Understanding the superiority of HMP compared to SCS in heart preservation by analyzing protein expression levels between SCS and HMP preserved hearts and between Surviving and Non-Surviving SCS preserved hearts

Abstract

This thesis explores heart preservation techniques, focusing on static cold storage (SCS) and machine perfusion, and their impact on heart transplantation success. It investigates protein analysis to identify biomarkers associated with heart damage during preservation. Using the Olink™ T96 organ damage panel, the study examines perfusate samples from pig hearts preserved with either hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) or SCS. Results show significant differences in concentration levels of specific proteins between HMP and SCS groups, highlighting pathways related to oxidative stress, DNA repair, lipid metabolism, contractile function, and tissue remodeling. The findings suggest that HMP may lead to better preservation, potentially reflecting the upregulation of cardioprotective proteins. Moreover, analysis of proteins from surviving and non-surviving SCS hearts indicates significant differences, indicating potential markers for heart viability during preservation.