The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Soluble adhesion molecules are considered to be markers of inflammation, endothelial activation, or damage. This study was designed to assess whether adhesion molecules are specifically altered in patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures. ⋯ Cardiac operation was associated with increased plasma levels of soluble adhesion molecules, a finding indicating endothelial activation or dysfunction. In contrast, in patients undergoing complex, long-lasting abdominal or lung operations, soluble adhesion molecules remained unchanged. Activation of proinflammatory cascades, ischemia/reperfusion phenomenon, and microcirculatory dysfunction appear to be the most likely reasons for this difference between groups. Whether modulation of adhesion molecules may influence organ function after cardiopulmonary bypass remains to be elucidated in further studies.