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Published on: May 6, 2014

Co-infection ratios versus inflammation, growth factors and progression of early atheromas

Maria L Higuchi1, José M Góis, Marcia M Reis

  • 1Heart Institute of Clinical Hospital, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

APMIS : Acta Pathologica, Microbiologica, Et Immunologica Scandinavica
|May 27, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Early atheromas with stable plaques show higher Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) to Chlamydophila pneumoniae (CP) antigen ratios. This suggests a role for these infections in atherosclerosis progression and plaque stability.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Infectious Disease Immunology
  • Atherosclerosis Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and Chlamydophila pneumoniae (CP) antigens are found in complex atheromas, potentially influencing atherosclerotic lesion diversity.
  • Mycoplasma infections can modulate the immune system and inflammation, possibly promoting co-infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in MP/CP antigen ratios between stable and progressing human atheromas.
  • To correlate infectious agent presence with inflammatory markers and plaque characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of early stable atheromas (Group I, n=16) and growing atheromas (Group II, n=14).
  • Quantification of inflammatory cells (macrophages), growth factors (PDGFB), and infectious agents (MP, CP antigens).
  • Comparison of MP/CP ratios, inflammatory cell counts (CD68+), and fibrous cap presence between groups.

Main Results:

  • Group I (stable) had significantly lower amounts of CP antigens and lymphocytes compared to Group II (growing).
  • Higher MP/CP antigen ratios were observed in Group I (stable atheromas).
  • In stable atheromas (GI), MP correlated with CP and PDGFB, but this correlation was absent in growing atheromas (GII).

Conclusions:

  • Both MP and CP antigens are present in early-stage atheromas.
  • A higher MP/CP ratio is associated with increased growth factors, reduced inflammation, and enhanced plaque stability.

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