Expression of neutrophil elastase and myeloperoxidase genes in coronary atherosclerosis

Abstract Background The neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzymes are produced by neutrophils and help the host fight infection. However, these enzymes have been implicated to induce atherosclerosis. We examined the expressions of NE and MPO genes in the peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) in patients with coronary atherosclerosis, and explored the association of expressions of those genes with severity of atherosclerosis. Methods and results Sixty four subjects who underwent elective coronary angiography were recruited. Biochemical parameters were measured, and severity of coronary atherosclerosis was calculated by Gensini score. Total RNA from PBL was extracted and converted to cDNA. Gene expressions of NE and MPO were quantified by real-time qPCR. Except for gender distribution, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and atherogenic index of plasma, the control group ( Conclusions The NE and MPO mRNA expressions are significantly up-regulated in the PBL in coronary atherosclerosis and are associated with severity of atherosclerosis. These findings suggest that the NE and MPO gene expressions may contribute to the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis.