Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative stress in the Prediction and Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

The assessment of patients presenting with chest pain or symptoms indicative of cardiac ischemia remains a diagnostic challenge. Many types of research have focused on the search for ideal biological markers for the rapid detection of cardiac cell injuries. Markers of inflammation and oxidative stress are the way forward. At present, the biomarker most widely used for diagnosing acute coronary syndrome is cardiac troponin though it has some limitations. Apart from cardiac troponin, several other biomarkers, especially inflammation and oxidative stress markers in acute coronary syndrome, have been investigated. However, most of them still require validation in further studies. As markers of inflammation and oxidative stress address a particular aspect of the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndrome, these biomarkers may provide unique information to the managing clinician separate from that of markers of myocyte necrosis.  Serum markers of inflammation and oxidative stress appear before cardiac necrosis markers and are valuable targets for early and timely diagnosis of an acute cardiac event. Using these markers in combination with biomarkers of plaque formation, unstable plaque development, plaque rupture, thrombosis, and myocardial necrosis (multimarker approach) could increase their diagnostic and prognostic value.