RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEART-TYPE FATTY ACID BINDING PROTEIN AND OXIDATIVE STRESS BIOMARKERS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early diagnosis is essential for timely intervention and improved clinical outcomes. Heart-type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (H FABP) is an early cardiac biomarker released rapidly after myocardial injury, while oxidative stress during AMI leads to increased lipid peroxidation, reflected by Malondialdehyde (MDA) and activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms, represented by Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). However, the relationship between H-FABP and oxidative stress markers remains incompletely understood. Objective: To evaluate the changes in H-FABP, MDA and SOD during the first 12 hours after hospital admission in patients with acute myocardial infarction and to determine the correlation between H FABP and oxidative stress markers. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with the Departments of Cardiology and Emergency Medicine at MGM Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, from August 2024 to April 2026. A total of 110 patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction based on clinical findings, electrocardiographic changes and biochemical parameters were enrolled after obtaining written informed consent. Blood samples were collected at admission (0 hour) and at 12 hours post-admission. H-FABP was estimated using the ELISA method. MDA levels were estimated by the Kei Satoh method, while SOD activity was determined by the Marklund and Marklund method. Statistical analysis was performed using paired Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Serum H-FABP levels increased significantly at 12 hours of admission compared with 0 hour (at the time of admission) (p < 0.0001). In contrast, MDA levels decreased significantly, whereas SOD activity increased significantly at 12 hours of admission compared with 0 hour (at the time of admission) (p < 0.0001). Correlation analysis demonstrated no significant association between serum H-FABP and either MDA or SOD At 0 hour (at the time of admission) or At 12 hours of admission (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with acute myocardial infarction demonstrated significant temporal changes in H-FABP and oxidative stress markers. However, H-FABP showed no significant correlation with MDA or SOD, suggesting that myocardial injury and oxidative stress represent independent biological processes. A multi biomarker approach may improve early diagnosis and risk stratification.