Syndecan-1 plasma levels during coronary artery bypass surgery with and without cardiopulmonary bypass

The glycocalyx covering the endothelium is shed during ischemia and reperfusion. The shedding is accompanied by increased levels of the glycocalyx component syndecan- 1 in the circulation. Our aim was to compare plasma levels of syndecan- 1 in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Syndecan- 1 plasma concentrations were measured in patients undergoing CABG on- pump (n = 22) or off- pump (n = 22). The syndecan- 1 concentration increased significantly from 29.5 +/- 4.6 ng/mL at baseline to 98.7 +/- 9.8 ng/mL (p < 0.01) after the start of CPB or 30 minutes after the induction of anesthesia in the off-pump group. There were no significant differences in peak syndecan-1 plasma concentrations between on-pump and off-pump patients. Plasma levels of syndecan-1 increased significantly during CABG, with or without the use of CPB. There were no significant differences in syndecan-1 concentrations in the two groups. Perfusion (2008) 23, 165-171.