Changes in markers of EBD, cytokines and SCFAs between the CPB/DHCA group and controls. (A) A significant increase was seen in FABP2, claudin-2 and claudin-3 levels between the pre-operative and post-operative samples in the CPB group compared to controls. (B) A significant increase was seen in IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels between the pre-operative and post-operative samples in the CPB/DHCA group compared to controls. (C) A significant reduction was seen in acetic acid, butyric acid and propionic acid levels between the pre-operative and post-operative samples in the CPB group compared to controls. Two-way ANOVA with Holm–Sidak's multiple comparisons test was performed. FABP2, fatty acid-binding protein 2; IL, interleukin; TNF, tumor necrosis factor. ns, not significant; *P<0.05; **P<0.01; ****P<0.0001.