Cardiac Biomarkers for Detection of Myocardial Infarction: Perspectives from Past to Present

Editor’s Note: With great pleasure and anticipation in recognition of Clinical Chemistry’s 50th anniversary, I have been able to arm-twist four talented scientists to document their impressive marks on the science of diagnostics in the field of cardiac biomarkers and detection of myocardial infarction. Their exciting discoveries and applications have dramatically influenced the fields of laboratory medicine and cardiology and have greatly influenced the care and management of thousands of patients suffering from coronary artery disease leading to acute myocardial infarction. As a matter of historical record, I owe a great deal of thanks to each one of the coauthors of this special report because each one has personally influenced my scientific career. I met Dr. Rosalki, during my postdoctoral training, at a national AACC meeting, where he kindly answered my numerous queries regarding creatine kinase enzymology and muscle physiology. Dr. Roberts, while serving as Director of the Coronary Care Unit at Washington University in St. Louis, generously allowed this fledgling fellow into his laboratory and shared many of his clinical and experimental findings with me. Dr. Katus, whom I first met at a scientific meeting sponsored by Boehringer Mannheim in 1986 in Bavaria, where I first became fascinated with cardiac troponin T, has remained a friend and colleague. Lastly, Dr. Ladenson, who as mentor, scientific colleague, and close friend remains ultimately responsible for both my professional growth as a clinical chemist (he was my postdoctoral fellowship advisor) and for stimulating and encouraging my goals and aspirations in the field of cardiac biomarkers. With the descriptions of the ground-breaking science described below, I am extremely excited and optimistic that the future of cardiac biomarkers is secure and open to new discoveries by the Rosalkis, Robertses, Katuses, and Ladensons of the future. —Fred Apple