Molecular Markers in Peripheral Blood of Patient with Acute Myocardial Infarction

AIms : Cyclooxygenases (COX) are involved in inflammation and in prostaglandin metabolism. It is estimated that the use of blockers causes a steep rise in cardiovascular events when compared with patients who did not use them. The aim of this report is to show the association of the increase in COX-2 expression in relation to time in a patient with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods :A 54-year-old black woman, hypertensive and ex-cocaine user, presented with typical precordial pain and ischemia in the anterior wall of the myocardium identified by an ECG. Serial blood collections were performed in order to evaluate COX-2 and NF-kB gene expressions. Forty days prior the event she had been submitted to percutaneous coronary angioplasty due to AMI. The coronarIography revealed stent thrombosis. Results: COX-2 and NF-kB expressions peaked in the first 24 hours after the thrombotic event. Discussion : There is an increase in COX-2 expression on atherosclerotic plaques. The use of COX-2 blockers increase the risk of ischemia given their vasoconstrictor effect, resulting in a decrease in oxygen supply to the myocardium. In sum, the increase in COX-2 expression was associated with acute coronary event in this patient.