Emerging role of myeloperoxidase and oxidant stress markers ... : Current Opinion in Lipidology (original) (raw)

Hyperlipidaemia and cardiovascular disease

Emerging role of myeloperoxidase and oxidant stress markers in cardiovascular risk assessment

Departments of aCell Biology, and bCardiovascular Medicine, and the cCenter for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Correspondence to Stanley L. Hazen MD PhD, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NC10, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA Tel: +1 216 445 9763; fax: +1 216 444 9404; e-mail: [email protected]

Abbreviations

MMP: matrix metalloprotease

PAI-1: plasminogen activator inhibitor-1

Abstract

Purpose of review

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.

Recent findings

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.

Summary

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.