Association of serum myeloperoxidase with metabolic syndrome and adverse lipid profiles in scleroderma patients.

Abstract

Objectives: Plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels have been associated with cardiovascular disease in the general population. However, their relationship to cardiovascular manifestations in systemic sclerosis (SSc) remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the association between circulating MPO and SSc disease characteristics, incorporating a comprehensive assessment of lipid profiles, carotid atherosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome.

Methods: This cross-sectional study encompassed 81 individuals with confirmed systemic sclerosis (SSc). All SSc patients underwent a complete clinical evaluation. Serum MPO levels and lipid profiles were assessed. To elucidate potential associations between MPO and both SSc-specific manifestations and cardiometabolic parameters, we employed multivariable linear regression analyses.

Results: Disease characteristics, including SSc subtype (diffuse or limited), Rodnan skin score, and the presence of visceral involvement (e.g., pulmonary, or other organ involvement) and autoantibody profiles, showed no correlation with MPO levels. However, significant and positive associations were observed, after multivariable adjustment, between MPO values and the presence of metabolic syndrome, LDL: HDL cholesterol ratio, non-HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B levels, apolipoprotein B:A1 ratio, and the atherogenic index.

Conclusions: Circulating MPO levels do not correlate with specific SSc disease manifestations. However, higher MPO values are associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome and an unfavorable lipid profile in patients with this condition.