
1Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
Summary
Carotid surgery (CS) increases plasma kynurenic acid (KYNA) levels. Elevated KYNA and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) correlate with postoperative neurological issues, indicating potential outcome predictors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Elevated plasma kynurenic acid (KYNA) is linked to surgery, inflammation, and cerebral pathologies.
- KYNA is a metabolite of tryptophan with complex roles in the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in plasma KYNA concentrations in patients undergoing carotid surgery (CS).
- To explore the relationship between KYNA, inflammation markers, and neurological outcomes post-CS.
Main Methods:
- Adult patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or angioplasty with stenting (CAS) were enrolled.
- Plasma KYNA levels were measured pre- and post-surgery at multiple time points.
- Inflammation was assessed using the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR).
Main Results:
- Plasma KYNA concentrations increased after both CEA and CAS procedures.
- Higher KYNA levels were observed in patients with unstable carotid plaque.
- A significant correlation was found between plasma KYNA, NLR, and postoperative neurological disorders.
Conclusions:
- Carotid surgery leads to an increase in plasma KYNA concentration.
- Plasma KYNA levels serve as a potential biomarker for predicting neurological outcomes after CS.
