INFECTIONS, INFLAMMATION AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS

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.