Chronic infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae in asthma: a type-2 low infection related phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae have been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma and are responsible for chronic inflammation when host immune system fails to eradicate the bacteria. METHOD: We performed a prospective study on 410 patients who underwent a visit at the asthma clinic of CHU of Liege between June 2016 and June 2018 with serology testing for C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae. RESULTS: 65% of our asthmatic population had serum IgA and/or IgG towards C. pneumoniae, while only 12.6% had IgM and/or IgG against M. pneumoniae. Compared to seronegative asthmatics, asthmatics with IgA+ and IgG+ against C. pneumoniae were more often male and older with a higher proportion of patients with smoking history. They received higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and displayed lower FEV1/FVC ratio, higher RV/TLC ratio and lower conductance. They had higher levels of fibrinogen, though in the normal range and had lower sputum eosinophil counts. Patients with IgA- and IgG+ against C. pneumoniae were older and had higher blood monocyte counts and alpha-1-antitrypsin levels as compared to seronegative patients. Patients with IgM and/or IgG towards M. pneumoniae were more often males than seronegative asthmatics. In a subpopulation of 14 neutrophilic asthmatics with Chlamydia pneumoniae IgA + /IgG + treated with macrolides, we found a significant decrease in blood neutrophils and normalization of sputum neutrophil count but no effect on asthma quality of life and exacerbations. CONCLUSION: Positive Chlamydia serologic test is more common than positive Mycoplasma serology. Asthmatics with IgA and IgG against C. pneumoniae have more severe disease with increased airway obstruction, higher doses of ICS, more signs of air trapping and less type-2 inflammation.

Clinical study of chlamydia pneumoniae infection in patients with coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the chlamydia pneumoniae infection (PC) in patients with coronary heart disease. METHODS: A total of 92 patients with coronary heart disease, who were treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), were selected as the case group. In addition, 50 healthy people were enrolled as the control group. The incidences of CP infection and serum Chlamydia pneumoniae IgA antibody (CP-IgA), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were compared in these two groups. The classification of coronary artery lesion, the incidence of perioperative cardiovascular events, and adverse prognosis events within six months after procedure were compared. RESULTS: The incidence of CP infection in the case group was higher (42.4% vs. 0%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, 17 patients were at grade I, 39 patients were at grade II, and 36 patients were at grade III. The incidences for these three kinds of patients were 17.6, 30.8, and 66.7%. The incidence of CP infection at grade III was higher than that of grade I or II (P < 0.05). Serum CP-IgA, hs-CRP and IL-6 levels increased with the severity of the coronary artery disease (P < 0.05), and the serum hs-CRP and IL-6 levels of patients with perioperative cardiovascular events were higher (P < 0.05). Moreover, the serum CP-IgA levels of the patients with adverse prognosis events were also higher (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with coronary heart disease have a high CP infection rate. The degree of infection is relevant to the severity of the coronary artery lesions and postoperative prognosis of patients, suggesting that CP infection may be an important factor affecting the incidence and prognosis of coronary heart disease.

Investigation of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in Moroccan patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

Chlamydia pneumoniae is an intracellular bacterium responsible for respiratory diseases and is highly involved in cardiovascular disease development, mainly atherosclerosis. The main objective of our study was to evaluate C. pneumoniae prevalence in Moroccan patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. A total of 115 patients with cardiovascular diseases were enrolled, and their clinical and behavioral information was recorded. Blood was sampled from all patients as well as the atheroma plaques from 36 patients undergoing surgery. Nested PCR was performed for C. pneumoniae DNA detection in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and atheroma plaques. Statistical analysis was performed using EpiInfo software. Data analysis showed cardiovascular disease dominance in men, with a sex ratio M/F of 3.4, a majority of tobacco users (52.2%), and many diabetics (44.3%). A significant difference between genders was shown for tobacco use (p<0.05). Positive cases for PBMCs and atheroma plaques were 61% and 86%, respectively, and a significant difference between PBMCs and atheroma plaque infection was identified (p=0.02). Data analysis also showed that 12% of patients presented only C. pneumoniae infection as a risk factor. Therefore, the high prevalence of C. pneumoniae suggests its involvement in atherosclerosis, and further investigation is recommended for confirmation.

