High Inflammatory Factor Levels Increase Cardiovascular Complications in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Objective: To investigate the association between inflammation and clinical outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in diabetic patients.
Methods: A total of 300 diabetic patients with coronary heart disease who underwent CABG were selected. Patients were divided into a group with cardiovascular events (32 in the MACCE group) and a group without cardiovascular events (268 in the non-MACCE group) according to whether cardiovascular events occurred within 30 days. The differences in clinical parameters; serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, IL-1β, and CRP; factors associated with the occurrence of MACCE; and risk factors affecting the midterm all-cause mortality of patients were compared between the two groups.
Results: The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, and CRP in the MACCE group were significantly higher than those in the non-MACCE group (p < 0.05). Gender, smoking, hyperlipidemia, duration of diabetes, and levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, and CRP were closely related to the occurrence of MACCE. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis evaluation results showed that the levels of IL-6 and CRP significantly affected the midterm all-cause mortality rate (p < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the advanced age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, long duration of diabetes, elevated serum IL-6, and CRP levels could be used as risk factors for midterm all-cause mortality. Conclusions: Inflammation levels in diabetic patients are associated with complications and midterm all-cause mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

1. Introduction

Cardiovascular disease has become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) worldwide [1]. It remains a life-threatening disease worldwide [2]. However, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CHD) has become the aggressive form of heart disease among human-related health issues. Since the lifestyle and diet have changed over the last several decades, its incidence has increased significantly [3]. A coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is one of the most effective treatments for coronary heart disease since it improves cardiac blood flow and reduces myocardial infarction [4]. Diabetes is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease, while diabetic patients' abnormal lipid metabolism, alterations in hemodynamics, and damage to vascular endothelium may contribute to atherosclerosis [5]. Due to the rise in prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease has increased as well [6]. According to studies, diabetics are more likely to suffer from atherosclerosis, simultaneous involvement of multiple coronary arteries, and peripheral vascular disease [7]. Many pieces of literature have reported that diabetes has become an independent risk factor for the occurrence of coronary heart disease, which may increase mortality and postoperative complications after CABG. A quarter of all patients undergoing surgical or percutaneous revascularization procedures have been diagnosed with diabetes. Compared to patients without diabetes, diabetics have a worse prognosis in relation to coronary heart disease and they also have a different prognosis when treated with percutaneous intervention or surgery. Among diabetic patients, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is currently the preferred revascularization method [8, 9]. A significant number of diabetics undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), which is an expensive procedure, today [10].

CABG can effectively perform direct revascularization of the stenotic coronary artery, reduce myocardial ischemia, effectively relieve angina symptoms of pectoris, improve the quality of life, and prolong the life of patients [11]. With the increase in the number of CABG in China year by year, the complications of diabetic patients after CABG have also increased and their correlation is not clear for the time being.

Patients with diabetes are most likely to suffer from CVD, especially MI, CAD, strokes, and congestive heart failure. Effective treatments are crucial to lowering the subsequent risks of these events. Diabetes patients are at high risk of cardiovascular complications due to impaired glycemic control, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and autonomic dysfunction. A targeted approach to modifying these factors can improve CV outcomes, but this can be challenging [12].

To explore the pathogenic factors of complications after CABG in diabetic patients, this study retrospectively analyzed the correlation between vascular disease complications after CABG in diabetic patients and inflammatory factor levels in diabetic patients. This is done to find the association between inflammation and vascular disease complications after CABG in diabetes and provide more reliable evidence for clinicians and patients to choose treatment modalities.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Clinical Data

A total of 300 diabetic patients who choose CABG from June 2013 to June 2019 were selected. Patients were divided into two groups, one with cardiovascular events (32 in the MACCE group) and other without cardiovascular events (268 in the non-MACCE group), according to whether cardiovascular events occurred within 30 days.

General clinical data, such as gender, age, BMI, smoking, medical history, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification [13], Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score [14], creatinine level, and medication, were collected from the two groups. This study was approved by the medical ethics committee of The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University.

2.2. Inclusion Criteria

The study subjects were patients with confirmed diabetes and coronary heart disease who met the indications for CABG surgery [15, 16]. A total of 300 patients were included in the study, and all data were extracted from electronic databases and/or hospital record archives, aged ≥18 years.

2.3. Exclusion Criteria

The patient enrolment process is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Screening diagram of study subjects.

2.4. Treatment Methods

2.4.1. Medication for Diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease

All patients received standard antiplatelet therapy, including 100 mg/d aspirin and 75 mg/d clopidogrel. This therapy is used in combination with RAAS blockers, beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, and diuretics, depending on the patient's blood pressure and heart rate. At the same time, patients also require oral hypoglycemic agents or subcutaneous insulin injections [15, 16].

