Effect of Oral Zinc and Vitamin E Supplementation on Short-term Postoperative Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery Patients.

Cardiac surgery is a life-saving invasive procedure that may often be associated with significant postoperative complications. Cardiac surgery can cause oxidative stress due to ischemia-reperfusion. This is a post-ischemic complication that occurs when blood circulation is restored and causes inflammation and oxidative damage. Cardiac surgery with reperfusion injury can adversely affect the prognosis. Thus, reducing the extend of reperfusion injury and its associated pathways can be considered an important clinical issue. Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation may play an important role in the outcomes of heart surgery. Using antioxidants in pre or post surgery may help improve this condition. Vitamin E is a well-known fat-soluble antioxidant that prevents lipid peroxidation. Zinc has several roles including antioxidant effects. Zinc acts as a cofactor for important enzymes that contribute to the proper functioning of the antioxidant defense system. In addition, the mineral is involved in reducing free radicals by inducing metallothionein synthesis and circulating zinc concentration decreases significantly after surgery. In this study, the effects of oral co-administration of zinc and vitamin E supplements shortly before and after surgery on short-term postoperative outcomes, plasma concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients will be investigated.