Microbial Risk Factors of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases: Potential Therapeutical Options

Abstract

Infection and inflammation may have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This hypothesis is supported by an increasing number of reports on the interaction between chronic infection, inflammation, and atherogenesis. Assessment of serological and inflammatory markers of infection may be useful adjuncts in identifying those patients who are at a higher risk of developing vascular events, and in whom more aggressive treatments might be warranted.

A Hidden Organism, Chlamydia in the Age of Atherosclerosis

“…On the one hand, there is an inflammatory response in the endothelium, while on the other hand, there is subclinical systemic inflammation. Proinflammatory risk factors such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) activate IL-1 and TNF-α, which are called primary proinflammatory cytokines [53,63]. These primary proinflammatory cytokines activate IL-6, resulting in the release of acute phase reactants.…”