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Updated: Oct 2, 2026
Fast and Specific Assessment of the Halogenating Peroxidase Activity in Leukocyte-enriched Blood Samples
Published on: July 28, 2016
Growing significance of myeloperoxidase in non-infectious diseases
Aline Hoy1, Brigitte Leininger-Muller, Dolphe Kutter
1INSERM Unité 525 Faculté de Pharmacie, Nancy, France.
Abstract:
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a glycoprotein released by activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils, which takes part in the defense of the organism through production of hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a potent oxidant. Since the discovery of MPO deficiency, initially regarded as rare and restricted to patients suffering from severe infections, MPO has attracted clinical attention. The development of new technologies allowing screening for this defect has permitted new advances in the comprehension of underlying mechanisms. Apart from its implications for host defense, the expression of MPO restricted to myeloid precursors makes MPO mRNA a good marker of acute myeloid leukemia. In addition, during the last few years, involvement of MPO has been described in numerous diseases such as atherosclerosis, lung cancer, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Both strong oxidative activity and MPO genetic polymorphism have been involved. This review summarizes the broad range of diseases involving MPO and points out the possible use of this protein as a new clinical marker and a future therapeutic target.
Insights
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is crucial for host defense and linked to various diseases. Advances in screening MPO deficiency reveal its broader clinical significance as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a key enzyme produced by neutrophils, essential for generating hypochlorous acid (HOCl) during infection response.
- MPO deficiency, once considered rare, is now recognized with broader clinical implications, especially concerning severe infections.
- Recent technological advancements facilitate the screening and understanding of MPO deficiency mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse roles of Myeloperoxidase (MPO) in various pathological conditions.
- To highlight MPO's potential as a diagnostic marker for diseases beyond infections.
- To explore MPO as a prospective therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Myeloperoxidase (MPO).
- Analysis of MPO's role in host defense mechanisms.
- Examination of MPO's association with specific diseases and genetic variations.
Main Results:
- MPO is involved in host defense via HOCl production.
- MPO mRNA serves as a marker for acute myeloid leukemia due to its expression in myeloid precursors.
- MPO is implicated in atherosclerosis, lung cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Myeloperoxidase (MPO) plays a significant role in numerous diseases, extending beyond its known function in host defense.
- MPO's involvement in various pathologies suggests its potential utility as a novel clinical marker.
- Targeting MPO presents a promising avenue for future therapeutic strategies.
