Induction of Interleukin-18 in Atherosclerotic Patients: A Role for Chlamydia pneumoniae

Objectives: The present work explored gene expression and spontaneous induction of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18) in atherosclerotic patients. In addition, the effect of the chlamydial antigen heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the induction of this media...

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Published inMedical principles and practice Vol. 18; no. 2; pp. 105 - 110
Main Authors Mousa, Alyaa, Al-Zaki, Amani, Taha, Safa, Bakhiet, Moiz
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel, Switzerland 01.01.2009
Subjects
Atherosclerosis - complications
Atherosclerosis - physiopathology
Cardiovascular Diseases - complications
Chaperonin 60 - pharmacology
Chlamydophila pneumoniae
Diabetes Complications
Female
Gene Expression
Humans
Interleukin-18 - biosynthesis
Lipopolysaccharides - pharmacology
Male
Middle Aged
Original Paper
RNA, Messenger
Bacteria
Inflammation
mRNA
Atheroma
Cytokine
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Summary:Objectives: The present work explored gene expression and spontaneous induction of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18) in atherosclerotic patients. In addition, the effect of the chlamydial antigen heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the induction of this mediator was examined. Subjects and Methods: Detection of IL-18 mRNA and protein level were assessed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in 15 patients with coronary artery disease undergoing angiograms and 15 matching controls. Results: These experiments showed significantly high levels of spontaneously expressed IL-18 mRNA and high protein levels in patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.0005). Cells stimulated with chlamydial HSP60 (CHSP60) and LPS showed a significantly high expression of IL-18 at the mRNA level (p < 0.0005 for CHSP60 and p < 0.005 for LPS) and an increased production of IL-18 at protein level (p < 0.0005 for CHSP60 and p < 0.005 for LPS). Conclusion: This study demonstrated de novo synthesis of the inflammatory cytokine IL-18 in atherosclerosis and, furthermore, that chlamydial antigens might play a role in the immunopathological events in this disease by generating more inflammatory mediators such as IL-18.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
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ISSN:1011-7571
1423-0151
DOI:10.1159/000189807