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Identification of different bacterial DNAs in human coronary arteries

J Lehtiniemi1, P J Karhunen, S Goebeler

  • 1University of Tampere Medical School, Tampere, Finland.

European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|January 11, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial DNA from oral pathogens was found in coronary arteries of all subjects, regardless of the cause of death. This suggests oral bacteria may play a role in coronary artery disease development.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Emerging evidence links infections to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • The presence of bacterial DNA in coronary arteries remains an area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of bacterial DNA in coronary artery specimens.
  • To determine if oral bacteria are detectable in the coronary arteries of individuals who died from cardiovascular causes and other causes.

Main Methods:

  • Coronary artery specimens were collected from five individuals who died of sudden coronary events and five controls.
  • Broad-range 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, cloning, and sequencing were employed to detect bacterial rDNA.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial rDNA sequences, specifically those of oral pathogens, were identified in the coronary artery samples of all subjects examined.
  • The detection of oral bacteria occurred irrespective of the individuals' cause of death.

Conclusions:

  • Broad-range PCR (Br-PCR) is an effective technique for detecting bacterial rDNA in clinical specimens.
  • A diverse range of oral bacteria were detected in coronary tissues, suggesting a potential link.
  • Atheromas may function as mechanical filters, trapping bacteria circulating in the bloodstream.
Abstract

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