Original Article

Change in Bilirubin Level Following Acute Myocardial Infarction Is an Index for Heme Oxygenase Activation

Objectives: Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) is rapidly induced by stress, degrading pro-oxidant heme into carbon monoxide, bilirubin, and free iron (Fe). Induction of HO-1 is an important defense mechanism against tissue injury. Here, we tested the hypothesis that HO-1 is activated in the myocardium after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in…