Neutrophil-derived myeloperoxidase promotes atherogenesis and neointima formation in mice

Vedat Tiyerili1, Bakary Camara1, Marc U Becher1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.

Abstract

Insights

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibition reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, significantly decreasing atherosclerotic plaque development and neointima formation. Pharmacological MPO inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme primarily in neutrophils, linked to inflammation and oxidative stress.
  • MPO serves as an independent prognostic marker in both healthy individuals and those with coronary artery disease.
  • This study investigates MPO's role in experimental atherosclerosis and neointima formation post-vascular injury in mice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the role of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in experimental atherogenesis.
  • To investigate MPO's involvement in neointima formation after vascular injury.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of MPO inhibition in atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Main Methods:

  • Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice on a high-cholesterol diet were treated with varying doses of the MPO inhibitor 4-ABAH.
  • Irradiated ApoE(-/-) mice were repopulated with bone marrow from MPO-deficient (MPO(-/-)) mice.
  • Mice underwent vascular injury to assess neointima formation, with MPO inhibition and deficiency models employed.

Main Results:

  • High-dose 4-ABAH treatment significantly reduced inflammatory markers, vascular oxidative stress, improved endothelial function, and decreased atherosclerotic plaque development.
  • MPO deficiency in mice led to alleviated inflammation, reduced oxidative stress, improved endothelial function, and significantly impacted plaque formation.
  • MPO inhibition and deficiency markedly reduced neointima formation after vascular injury, while neutrophil transfer from wild-type mice enhanced it.

Conclusions:

  • Myeloperoxidase plays a central role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
  • Pharmacological inhibition of MPO presents a viable therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating atherosclerosis.
  • MPO inhibition is also effective in preventing restenosis following vascular injury.