Myeloperoxidase converts hydrogen peroxide into hypochlorous acid as part of the respiratory burst in neutrophils to kill bacteria.
Hypochlorous acid is the most toxic and potent oxidant generated by neutrophils, which have potential to cause significant tissue damage in many inflammatory diseases.
The respiratory burst uses large quantities of oxygen, and a single neutrophil may produce enough HOCl in one second to destroy 150 bacteria.
In the absence of chloride ions or when there is excess hydrogen peroxide, myeloperoxidase is converted to its inactive form.
Released by activated leukocytes in atherosclerotic plaques.
Single measurement of plasma myeloperoxidase independently predicts the early risk of myocardial infarction, as well as the risk of adverse cardiac events in the next 30 day and 6 month periods.