Higher cytotoxic activity and increased levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

Extracorporeal circulation (EC) by surgical bypass is often associated with a systemic inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of EC on the serum levels of pro-inflammatory mediators Interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and soluble CD-23. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and natural killer cell (NK) cytotoxic activity were also analyzed before and after the bypass process. The results from eight patients who underwent cardiac surgery showed a significant increase in the levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, a decrease in CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte ratio, and an overstimulated NK cytotoxic activity. These changes on serum cytokine levels and cellular immunology parameters could play an important role in the development of adverse effects associated with EC.