Chlamydophila pneumoniae changes iron homeostasis in infected tissues

Thoracic aortic aneurysm patients with Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection showed a shift in trace element levels in serum and diseased aortic tissue

“…When Fe was measured in patients undergoing surgery because of aortic valve stenosis, the same pattern was obtained with slightly higher serum Fe levels and greatly higher concentrations of Fe in the sclerotic valves [37]. A recent experimental study of ours showed that Fe is redistributed between organs and tissues in C. pneumoniae infection and that the intestinal uptake is not higher [18].…”

“…Moreover, many bacteria (e.g., C. pneumoniae) need Fe for their growth [16]. We have recently shown for the first time that experimental C. pneumoniae infection in mice causes a change in Fe homeostasis in tissues [17], possibly because of an infection-induced increase in hepcidin and trace element binding/transporting proteins, resulting in redistribution of Fe from depot tissues to infected organs [18]. Furthermore, potentially toxic trace elements, such as cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg), can compete with nutritionally essential trace elements (such as Cu and Zn) [19,20] and accumulate in the target organs of an infection, a development that may result in aggravated disease [19,21,22].…”

Iron Homeostasis in Tissues Is Affected during Persistent Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection in Mice

“…Our previous study was the first to demonstrate liver hepcidin induction and associated Fe alterations during early acute C. pneumoniae infection [17]. We have now extended our studies to include a later stage of the disease and whether persistent colonisation of bacteria occurs and reflects a possible early phase of chronic disease.…”

“…We [17] and others [25] have demonstrated that C. pneumoniae disseminates to and can be metabolically active in the liver. Presence of C. pneumoniae in the liver may influence the metabolism and the trace element balance in the body.…”

“…We have previously demonstrated that liver hepcidin levels in mice increase during acute C. pneumoniae infection and that this induction is associated with concomitantly altered Fe levels [17]. Thus, high Fe levels may not only predispose to C. pneumonia infection, but also could enhance the effects of C. pneumonia on atherogenesis.…”