2.4.2. CABG Surgical Methods

All patients were treated with intravenous plus inhalation-combined anesthesia in the supine position. An anterior median sternotomy was made, and the left internal mammary artery and lower extremity were routinely taken without lesions. Anterograde perfusion with blood-cold crystalloid cardioplegia was used. Under cardiac arrest, the left internal mammary artery or radial artery was anastomosed end-to-side to the anterior descending branch. The great saphenous vein was anastomosed to the right coronary artery, blunt marginal branch, and diagonal branch. After the distal anastomosis was completed, the ascending aorta was opened first and the aortic root should be punched with sidewall forceps. If the aortic wall is severely calcified, an easy-buckle anastomosis aid should be used. Finally, the proximal end of the great saphenous vein or the proximal end of the radial artery was anastomosed to the ascending aorta wall. After successful anastomosis, heparin was neutralized with protamine, cardiopulmonary bypass was stopped, and the chest was closed layer by layer [15, 16].

2.5. Data Collection

Data collection was performed using standardized definitions, including all-cause mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and revascularization with readmission. All patients were prospectively followed for 30 days for clinical events [15, 16]. The final results are all-cause mortality as of March 2021.

2.6. Biochemical Indicator Detection

Samples were collected after 30 days of follow-up. 3 ml of nonanticoagulated venous whole blood was drawn from all patients in the early morning on an empty stomach. The blood samples were left for about 1 h (room temperature), centrifuged at 3000–4000 rpm for 10 min, and then, the serum was separated and stored in aliquots at −20°C for later testing. The supernatant was collected by centrifugation before the measurement. TNF-α (TB Healthcare, Guangzhou), IL-6 (TB Healthcare, Guangzhou), IL-18 (Enzyme Remote Biotechnology, Shanghai), IL-1β (TB Healthcare, Guangzhou), and CRP (Aimeijie Technology, Wuhan) concentrations in serum were measured by ELISA according to the corresponding kit instructions [15, 16].

2.7. Statistical Methods

Categorical variables were presented as numbers and percentages, and comparisons between groups were performed using the chi-square test. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD), and comparisons between groups were performed using an unpaired t-test. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between continuous variables. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between study variables and cardiovascular events in the cohort. Hazard ratios (HR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and associated p values were calculated by the data to analyze the independent risk factors associated with cardiovascular events [15, 16]. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess midterm all-cause mortality in patients with high and low levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, IL-1β, and CRP. p < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference.

3. Results

3.1. General Information

The basic information of the patients is shown in Table 1. The 300 patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of cardiovascular events that occurred within 30 days. The non-MACCE group and the MACCE group had no significant differences in age, past medical history (including hypertension, COPD, myocardial infarction, family history of coronary heart disease, history of unstable angina pectoris, previous PIC history, and congestive heart failure), NYHA class, GRACE risk class, creatinine level, and medication. However, the BMI and duration of diabetes in the MACCE group were significantly higher than those in the non-MACCE group (p < 0.05). There were also differences in gender, smoking rate, and history of hyperlipidemia between the two groups.

Table 1

Baseline data of patients.

Item	Overall (n = 300)	Non-MACCE group (n = 268)	MACCE group (n = 32)	p value
Gender (male/female)	214/86	196/72	18/14	0.046
Age (years)	62.4 ± 9.3	61.5 ± 9.3	68.3 ± 10.1	0.680
BMI (kg/m2)	25.3 ± 2.6	23.3 ± 2.3	28.3 ± 2.5	0.001
Smoking (%)	151 (50.3)	128 (47.8)	23 (71.9)	0.010
Medical history
Hypertension (%)	215 (71.7)	194 (72.4)	21 (65.6)	0.422
Hyperlipidemia (%)	183 (61.0)	157 (58.6)	26 (81.3)	0.013
COPD (%)	13 (4.3)	11 (4.1)	2 (6.3)	0.573
Myocardial infarction (%)	93 (31.0)	83 (31.0)	10 (31.3)	0.974
Family history of coronary heart disease (%)	75 (25.0)	67 (25.0)	8 (25.0)	—
History of unstable angina (%)	114 (38.0)	99 (36.9)	15 (46.9)	0.274
Congestive heart failure (%)	34 (11.3)	30 (11.2)	4 (12.5)	—
Duration of diabetes (years)	8.4 ± 2.8	8.2 ± 2.5	9.8 ± 3.1	0.001
NYHA grading				0.754
I~II grade(%)	272 (90.7)	242 (90.3)	30 (93.8)
≥III grade (%)	28 (9.3)	26 (9.7)	2 (6.3)
GRACE risk classification				0.725
Level 1 (%)	185 (61.7)	165 (61.6)	20 (62.5)
Level 2 (%)	96 (32.0)	87 (32.5)	9 (28.1)
Level 3 (%)	19 (6.3)	16 (6.0)	3 (9.4)
Creatinine (μmol/L)	70.7 ± 20.8	70.5 ± 20.4	71.5 ± 23.3	0.797
Medication
RAAS blocker	146 (48.7)	131 (48.9)	15 (46.9)	0.830
Antiplatelet drug (%)	195 (65.0)	175 (65.3)	20 (62.5)	0.754
β-Blocker (%)	130 (43.3)	117 (43.7)	13 (40.6)	0.744
Calcium antagonists (%)	88 (29.3)	80 (29.9)	8 (25.0)	0.569
Diuretics (%)	62 (20.7)	55 (20.5)	7 (21.9)	0.858
Insulin (%)	78 (26.0)	69 (25.7)	9 (28.1)	0.772

