Myeloperoxidase and free iron levels: Potential biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of ovarian cancer

Objective: The study sought to identify whether a relationship exists between serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) and free iron with stages of ovarian cancer. Methods: Serum and tissue samples were collected from women with stages I through IV ovarian cancer, benign gynecologic conditions, inflammation, and healthy controls. Myeloperoxidase ELISA and VITROS Fe Slide assays were used to measure serum and tissue MPO and free iron levels, respectively. Data were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA with post-hoc comparisons (p < 0.05 considered significant). Results: There was a significant increase in the level of free iron in serum and tissues obtained from stages II-IV as compared to early-stage (stage I) ovarian cancer. There was an overlap between early-stage and inflammation serum MPO levels, however serum free iron levels were significantly higher in early-stage. There was no significant change in serum free iron levels between non-cancer groups. In contrast, there was a significant increase in serum free iron levels in early-stage as compared to non-cancer groups. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings clearly indicate a role for the combination of serum MPO and free iron as biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of ovarian cancer.