Coronary artery surgery is associated with different forms of atherogenic lipoprotein modifications.
BACKGROUND
Increasing evidence shows that thrombogenicity and atherogenicity of lipoproteins are related to modifications involving oxidative, enzymatic, or physical alterations of these molecules. Findings on lipid peroxidation associated with cardiopulmonary bypass are conflicting, and the possible other forms of atherogenic lipid modification are unknown. The various forms of lipoprotein modifications including lipid peroxidation, desialylation, and leukocytic elastase activity after coronary artery bypass graft operations are examined.


METHODS
In patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft operations, plasma total lipid hydroperoxides (n = 102), plasma leukocytic elastase activity (n = 125), free radical formation (n = 30), low-density lipoprotein oxidation, and sialic acid content before operation and at 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass and 3 months after operation were measured.


RESULTS
Preoperative plasma lipid peroxide concentration (2.2 micromol/L) increased after cardiopulmonary bypass (peak, 7.5 micromol/L; p<0.001) and remained significantly elevated at 3 months after surgery (4.2 micromol/L; p<0.01). There was a significant correlation between increased free radical generation and lipid peroxide levels in blood at all postoperative intervals. Low-density lipoprotein separated from plasma samples showed increased oxidation 48 hours after bypass. Sialic acid content of low-density lipoprotein was significantly reduced 48 hours after bypass. Plasma elastase activity increased significantly at all postoperative intervals.


CONCLUSIONS
Coronary artery bypass graft operation is associated with generation of sustained blood levels of modified lipoproteins. These thrombogenic and atherogenic particles may play an important role in hemostatic and arteriosclerotic complications of coronary artery bypass graft operations.
Jahangiri
M
M
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, William Harvey Research Institute, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, England.
Kovacs
I B
IB
Ridler
C D
CD
Rees
G M
GM
Gorog
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D005260:Female; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D019272:Leukocyte Elastase / Q000097:blood; D008054:Lipid Peroxides / Q000097:blood; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019158:N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
D005609:Free Radicals; D008054:Lipid Peroxides; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; C099252:oxidized low density lipoprotein; D019272:Leukocyte Elastase; D019158:N-Acetylneuraminic Acid