Myeloperoxidase and Glutathione Peroxidase (MPO/GPx)

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) are key enzymes that regulate the balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the human body. MPO is a heme-containing peroxidase primarily expressed in neutrophils that produces hypochlorous acid to facilitate pathogen killing, but its dysregulation contributes to oxidative tissue damage in atherosclerosis and neurodegeneration (Source: UniProt P05164). Glutathione Peroxidase is a family of enzymes, often containing selenocysteine, that protect cells by reducing hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides to their corresponding alcohols (Source: PubMed PMID: 29057147). In drug development, MPO is typically targeted for inhibition to mitigate inflammatory damage, while GPx is targeted through mimics or activators to enhance antioxidant capacity (Source: PubChem CID 3194). These enzymes are frequently evaluated together as biomarkers of systemic oxidative stress and as therapeutic nodes in conditions characterized by redox imbalance, such as heart failure and stroke (Source: StatPearls, "Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress"). Together, they represent a critical axis in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis and managing inflammatory responses.

Other names

MPOGPXGSHPxMyelocyte peroxidaseGlutathione peroxidase 1GPX1

Inhibition of MPO-mediated oxidant production (such as hypochlorous acid) and catalytic reduction of hydroperoxides via GPx mimicry or activation to restore redox balance (Source: PubMed PMID: 29057147).