Proteomic biomarkers for diagnosis in acute myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is considered the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many industrialized nations. AMI is defined currently by detection of a rise and/or fall of cardiac biomarkers at least above the 99th percentile of the upper limit. Early detection of AMI could conceivably provide important information for understanding the molecular functions of heart disease, and would enable more effective diagnosis and treatment of patients. However, diagnostic approaches currently in use for the evaluation of patients, associated with chest pain or other symptoms suggestive of AMI are acceptable, but they are time-consuming, high-cost and labour-intensive in most cases. Thus, much work is needed in the development of biomarkers for accurate and cost-effective diagnosis of AMI and for effective management of patients. In this article, we give an overview of proteomic biomarkers for rapid and reliable diagnosis of AMI, focusing on biochemical characteristics and their clinical applications for point-of-care of AMI. We also postulate the future directions in the pursuit of integrated multiplex assay systems for multifunctional diagnosis in AMI.