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Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
Cytomegalovirus and atherosclerosis
J L Melnick1, E Adam, M E Debakey
1Division of Molecular Virology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.
European Heart Journal
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Avian herpesvirus causes atherosclerosis in chickens. Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may also contribute to atherosclerosis, with viral DNA found in human arteries and higher antibody levels in patients.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Avian herpesvirus induces atherosclerosis in chickens, indicating a potential link between herpesviruses and arterial disease.
- Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) evidence in atherosclerosis is circumstantial but growing.
- CMV infection is common in the general population, including those with severe atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the pathogenesis of human atherosclerosis.
- To investigate the presence and implications of CMV infection within the arterial wall.
Main Methods:
- Detection of CMV antigen and nucleic acid sequences in human arterial smooth muscle cells.
- Seroepidemiological studies correlating CMV antibody levels with atherosclerotic disease.
- Observation of accelerated atherosclerosis in CMV-infected, immunosuppressed heart transplant recipients.
Main Results:
- CMV antigen and DNA found in human arterial smooth muscle cells, suggesting widespread arterial infection.
- High CMV antibody levels associated with clinically manifest atherosclerotic disease.
- Immunosuppressed heart transplant recipients with active CMV infection exhibit accelerated atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- The arterial wall may serve as a site for CMV latency.
- While not definitive proof, findings support a working hypothesis for viral involvement in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- CMV is a potential contributor to the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
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