The present invention relates to the use of elafin for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases or disorders associated with an increase in troponin levels, which are non elastase dependent. The present invention in a preferred embodiment relates to a method and composition, using elafin, for protecting the heart muscle or other muscles from damage induced by abnormal blood flow and/or inflammation, which may result from, for example, a heart infarction. The present invention additionally or concomitantly relates to the use of elafin for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders or diseases which are associated with a rise in the level of troponin I and/or T.
