Plasma Biomarkers in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass

It is critical to identify at-risk patients and minimize the deleterious effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures in pediatric populations. The present study screened the plasma proteome of pediatric patients undergoing CPB procedures to identify potential clinical biomarkers related to tissue damage, inflammation, or other pathologies. Blood samples were collected at five different time points from 10 children undergoing a CPB procedure. Plasma was isolated and analyzed using two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. Levels of differentially regulated proteins identified by two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis, and related proteins were then measured in all time points and patients. As well, associated small molecules and ions were measured. The present study identified 13 proteins and protein isoforms altered in expression, including hemopexin, ceruloplasmin, inter-alpha inhibitor H4, and alpha-2-macroglobulin. Immunoblot analysis revealed significant decreases in each of these proteins during the CPB procedure. Significant changes in the levels of copper, iron, Hb, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin were observed. The potential markers of pathology (inflammation, oxidative stress) identified during this preliminary study may illuminate opportunities for preventative measures and/or treatments during and following CPB procedures in pediatric patients.