Myeloperoxidase
Last Updated Sep 2007
Q: What are your thoughts on the evaluation of myeloperoxidase as a predictor of coronary heart disease or impending cardiac event? Also, does following the Zone Diet and taking fish oil reduce one's MPO level? Is MPO a byproduct of inflammation?
A: Myeloperoxidase is an enzyme found in neutrophils, which are part of the innate immune system. In the study that you are probably referring to in the July 2007 issue of the Journal of America College of Cardiology, it was found that myeloperoxidase levels were also correlated with C-reactive protein, another inflammatory marker. Both would be indications of ongoing silent inflammation. The best marker of even earlier inflammation is the elevation of the AA/EPA ratio in the isolated plasma phospholipids. The bottom line: Inflammation increases the risk for heart disease. Following the Zone Diet and taking pharmaceutical-grade fish oil reduce inflammation.