The role of myeloperoxidase as a diagnostic and prognostic factor in cardiovascular pathology (acute coronary syndrome)

Myeloperoxidase is one of the key enzymes involved in oxidative stress and inflammation. Its elevated levels are determined in a wide range of both acute and chronic forms of cardiovascular diseases. The inflammation results in the release of the enzyme from the white blood cells to form products such as hypochlorous acid, which in turn can have a negative effect on the target proteins. Inconsistent evidence on the predictive role of this biomarker in diseases of the circulatory system generates scientific interest and provokes further research in this direction. The aim of this review is to analyze the scientific literature data on myeloperoxidase as a possible clinical use for the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Materials and methods. Searching and generalization of data from leading specialized sources, which are indexed by scientific databases PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science. Results. The results of the studies indicate that myeloperoxidase is actively involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases through participation in oxidative stress and inflammation, excessive production of proatherogenic lipoproteins, changes in nitric oxide activity, endothelial dysfunction, and due to the effect on the instability of atherosclerotic plaques. In patients with cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease, the concentration of the indicated protein is increased and is often associated with a poor prognosis, including an increased risk of mortality. Myeloperoxidase metabolites are often the factors that contribute to cell damage under conditions of ischemia. The review also considers the relationship of the enzyme with the development of restenosis and the effectiveness of revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention. Conclusions. The presented data mainly define myeloperoxidase as a significant marker for predicting long-term follow-up results and the development of serious adverse cardiovascular events, mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. At the same time, despite the great achievements in disclosing the complex effects of myeloperoxidase, inconsistency in the available results is noteworthy. This controversy necessitates further research to elucidate and reveal the full clinical potential of myeloperoxidase in patients with cardiovascular pathology.