Metallothionein, zinc and copper levels: relationship with acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract Objectives: Metallothionein (MT) is a protein characterized by a high metal-binding capacity. Variations in metal concentrations may occur in several pathologies such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of this study was to investigate Zn, Cu, and MT levels in patients affected by AMI, and also to study their possible role in the patient's short-term survival. Design and Methods: 60 AMI and 56 healthy subjects were studied. Zn and Cu serum levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and MT concentrations were measured by RIA. Results: A significant increase in serum Cu and MT levels and a decrease in Zn levels in the AMI group was observed. A significant decrease in serum Zn and Cu levels in the subset of deceased patients was obtained. Conclusions: MT behaves as an acute phase protein in AMI, though it is not a proper prognosis marker of this disease in the short term, and it does not seem to be related to Zn and Cu serum levels.