Optimal - The Blog
February 23, 2025
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a fascinating enzyme that serves as both defender and potential troublemaker in our bodies. Primarily found in white blood cells called neutrophils, MPO plays a crucial role in our immune system's first line of defense against pathogens.This powerful enzyme produces hypochlorous acid - essentially the same active ingredient found in household bleach - to destroy invading microorganisms. However, like many powerful tools in biology, MPO's activity is a double-edged sword. While it helps protect us from infection, elevated levels of MPO in the bloodstream can signal underlying inflammation and oxidative stress, making it an increasingly important biomarker in modern medicine.
Given MPO's role in inflammation and oxidative stress, elevated levels of this enzyme can signal active disease processes across several acute conditions:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and atherosclerosis
- Obesity
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Cancer
- Diabetes/diabetic retinopathy
- Renal diseases
- Liver diseases
- Lung injury
- Cystic fibrosis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Tuberculosis
- Asthma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic sinusitis
- Peptic ulcer
- Gastric ulcer
- Duodenal ulcer
- Colitis
- Pancreatitis
- Chronic periodontitis
Want to Learn More?
CLICK HERE to learn more about Myeloperoxidase and its role in chronic disease, health consequences, the ODX ranges, etc.