Data are presented as mean ± SD or n (%). P < 0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant. Non-MACCE: no cardiovascular event group; MACCE: cardiovascular event group: COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; NYHA: New York Heart Association; GRACE Risk Classification: Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events.

3.2. Comparison of Inflammation Levels between the Two Groups of Patients

First, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, IL-1β, and CRP in patients in the non-MACCE and MACCE groups were compared. Outcomes have found that in the non-MACCE group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, and CRP in the MACCE group were significantly increased (p < 0.001) as compared to that in the MACCE group, while no significant difference in the levels of IL-1β has been observed between the two groups (Figure 2). Results suggested that the rate of inflammation in the MACCE group was significantly more severe than that in the non-MACCE group.

Figure 2

Inflammatory factor levels in patients with cardiovascular events within 30 days. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, IL-1β, and CRP in 268 non-MACCE patients and 32 MACCE patients were detected and analyzed by corresponding ELISA assays. ∗∗∗p < 0.001.

3.3. Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis without Cardiovascular Events

The correlation analysis of each clinical index was further carried out. Multivariate logistic regression analysis has shown that gender (male), age, smoking, hyperlipidemia, long duration of diabetes, and increased serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, and CRP levels were closely related to the occurrence of cardiovascular events within 30 days (Table 2, Figure 3).

Table 2

Multivariate Cos regression analysis of predictors of midterm mortality after CABG in diabetic patients.

Variable	HR	95% CI	p value
Gender	1.373	0.733~2.377	0.245
Age	1.293	1.026~2.325	0.015
BMI	1.205	0.632~2.965	0.158
Smoking	1.359	0.869~1.704	0.244
Hypertension	2.305	1.248~6.398	0.007
Hyperlipidemia	1.285	1.058~1.856	0.032
Diabetes duration	1.597	1.102~2.258	0.028
TNF-α	1.415	0.952~1.584	0.352
IL-6	3.165	1.354~5.142	0.009
IL-18	1.158	0.526~1.952	0.421
IL-1β	1.068	0.695~2.058	0.136
CRP	1.969	1.265~3.595	0.030

Figure 3

Multivariate logistic regression analysis forest plot. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between gender; age; BMI; smoking; history of hypertension; history of hyperlipidemia; duration of diabetes; serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, and CRP; and the occurrence of MACCE in the two groups of patients.

3.4. Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis Results

Based on the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, there was no difference between patients with high or low levels of TNF-α and IL-18 (p < 0.05) in terms of midterm all-cause mortality, and on the other hand, there was a significant difference in midterm all-cause mortality between patients with high and low levels of IL-6 and CRP (p values < 0.01 and <0.004, respectively) (Figure 4).

Figure 4

Kaplan-Meier survival analysis results. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the effects of the high and low status of serum TNF-α (a), IL-6 (b), IL-18 (c), and CRP (d) on the survival of patients with MACCE.

3.5. Multivariate Cox Regression Analysis of Midterm All-Cause Mortality

Finally, the clinical indicators retrieved from this study as well as the MACCE prognosis (with midterm survival time as the evaluation index) were analyzed statistically with multivariate Cox regression analysis. The results showed that gender, BMI, smoking, TNF-α, IL-18, and CRP were not associated with midterm all-cause mortality (p < 0.05). However, age, history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, duration of diabetes, IL-6, and CRP levels were risk factors for midterm all-cause mortality (p < 0.05).

4. Discussion

Diabetes is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. While in literature, it has been reported that diabetic patients are more likely to have coronary heart disease than healthy people by 2 to 4 times [17]. Diabetes is recognized as an independent risk factor that can increase mortality and postoperative complications in CABG surgery. Several studies have demonstrated that diabetes is strongly correlated with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and hyperglycemia can increase angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and increase intracellular angiotensin (Ang) production [18]. Ang II can activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by stimulating the binding of Grb2 (growth factor receptor-binding protein 2) to insulin receptor subunits and resulted in phosopylation of ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinases), while it inhibits the PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase) pathway by downregulating the phosphorylation of protein kinase B, ultimately interfering with insulin signaling, and aggravating metabolic disorders and insulin resistance [19] which may lead to hyperglycemia and metabolic disorders. The same mechanism can also cause cardiac structural and functional abnormalities by altering the metabolic status of the heart, including inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, interstitial fibrosis, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial injury, and myocardial metabolic disorders [20]. Negative mechanisms act over a long period of time, gradually causing myocardial hypertrophy, atrophy, and even partial loss of function.

