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Cytomegalovirus and atherosclerosis
J L Melnick1, E Adam, M E DeBakey
1Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3498, USA.
Archivum Immunologiae Et Therapiae Experimentalis
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Herpesviruses may cause atherosclerosis by altering cell metabolism and promoting cholesterol buildup. Latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in human arteries is a potential factor in atherosclerosis development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Herpesviruses are implicated in various diseases.
- Atherosclerosis is a major cardiovascular disease.
- Avian herpesviruses offer a model for studying viral-induced atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking herpesviruses to atherosclerosis.
- To explore the mechanisms of viral atherosclerosis.
- To assess the potential role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in human atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro experiments with herpesviruses.
- Studies of arteries from infected birds.
- Analysis of viral presence in human atherosclerotic arteries.
Main Results:
- Avian herpesviruses can induce atherosclerosis in chickens via metabolic alterations and cholesterol accumulation.
- The same virus is linked to malignant lymphoma, suggesting proliferative potential.
- Evidence suggests latent CMV infection in human arterial smooth muscle cells of atherosclerosis patients.
Conclusions:
- Herpesvirus-induced metabolic changes are a primary mechanism for viral atherosclerosis.
- Avian herpesviruses serve as a relevant model for human atherosclerosis research.
- Latent CMV infection is a plausible contributing factor to human atherosclerosis.