Cytochrome c in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: A post hoc analysis of a randomized trial

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biochemistry
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Cardiac surgery can impact cellular function and stress markers.
• Understanding the role of plasma cytochrome c in this context is crucial for patient monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if plasma cytochrome c is detectable in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
• To investigate the association between cytochrome c levels and markers of cellular stress (lactate, inflammation, oxygen consumption).
• To assess the relationship between cytochrome c levels and clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery.

Main Methods:

• Observational sub-study within a randomized trial of thiamine vs. placebo in coronary artery bypass grafting patients.
• Blood samples collected pre-surgery, post-surgery, and 6 hours post-surgery.
• Measured plasma cytochrome c, inflammatory markers, and cellular oxygen consumption.

Main Results:

• Cytochrome c was detectable in 98% of patients at baseline (median 0.18 ng/mL).
• No significant changes in cytochrome c levels were observed from baseline to post-surgery or at 6 hours post-surgery.
• Cytochrome c levels did not correlate with lactate, inflammatory markers, cellular oxygen consumption, or clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Plasma cytochrome c levels do not significantly increase following cardiac surgery.
• Elevated cytochrome c is not associated with inflammation or poorer clinical outcomes in this patient cohort.