Abstract
Background
The various factors that initiate coronary atherosclerosis and calcification are unclear. Chlamydia pneumoniae has been implicated in several diseases, including atherosclerosis. The possible association of chlamydia pneumoniae with calcification in coronary atherosclerosis, has not been previously elucidated.
Methods
Coronary endarterectomy specimens were harvested from 73 patients (67 males, 6 females), aged 40 to 75 years (average age 58 years) at Coronary Artery Bypass Graft [CABG] operation, and analysed by immunohistology, Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR], and electron microscopy. T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and Chlamydia pneumoniae were identified using appropriate cell-specific antibodies.
Results
Calcification was observed in all specimens, varying from calcific stippling to diffuse calcification. Numerous T-cells and macrophages were seen within atherosclerotic plaques and areas of calcification. Large numbers of cells that stained positive for the antibody to Chlamydia pneumoniae, were distributed in 69% of specimens within atherosclerotic plaques, especially within areas of calcification, in close association with inflammatory cells, but not in the adjacent normal segments. Deoxy-ribo DNA chlamydia pneumoniae was identified in 65% of specimens by PCR. Clumps of chlamydia pneumoniae were observed in about 61% of specimens by transmission electron microscopy.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated Chlamydia pneumoniae within foci of calcification in atherosclerotic coronary artery plaques obtained following endarterectomy in Indian patients. Chlamydia pneumoniae, in association with macrophages and T-lymphocytes, may contribute to the chronic inflammatory reactions resulting in calcification of atherosclerotic coronary plaques. This finding may improve the treatment of coronary artery disease since Chlamydia pneumoniae is sensitive to antibiotic therapy.
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Cherian, S.M., Arumugam, S.B., Bobryshev, Y. et al. Is chlamydia pneumoniae associated with calcification in coronary atherosclerosis?. Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 22, 126–131 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12055-006-0020-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12055-006-0020-3