Auto-antibodies to protein Z in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery – preliminary results

Background: Considerable attention has been focused over the past several years on the protein Z (PZ) system. However, little is known about the role of auto-antibodies to PZ (anti-PZ) in cardiac surgery patients. Aim: In the present pilot study, we investigated plasma levels of anti-PZ in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery. Material and methods: Thirty patients with coronary artery disease scheduled for OPCAB surgery were enrolled in this study. Plasma levels of anti-PZ IgM and anti-PZ IgG were measured before surgery and one week after surgery using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: None of the subjects were shown to have positive results for anti-PZ IgM and anti-PZ IgG either before and one week after OPCAB surgery. Conclusions: These results suggest that anti-PZ autoantibodies are not an effective component of the PZ system in OPCAB patients.