This study was performed to evaluate whether cytokines, adhesion molecules, 
ghrelin and S-100B are useful markers in predicting the cerebral infarction 
after cardiac surgery with cardioplumomary bypass (CPB). The patients (n=20) 
were classified into two groups; group A (n=4) showed postoperative organized 
cerebral damage, while group B (n=16) consisted of patients without occurrence 
of postoperative strokes. Before CPB, serum levels of S-100B in both groups A 
and B were low (<0.5 ng/mL), while ghrelin concentrations in group A (all 
patients had history of strokes) were much higher than those in group B. After 
CPB, when serum levels of S-100B in group A at 24h were higher than those in 
group B, ghrelin in group A at same time point showed high levels in comparison 
to group B. At 12 and 24h after CPB, levels of tumor necrosis factor 
(TNF)-alpha, interleukin-10 and soluble TNF-receptor I in group A were 
significantly higher than those in group B. In conclusion, it is considered that 
ghrelin as well as S-100B can be a useful marker for the prediction of stoke 
after CPB. Increase of TNF-alpha, interleukin-10 and soluble TNF-receptor I 
after CPB may be involved in the pathogenesis of stroke after CPB.