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[Etiology of atherosclerosis-- special reference to bacterial infection and viral infection]

Makoto Kurano1, Kazuhisa Tsukamoto

  • 1Department of Metabolic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo.

Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|January 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Infectious diseases, including Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori, are investigated as potential causes of atherosclerosis. The link between infection treatment and atherosclerosis outcomes remains controversial, requiring further research.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial condition.
  • Infectious agents like Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, HIV, CMV, and hepatitis viruses have been implicated in its development.
  • Proposed mechanisms often involve inflammation triggered by infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the correlation between infectious diseases and atherosclerotic diseases.
  • To evaluate the impact of treating infectious diseases on atherosclerosis.
  • To address the ongoing controversy regarding the infection-atherosclerosis link.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on infectious agents and atherosclerosis.
  • Analysis of clinical studies investigating the effects of antimicrobial/antiviral therapies.
  • Examination of proposed pathogenetic mechanisms, focusing on inflammation.

Main Results:

  • Several pathogens (e.g., Chlamydia pneumoniae, H. pylori, viruses) show correlations with atherosclerotic diseases.
  • Proposed mechanisms highlight infection-induced inflammation as a key factor.
  • Clinical studies yield conflicting results regarding the benefits of treating infections on atherosclerosis progression or prevention.

Conclusions:

  • The relationship between specific infectious diseases and atherosclerosis is complex and not fully elucidated.
  • Evidence regarding the efficacy of treating infections to prevent or manage atherosclerosis is inconsistent.
  • Further rigorous studies are essential to clarify these associations and therapeutic implications.

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