S100A1, a new marker for acute myocardial ischemia

The Ca2+-binding S100A1 protein displays a specific and differential expres sion in the human myocardium and is considered to be an important regulator of heart function. Because of its high expression levels in the heart we t ested the performance of S100A1 as a diagnostic indicator of acute myocardi al damage. Therefore, we established a S100A1-specific sandwich ELISA and d etermined the S100A1 plasma levels in patients with signs of acute myocardi al ischemia. The concentration-time course of S100A1 was distinct from that of the "classical" biochemical markers, CK, CKMB, and troponin I, showing an early rise and a fast decline in plasma after the ischemic event. We sug gest that S100A1 should be included in combinatorial measurements as an ear ly diagnostic marker for ischemic coronary diseases. (C) 2000 Academic Pres s.