Chlamydia pneumonae: A Treatable Cause of Atherosclerosis?

Abstract

Investigations into the mechanisms of atherosclerosis have traditionally centered around endothelial cell function, lipid metabolism, and more recently oxidative stress. The research described here provides a unique approach to our understanding of atherogenesis and complements our current understanding that endothelial cell dysfunction is an early event essential to the onset of the inflammatory response that leads to plaque formation. A combined basic and clinical research approach would provide insight into the mechanism by which C. pneumoniae is involved in atherogenesis and potentially provide important novel therapeutic approaches to the prevention of atherosclerosis.