Emerging role of myeloperoxidase and oxidant stress markers in cardiovascular risk assessment.
OBJECTIVE
Myeloperoxidase, an abundant leukocyte protein that generates reactive oxidant species, is present and catalytically active within atherosclerotic lesions. Numerous lines of evidence suggest mechanistic links between myeloperoxidase, inflammation and both acute and chronic manifestations of cardiovascular disease.


RESULTS
Myeloperoxidase generates reactive oxidant species as part of its function in innate host defense mechanisms. The reactive species formed, however, may also damage normal tissues, contributing to inflammatory injury. Recent studies suggest that MPO-generated oxidants participate in multiple processes relevant to cardiovascular disease development and outcomes, including induction of foam cell formation, endothelial dysfunction, development of vulnerable plaque, and ventricular remodeling following acute myocardial infarction. Of note, measurements of myeloperoxidase mass and activity may be useful in cardiac risk stratification, both for chronic disease assessment, as well as in identification of patients at risk in the acute setting.


CONCLUSIONS
The inflammatory protein myeloperoxidase is present, active and mechanistically poised to participate in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular disease. The many links between myeloperoxidase, oxidation and cardiovascular disease suggest this leukocyte protein may have clinical utility in risk stratification for cardiovascular disease status and outcomes.
Brennan
Marie-Luise
ML
Department of Cell Biology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 044195, USA. hazens@ccf.org
Hazen
Stanley L
SL
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism*; D018570:Risk Assessment
D015415:Biomarkers; D009195:Peroxidase