The inhibitory effects of aprotinin on inflammatory response during cardiopulmonary bypass

Objective To investigate the effects of aprotinin on plasma toumor necrosis factor-a(TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 during cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods Twenty patients with rheumatic heart disease that would be performed vavular replacement operation were randomly divided into two groups: aprotinin group (n=10) receiving aprotinin and control group (n=10) not receiving aprotinin. Blood samples were collected from central vein during and after cardiopulmonary bypass for the measurements of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 by ELISA. Results After CPB, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in serum were significantly increased in both groups. Compared with control group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in the aprotinin group significantly decreased. Conclusion Aprotinin might significantly inhibit CPB-induced inflammation by suppressing cytokine production such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, and protect the organ from ischemia-reperfusion injury.