Fibrinogen: a link between chronic infection and coronary heart disease

Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Its Link to Coronary Risk Factors in Japanese Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

“…H. pylori seropositivity is associated with increased concentrations of systemic markers of inflammation (ie fibrinogen and Creactive protein) and inflammatory cytokines (ie IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor). [38][39][40] Systemic markers of inflammation are associated with the onset of myocardial infarction and inflammatory cytokines are believed to activate or injure vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. 41 Therefore, systemic inflammation from H. pylori infection may be associated with the development of atherosclerosis.…”

How periodontal disease may contribute to cardiovascular disease

“…1). Plasma fibrinogen levels are known to increase in many infectious diseases, including C. pneumoniae and H. pylori infections (34), and research in our laboratories has revealed that fibrinogen levels and white cell counts are increased in patients with periodontal disease (24). Infections such as periodontal disease result in an increase in other acute-phase plasma proteins, which include C-reactive protein.…”

“…Other common chronic infections, such as Helicobacter pylori gastritis and Chlamydia pneumoniae pneumonitis, have also been associated with increased risk of ischemic heart disease and with increased plasma levels of fibrinogen and of other acute-phase reactant proteins such as C-reactive protein (33,41). Hence, it has been postulated that changes to the blood and blood-forming organs such as hyperfibrinogenemia may be common mechanisms through which infections may promote increased risk of ischemic diseases (23,33,42).…”

Chronic Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Migraine: A Case-Control Study

“…3-5 Several mechanisms could link chronic H. pylori infection and vascular diseases including a low-grade acute phase response, free radical formation, and immune-mediated mechanisms. [6][7][8] However, the precise mechanism by which chronic H. pylori infection mediates these vascular effects remains unclear.A recent preliminary study reported that 40% of patients diagnosed as having primary headache were seropositive for H. pylori infection. 9 Furthermore, eradication of the bacterium resulted in a significant decrease in intensity, duration, and frequency of migraine attacks.…”

“…[3][4][5] Several mechanisms could link chronic H. pylori infection and vascular diseases including a low-grade acute phase response, free radical formation, and immune-mediated mechanisms. [6][7][8] However, the precise mechanism by which chronic H. pylori infection mediates these vascular effects remains unclear.…”