I wanted to share some information about a compound called myeloperoxidase (MPO) and its effects on your brain and heart health. Understanding MPO can help you take proactive steps toward preventing cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s.
So, what exactly is MPO? Myeloperoxidase is an enzyme produced by certain white blood cells in your body, particularly neutrophils. It plays a vital role in your immune system, helping fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. While it serves a crucial function, elevated levels of MPO can have implications for your health.
MPO levels can increase due to various factors, such as inflammation, chronic infections and oxidative stress. Here’s how it can impact your brain and heart:
- Brain risks: Elevated MPO levels have been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Research suggests that MPO can contribute to oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain, which may affect memory, thinking abilities and overall brain health.
- Heart risks: MPO has been identified as a marker of inflammation and oxidative stress in the blood vessels and heart. High levels of MPO are associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks and strokes. MPO can contribute to the formation of plaques in the arteries, leading to narrowing and blockages that impede blood flow.
MPO is not a routine test, nor is it a test that will appear on a cholesterol panel. It might be recommended if you already have cardiovascular disease or risk factors, but it’s not likely to ever be recommended for Alzheimer’s prevention. This test, along with a few other non-standard tests, is included on the cardiometabolic panel I order for my clients.
Since the COVID epidemic, I’ve noticed more of my clients have elevated levels. I’ve also noticed the level of those who are retesting is higher than their previous test. In fact, my own level that was previously optimal has quadrupled. To say that I am concerned would be an understatement.
While I can’t say for sure that COVID-19 is the reason for my increase or anyone else’s, I’ve learned the following about MPO:
- During the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection, there is an increased release of inflammatory cytokines and activation of the immune system. This immune response can trigger an elevation in MPO levels as part of the inflammatory process.
- Additionally, COVID-19 can cause damage to blood vessels and increase oxidative stress in the body. MPO, being involved in oxidative reactions, can contribute to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and exacerbate oxidative stress during the infection.
- After recovery from COVID-19, some individuals may experience lingering symptoms and long-term effects. Studies have shown that elevated MPO levels can persist even after the acute phase of the infection, indicating ongoing inflammation and potential cardiovascular implications.
When I searched for solutions, I mostly found that a healthy lifestyle is the best prevention, which felt a bit frustrating because I do have a very healthy lifestyle and so do many of my clients. In fact, I exceed the recommendations that were encouraged. So, what’s a healthy girl at risk for Alzheimer’s to do when her level of MPO quadruples for no apparent reason, which increases cardiovascular disease risk and Alzheimer’s risk because of the inflammation and oxidative stress damage?
Keep searching for solutions. I found a few studies that showed MPO decreased using melatonin and pycnogenol. I also believe pro-resolving mediators will help. I decided to use all three because they aren’t the same. I’ll retest in a couple of months and let you know my results.
Also, the first step toward atherosclerosis is oxidized LDL. My OxLDL is optimal, but MPO can oxidize LDL. So you should also have your OxLDL tested. If both are high, you need to take action. If your MPO is normal, but your oxidized LDL is high, or vice versa, then that’s still a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Preventing cardiovascular disease helps you prevent Alzheimer’s. Various supplements help lower OxLDL.
It may be wise for you to have your MPO level tested —- especially if you had COVID or if you’re already at risk for heart disease. Reducing an elevated MPO level to mitigate impact on your brain and heart health is essential.
Unfortunately, the tests routinely ordered by most doctors just don’t include the tests we order for ReCODE that help us not only reverse cognitive decline but prevent it, along with many other chronic diseases. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get these tests.