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Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. In recent decades, the influence of many microorganisms involved (directly or indirectly) in provoking the process of atherogenesis, including cell adhesion, cytokine-associated damage, release of reactive oxygen species, etc. has been shown. Others, such as the influenza virus, can cause systemic inflammation that can damage vascular wall (for example, by cytokines and proteases). In addition, another indirect mechanism by which some infectious agents (such as Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumoniae, periodontal pathogens, etc.) that may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is molecular mimicry. Given the complexity of the mechanisms by which each pathogen can contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, it is obvious that ongoing research and new data will be useful for improving our understanding of the infectious component of atherosclerosis.

Purpose: we aimed to study the prevalence of sonographic pattern of fatty liver disease (FLD) and its associations with cardiometabolic risk factors depending on sex. Subject and methods. We used data from the WHO MONICA Project in Novosibirsk, Russia. Fatty liver disease was studied by echography in a random population sub-sample (n = 2025 and aged 25–64 years). The association of FLD with potential determinants was estimated in logistic regression. Results. The prevalence of fatty liver disease was 20 % in men and 19 % in women. In men, its multivariable-adjusted predictors included age, body mass index (BMI), level of triglycerides and frequency of alcohol drinking or high occasional dose (≥ 120 g of ethanol). In women, in age-adjusted model we have revealed the association between FLD and BMI, level of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, and diabetes mellitus. In multivariable-adjusted model only the association between FLD and BMI remained significant. Conclusion. The prevalence of sonographic pattern of FLD is similar among Siberian men and women (20 and 19 %, correspondently). These data are consistent with data from European, North American and Asian populations. In men, 6.2 % of FLD was attributable to alcohol, 6.2 % – non-alcoholic FLD and 7.8 % to other conditions. In women, two-thirds of cases were NAFLD and one-third was accounted for other causes. In category of other causes – 72 % (women) and 93 % (men) of participants were carriers of markers of virus hepatitis. In men, the determinants of FLD were frequent alcohol intake, triglycerides level, and BMI. In women, BMI was the most significant independent predictor of FLD.

This review presents the study of the association of parodontal infections with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The results of studies conducted in the last decade and a half are shown, including systematic reviews and meta-analyzes. Some evidence exists concerning impact of infectious diseases of the oral cavity (caries and its complications, periodontal inflammation) on the onset and progression of the atherosclerotic process. An important measure for prevention of CVD may be adequate oral hygiene.

The paper presents the literature data, as well as the results of our research on some aspects of the relationship between influenza infection and cardiovascular diseases. Influenza virus-induced endothelial dysfunction, modification of lipoprotein metabolism, atherosclerotic plaque outgrowth, and inflammation additionally support the opinion concerning the role of influenza infection as a strong cardiovascular risk factor. The feasibility of vaccination against these viruses is discussed because this might serve as an important tool for short- and long-term prevention of infection-associated cardiovascular disease.