It has been reported that CRP (C-reactive protein) is an acute-phase protein, and it is produced in the liver after stimulation by IL-6 and TNF-α [21]. CRP increases rapidly in acute and chronic inflammation (tissue injury, infection, tumor, and myocardial infarction) and resulted in promoting opsonizing infection, apoptosis, phagocytic activity, and monocyte surface tissue factor expression. CRP is further associated with immune response, leading to more tissue damage, becoming a potential factor leading to cardiovascular disease, and is an independent risk factor for the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease [22].

In our study, we have found that the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, and CRP were significantly increased in patients in the MACCE group, indicating that cardiovascular events are closely related to hyperglycemia and inflammation. Vascular endothelial cells stimulated by high glucose produce a large amount of advanced glycation end products (AGE), promote the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and damage vascular endothelial cells. It also induces macrophage accumulation in the blood, releases inflammatory factors, aggravates endothelial cell damage, causes local accumulation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and forms atherosclerotic plaques [23]. This, in turn, reduces blood vessel elasticity, which makes it difficult to adapt to the hemodynamic changes after CABG so that cardiovascular complications are prone to occur after CABG. So, findings suggested that diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease are more likely to suffer congestive heart failure, severe arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death, which can make interventions and CABG difficult or even dangerous.

Our findings goes in hand with previous studies that suggested that hyperglycemia can promote a variety of signaling pathways to accelerate the production of reactive oxygen species and increase the expression of various proinflammatory factors and monocyte chemotactic to form foam cells and upregulate the expression of inflammatory factors such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducing oxidative stress and inflammatory response [24].

In a recent study, TNF-α caused upregulation of gene expression and production of IL-6 in cultured cardiac myocytes. This response to TNF-α was blocked by blocking p38 (10781614). Additionally, mutations in the NF-κB binding site in the IL-6 gene resulted in a loss of p38-inducible IL-6 reporter activity, indicating that NF-κB was involved in the production of IL-6 in cardiomyocytes. Overall, the authors of that report concluded that NF-κB activation and the TNF-α pathway are both critical to the induction of IL-6 gene transcription in cardiac myocytes [25].

Our studies are also supported by the studies finding that hyperglycemia can also cause changes in hemodynamics, produce chronic stress on vascular endothelial cells, and destroy the original structure and function of microvessels, causing myocardial ischemia [24], suggesting that patients with diabetes may increase the risk of coronary vascular bypass grafting, possibly due to insulin resistance and activation of inflammatory responses in diabetic patients [26]. Therefore, diabetic CABG surgery patients with serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, and CRP should be alert to the occurrence of MACCE in clinical practice.

In the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was found that gender, smoking, hyperlipidemia, duration of diabetes, and levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, and CRP could be used as related factors associated with cardiovascular events in patients within 30 days, suggesting that there was a good agreement between showing inflammatory indicators and gender history of the disease and the probability of cardiovascular events within 30 days and actual observation. In addition, the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis evaluation showed no significant difference in midterm all-cause mortality between patients with high and low levels of TNF-α and IL-18 and there was statistically significant difference in midterm all-cause mortality between patients with high and low levels of IL-6 and CRP. Multivariate Cox regression analysis of midterm all-cause mortality showed that gender, BMI, smoking, TNF-α, IL-18, and CRP were not related to midterm all-cause mortality. At the same time, age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, duration of diabetes, IL-6, and CRP could be used as risk factors for midterm all-cause mortality. Consistent with previous studies, diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease are more likely to develop congestive heart failure, severe arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death, making interventions and CABG difficult or increasing the risk of death. Diabetes is recognized as an independent risk factor for CABG. It can significantly increase the incidence and mortality of complications such as postoperative infection, low cardiac output, and the nervous system, and its mortality is related to blood glucose levels. In addition, inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and CRP mainly related to high glucose can mediate inflammatory responses, which can be mediated by insulin resistance IR, islet β cell injury, or interference signal transduction. On the other hand, as a proinflammatory factor, it can directly or indirectly induce or increase the occurrence of diabetic macrovascular complications and increase diabetic cardiovascular disease mortality [27-29].

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, inflammation in diabetic patients is related to the clinical outcome of coronary artery bypass grafting. It is recommended to monitor preoperative inflammatory factors in diabetic patients undergoing CABG. For patients with high levels of inflammatory factors, vigilance for MACCE should be prepared in advance.