Calprotectin and complement activation during major operations with or without cardiopulmonary bypass

Area of Science:

• Biomarkers
• Surgical Research
• Immunology

Background:

• Calprotectin is a granulocyte cell marker.
• Surgical procedures can impact inflammatory markers.
• Assessing biocompatibility of artificial materials is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate plasma calprotectin concentrations during and after major surgeries.
• To investigate the relationship between calprotectin levels, surgical procedures, and complement activation.
• To determine if calprotectin can serve as a marker for artificial surface biocompatibility.

Main Methods:

• Plasma calprotectin levels were measured intraoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively.
• Patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass, abdominal aneurysmectomy, or thoracotomy.
• Complement activation was also assessed in relation to calprotectin levels.

Main Results:

• Calprotectin concentrations significantly increased in all three surgical groups (p < 0.01).
• Rapid increases in calprotectin correlated with complement activation in cardiopulmonary bypass and aneurysmectomy groups.
• Elevated calprotectin levels were observed at wound closure and persisted postoperatively, particularly in groups with artificial surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Plasma calprotectin levels rise significantly following major surgeries involving artificial surfaces.
• Calprotectin's response appears linked to complement activation, suggesting its utility in assessing artificial surface biocompatibility.
• Calprotectin is a potential biomarker for monitoring inflammatory responses to surgical interventions and biomaterials.