The Role of Cariporide in Protecting Saphenous Vein among Different Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Genotypes.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to study the effect of cariporide (CP) on protecting the saphenous vein and the role of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

BACKGROUND

The saphenous vein is the main graft material used in CABG. Recent studies suggested that CP is effective in protecting against various cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS

Segments of a surgically removed saphenous vein were used to examine the vascular response to CP. The ALDH2 genotype and expression of related proteins were assessed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Among the conditions tested, the University of Wisconsin solution with CP (4°C, 5 min) treatment showed the best protective effect on the saphenous vein. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events was higher in the ALDH2-GA (heterozygous mutant) genotype population after CABG.

CONCLUSION

CP plays a role in reducing the production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis by ALDH2-mediated mitochondrial function improvement. The ALDH2 mutant genotype might be one of the risk factors for coronary atherosclerotic heart disease.