Impact of Age on Endothelial Function of Saphenous Vein Grafts in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background: An intact and functionally preserved endothelial layer in the graft is crucial for myocardial perfusion and graft patency after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We hypothesized that old age is a risk factor for decreased endothelial function of bypass grafts. Thus, we investigated the impact of age in patients treated with CABG on endothelial function in saphenous vein grafts. Methods: We mounted the saphenous vein graft segments of CABG patients < 70 (n = 33) and >= 70 (n = 40) years of age in organ bath chambers and exposed them to potassium chloride (KCl) and phenylephrine (PE) to test the receptor-independent and -dependent contractility, followed by exposure to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) to test the endothelial-dependent and -independent relaxation. Results: The maximal contraction induced by KCl (2.3 +/- 1.8 vs. 1.8 +/- 2 g) was stronger in patients >= 70 years of age. The relative contraction induced by PE in % of KCl (167 +/- 64 vs. 163 +/- 59%) was similar between groups. Patients aged < 70 years showed a higher endothelial-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine than patients >= 70 years (51 +/- 27 vs. 42 +/- 18%). The relaxation induced by SNP was similar between both groups. Conclusions: The endothelial function of saphenous vein bypass grafts decreases during aging. Thus, age should be considered when improving graft maintenance.

Automated summary

This study found that endothelial function of saphenous vein grafts decreases with age in patients treated with coronary artery bypass grafting. Age should be taken into consideration when maintaining grafts.