Interleukin-21 - A biomarker of importance in predicting myocardial function following acute infarction?

► IL-21 has never before been examined following myocardial infarction in humans. ► IL-21 predicts post-infarction left ventricular remodelling. ► IL-21 is related to TIMP-4 and MMP-9 which promote remodelling. ► IL-21 may be both a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target in this condition. ► Further study of the role of IL-21 in myocardial infarction is warranted.