A comparative study on fatty acid profile in selected vessels of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Biochemistry
• Medical Research

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a major non-communicable disease in Sri Lanka.
• Understanding blood vessel fatty acid composition is key to atherosclerosis research.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery utilizes major arteries like saphenous vein (SV), radial artery (RA), and left internal mammary artery (LIMA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the fatty acid profiles of SV, RA, and LIMA.
• To determine the suitability of different vessels for CABG based on their fatty acid composition.
• To identify potential correlations between fatty acid profiles and cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

• Tissue samples from SV, RA, and LIMA were obtained from 27 patients undergoing elective CABG.
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS) was employed to analyze the fatty acid (FA) profiles.
• Key fatty acids, including saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids, were quantified.

Main Results:

• Palmitic acid and stearic acid were the predominant SFAs across all tested vessels.
• Oleic acid was the most abundant MUFA.
• LIMA exhibited a higher SFA percentage and lower unsaturated FA percentage compared to RA and SV.
• RA samples showed the highest levels of pro-inflammatory ω-6 PUFAs and an elevated ω-6:ω-3 PUFA ratio.

Conclusions:

• The fatty acid composition of LIMA suggests it may be a preferred graft for CABG compared to RA and SV.
• Elevated ω-6 PUFAs and a high ω-6:ω-3 ratio in RA indicate potential pro-inflammatory characteristics.
• Further research into vascular fatty acid profiles can inform surgical graft selection and atherosclerosis management.