Elevated serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in 71 patients 3 months after elective cardiac surgery suggest a potential link to persistent inflammation but not an increased propensity for perioperative cerebrovascular events.

Background: Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) plays a critical role in the transmigration of peripheral monocytes, a central mechanism underlying chronic inflammation. In this study, we investigate postoperative serum kinetics of MCP-1 as a potential contributor to postoperative neurocognitive decline, arteriosclerosis, and the development of organ failures. Methods: Seventy-one patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were included in this study. Serum samples were collected preoperatively (t Results: Cardiac surgery resulted in an acute increase in serum MCP-1 at 24 h, 7 days, and 3 months as compared to the presurgical baseline. MCP-4 levels were unchanged, while Regulated on Activation Normal T Cell Expressed and Secreted cytokine (RANTES) was significantly depleted after surgery. Except for a prior history of cerebrovascular accidents, other preoperative clinical conditions, duration of anesthesia, surgery, cross-clamp, estimated fluid loss, and transfusions did not influence t Conclusion: Serum MCP-1 levels were elevated for up to 3 months following cardiac surgery, even in patients who experienced an uneventful recovery. MCP-4 was unchanged, while RANTES depressed post-surgery. A significant correlation between MCP-1 and serum surrogate markers of brain injury, vascular inflammation, and atherosclerosis highlights MCP-1 as a potential biomarker and a possible mediator of adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery.