Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, cilt.29, sa.11, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
The aim of this study was to determine the gene expression and protein levels of interleukin-33 (IL-33), fetuin A and cytokeratin 18 (CK-18) in the pericardial fluid (PF) and plasma of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The CAD patients (mean age: 73.4 years) were enrolled. The IL-33, fetuin A, and CK-18 protein levels in pericardial fluid (PF) and plasma of patients with CAD were measured by ELISA, while IL-33 and Fetuin A gene expressions were analysed via quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). The IL-33 protein level in PF was significantly higher than plasma (PF: 57.09 ng/L; Plasma: 50.15 ng/L; p < 0.05). Similarly, the fetuin A protein levels were significantly elevated in PF compared to plasma (PF: 1060.53 mg/L; Plasma: 725.85 mg/L; p < 0.05). However, gene expression levels (ΔCt values) for IL-33 and fetuin A were significantly higher in plasma than in PF (p < 0.05). The CK-18 protein levels were comparable between plasma and PF (p > 0.05). Strong positive correlations were observed between CK-18 and IL-33 (r = 0.127, p < 0.001) and between CK-18 and fetuin A (r = 0.096, p < 0.001) in PF. The IL-33, fetuin A, and CK-18 levels in PF are predicted to have the potential to be used as a source of biomarkers for CAD. Although the collection of PF samples requires an invasive procedure, the proximity of PF to the heart tissue makes it a valuable source for understanding cardiac pathophysiology. These findings highlight the potential diagnostic and therapeutic utility of PF biomarkers in patients with CAD.