Serum myeloperoxidase in stable coronary artery disease

An inflammatory marker myeloperoxidase (MPO) is stored in the granules of neutrophils and monocytes released in response to leukocyte activation. High concentration of MPO can induce inflammation which can trigger plaque formation leading to atherosclerosis. But its role in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is limited. The objectives were to measure and compare the serum MPO levels in stable coronary artery patients and controls and to correlate serum MPO with severity of stable coronary artery disease. After obtaining ethical clearance, the study was conducted in Department of Biochemistry Kasturba Medical College Manipal in collaboration with Department of Cardiology, Kasturba Hospital Manipal. Total 86 samples (controls 36, cases 50) were collected in red capped vacutainer. Serum myeloperoxidase was measured using ELISA kit method. Non parametric tests, correlations were used wherever appropriate. p<0.05 was said to statically significant. Median values of serum myeloperoxidase levels in cases (28.13 ng/mL) were significantly increased as compared to that of controls (10.05 ng/mL), p value being <0.001. Serum MPO significantly correlated with severity of stable CAD. To conclude serum Myeloperoxidase levels significantly correlated with severity of stable coronary artery disease. Thus serum MPO has a potential to be used for risk stratification and in assessing prognosis of such cases.