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Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerosis. Identification of bacterial DNA in the arterial wall
M S Coutinho1, F J Nakamae, M E Menezes
1Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Objective:
The intracellular Gram-negative bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae has been associated with atherosclerosis. The presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae has been investigated in fragments of the arterial wall with a technique for DNA identification.
Methods:
Arterial fragments obtained from vascular surgical procedures in 58 patients were analyzed. From these patients, 39 were males and the mean age was 65+/-6 years. The polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the bacterial DNA with a pair of primers that codify the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Chlamydia pneumoniae. The amplified product was visualized by electrophoresis in the 2% agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide, and it was considered positive when migrating in the band of molecular weight of the positive controls.
Results:
Seven (12%) out of the 58 patients showed positive results for Chlamydia pneumoniae.
Conclusion:
DNA from Chlamydia pneumoniae was identified in the arterial wall of a substantial number of patients with atherosclerosis. This association, which has already been described in other countries, corroborates the evidence favoring a role played by Chlamydia pneumoniae in atherogenesis.
Insights
Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA was found in the arterial walls of 12% of atherosclerosis patients. This finding supports the bacterium
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The intracellular bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae is linked to atherosclerosis.
- Investigating the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in arterial tissue is crucial for understanding its role in cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in arterial wall fragments from patients undergoing vascular surgery.
- To explore the association between Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of arterial fragments from 58 patients (39 males, mean age 65 years).
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used to identify Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA targeting the major outer membrane protein (MOMP).
- DNA amplification visualized via agarose gel electrophoresis and ethidium bromide staining.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA was detected in 7 out of 58 (12%) patients.
- Positive results confirmed by comparing amplified DNA bands to molecular weight markers.
Conclusions:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA was identified in the arterial walls of a significant portion of atherosclerosis patients.
- This study corroborates existing evidence suggesting Chlamydia pneumoniae's involvement in atherogenesis.
- The findings support a potential role for Chlamydia pneumoniae in the development of atherosclerosis.