Role of Helicobacter pylori infection in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• The role of infection in atherosclerosis remains a debated topic despite a century-old hypothesis.
• Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest an association, but conflicting results stem from population and methodological heterogeneity, and confounders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the debated role of infection in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
• To review the evidence linking infectious agents, particularly Helicobacter pylori, to vascular diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological and clinical studies investigating the link between infection and atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of proposed pathogenetic mechanisms, including chronic inflammation, dyslipidemia, and genetic modulation.

Main Results:

• Infection can trigger chronic inflammation, a key factor in atherosclerosis development.
• Studies indicate a positive association between Cytotoxic associated gene-A positive Helicobacter pylori strains and vascular diseases like coronary artery disease and stroke.
• Infection-mediated genetic modulation is an emerging theory in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Infection is a potential contributor to atherosclerosis, acting through chronic inflammation and possibly genetic modulation.
• Further large-scale studies are needed to clarify the multifaceted role of infection in atherosclerosis.
• Understanding these pathogenetic mechanisms is crucial for refining knowledge on infection and atherosclerosis.