Evaluation of serum elabela levels in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a widely accepted surgical method that improves survival and quality of life in patients with advanced coronary artery disease. However, the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during the procedure triggers a systemic inflammatory response, which may contribute to postoperative complications. Understanding the biochemical changes associated with this inflammatory process is essential for risk stratification and patient management. This study aimed to evaluate the temporal changes in serum levels of novel and classical biomarkers, including Elabela, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, Galectin-3, Troponin T, CK-MB, LDH, AST, and ALT, in 30 patients undergoing elective CABG. Blood samples were collected at three time points: preoperatively, during CPB (perfusion), and on postoperative day 3. Elabela levels significantly increased during the perfusion and early postoperative phases (p < 0.001). Strong positive correlations were observed between Elabela and TNF-α, MCP-1, and Galectin-3 (r > 0.80), while no significant correlation was found between Elabela and Troponin T. These findings suggest that Elabela may reflect systemic inflammatory burden rather than direct myocardial injury. In parallel, significant postoperative increases were also detected in classical inflammatory cytokines and cardiac enzymes. In conclusion, Elabela appears to be a sensitive indicator of the early inflammatory response following CABG, demonstrating potential as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. Further large-scale and long-term studies are warranted to validate its clinical utility.