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Published on: October 16, 2010
Serum myeloperoxidase levels independently predict endothelial dysfunction in humans
Joseph A Vita1, Marie-Luise Brennan, Noyan Gokce
1Evans Department of Medicine and Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass, USA.
Circulation
|August 25, 2004
Summary
High myeloperoxidase levels predict endothelial dysfunction in humans. This enzyme may link oxidation, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Myeloperoxidase (MPO) consumes nitric oxide, reducing its bioavailability.
- In vitro and animal studies suggest MPO's role in endothelial dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if circulating myeloperoxidase levels predict endothelial dysfunction in humans.
- To explore the association between MPO and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Serum MPO levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay.
- Brachial artery flow-mediated and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation were assessed via ultrasound in 298 subjects.
- Statistical analysis adjusted for cardiovascular disease risk factors and treatments.
Main Results:
- A significant inverse relationship was found between brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and increasing quartiles of serum MPO.
- Higher MPO levels were associated with increased odds of endothelial dysfunction, even after adjusting for confounders (OR, 6.4; P=0.001).
Conclusions:
- Serum myeloperoxidase is a strong, independent predictor of endothelial dysfunction in humans.
- MPO-mediated endothelial dysfunction may represent a key mechanism connecting oxidation, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease.
