Association Between Tumor Necrosis Factor α 308G/A Polymorphism and Increased Proinflammatory Cytokine Release After Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass in the Korean Population

ObjectivesThe G-308A polymorphism of the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) gene has been suggested to be linked to high TNF promoter activity in in vitro studies. However, there have been some controversies in in vivo studies. This study investigated whether A allele at TNF-308 site is associated with (1) the changes in plasma cytokine levels during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and (2) an increased incidence of pulmonary morbidity after CPB.DesignProspective and observational investigation.SettingA university hospital, single institution.ParticipantsPatients scheduled for cardiac surgery with CPB.InterventionTNF genotype was determined by the real-time polymerase chain reaction method. IL-6 and TNF-α levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the following time points: T1, before initiation of CPB; T2, 30 minutes of CPB; T3, 30 minutes after CPB; T4, 2 hours after CPB; and T5, 24 hours after CPB. The oxygen index, serum creatinine level, 24-hour blood loss, intubation time, and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay were examined.Measurements and Main ResultsThe levels of TNF-α in group A (TNF-308GA/AA, n = 25) were higher at T3, T4, and T5 than group G (TNF-308GG, n = 225). The levels of IL-6 showed no statistical difference. The oxygenation index, serum creatinine level, 24-hour blood loss, intubation time, and length of ICU stay showed no statistical difference.ConclusionsTNF G-308A polymorphism may be associated with excess TNF-α secretion in this study and may not be associated with excess IL-6 secretion and postoperative morbidity after CPB.