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Levels of antibodies to microorganisms implicated in atherosclerosis and of C-reactive protein among atomic bomb survivors.
- Source :
-
Radiation research [Radiat Res] 2006 Aug; Vol. 166 (2), pp. 360-6. - Publication Year :
- 2006
-
Abstract
- Although it has been suggested that cardiovascular disease incidence is increased among atomic bomb survivors, the existence of a causal relationship between radiation exposure and atherosclerosis is unclear. Microbial infections, including those caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori and cytomegalovirus, have recently been implicated in atherosclerosis. Since immune function is somewhat impaired among atomic bomb survivors, their immune defense against such infections might be diminished. To investigate this possibility, we measured antibody levels to the above microorganisms in the sera of survivors. We found that the levels of IgG and IgA antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae decreased significantly with radiation dose, whereas the levels of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori or cytomegalovirus remained unchanged. The inflammation marker C-reactive protein was significantly and positively associated with level of antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae only in heavily exposed (>or=1000 mGy) survivors. These results may suggest that among atomic bomb survivors, immune response to Chlamydia pneumoniae is diminished and chronic inflammatory reactions related to Chlamydia pneumoniae infection are present.
- Subjects :
- Aged
Antibodies, Bacterial immunology
Antibodies, Viral immunology
Atherosclerosis complications
Atherosclerosis epidemiology
Chlamydophila Infections blood
Chlamydophila Infections epidemiology
Chlamydophila Infections immunology
Chlamydophila Infections microbiology
Chlamydophila pneumoniae immunology
Chlamydophila pneumoniae radiation effects
Cytomegalovirus immunology
Cytomegalovirus radiation effects
Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
Female
Helicobacter pylori immunology
Helicobacter pylori radiation effects
Humans
Male
World War II
Antibodies, Bacterial blood
Antibodies, Viral blood
Atherosclerosis blood
Atherosclerosis immunology
C-Reactive Protein metabolism
Nuclear Warfare
Survivors
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0033-7587
- Volume :
- 166
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Radiation research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 16881737
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1667/RR3589.1