Serological Analysis and Drug Resistance of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in 4500 Healthy Subjects in Shenzhen, China.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the prevalence and distribution of Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in the population and to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of respiratory tract infection. METHODS: This study included a total of 4500 healthy subjects who were given physical examination in Shenzhen People's Hospital from January to December in 2016. Venous blood was drawn from people to detect the MP- and CP-specific IgG and IgM in the serum using chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). The relationship of MP and CP infections with patient age, seasons, and percentage of infections was analyzed. CONCLUSION: CP and MP cause high rate of asymptomatic infection, which may be associated with the high incidence of CP and MP infection, especially in children and the elderly population. Therefore, the implementation of effective and practical prevention measures has become an urgent need. MP culture and drug sensitivity test should be performed as early as possible in patients with manifested MP infections in order to ensure timely and proper treatment and to reduce the emergence of drug-resistant strains.

Infections and Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies influence the functional outcome in thrombolysed strokes.

OBJECTIVE: Thrombolysis is effective in ischemic stroke patients, but some factors influence its benefit. Previous infections could increase the risk of ischemic stroke by an activation of systemic inflammation. We analysed the influence of previous infections and Chlamydia pneumoniae serology on functional outcome in thrombolysed stroke patients. METHODS: Consecutive thrombolysed stroke patients admitted during calendar year 2011 were analysed. Demographics, vascular risk factors, clinical and aetiological data were registered. Standardised blood tests were collected acutely for each patient, including inflammatory factors. Primary outcome was the functional outcome at 6months follow-up. t-test, Mann-Withney U test and chi-square test were applied for univariate analysis, while a logistic regression was performed for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients were included in the analysis. Median onset-to-needle time was 156min. A previous infection occurred in 16.9% of patients, while a positive IgA antiChlamydia was detected in 40 cases. Good functional outcome was achieved by 72.5% of patients. At multivariate analysis poor outcome was associated to clinical severity, delay treatment time, haemorrhagic transformation and large artery etiological stroke type (p<0.01). Also IgA antiChlamydia pneumonia seropositivity (OR: 3.699; 95%CI: 1.094-12.512; p: 0.035) and poststroke infections (OR: 6.031; 95%CI: 2.485-11.301; p: 0.037) were predictors of poor outcome. INTERPRETATION: In this study IgA antiChlamydia pneumonia seropositivity represents a negative predictor of functional outcome in thrombolysed stroke patients. Further and larger studies are required to confirm these observations and to plan a prompt administration of antibiotics or immunomodulant agents.

Chlamydia pneumoniae Induces Interferon Gamma Responses in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Children with Allergic Asthma.

Respiratory infections caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae have been associated with exacerbations of asthma. Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) is critical for maintaining immunity. We compared interferon (IFN)-γ responses in C. pneumoniae-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in paediatric patients ± asthma. Presence of C. pneumoniae was tested from asthma patients (N = 17) and non-asthmatic controls (N = 16) (PCR). PBMC were infected for 1 h ± C. pneumoniae AR-39 (MOI = 0.1) and cultured for 48 h. IFN-γ levels were measured in supernatants (ELISA). C. pneumoniae-IgG antibodies in serum were determined (MIF). All subjects tested negative for C. pneumoniae (PCR). C. pneumoniae-induced IFN-γ production in vitro was more prevalent in asthma compared with non-asthma; levels of IFN-γ were higher in asthma compared with non-asthma (P = 0.003). There was no association between recent respiratory infection and positive IFN-γ responses. These data show that C. pneumoniae modulates IFN-γ responses in patients with asthma, even in absence of active infection.

Prevalence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM and IgG antibodies in Tunisian patients presenting with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the prevalence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae acute infections, using serological testing, in patients admitted to the emergency department for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study of 100 consecutive patients. Serum specimens were collected at day 0 and day 15. C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae antibodies (IgM and IgG) were tested by commercial ELISA and immunofluorescence assay, respectively. RESULTS: We did not observe any acute M. pneumoniae infection; however, 11 patients (11%) showed a profile compatible with a recent C. pneumoniae infection (nine patients with specific IgM and two with an IgG antibody rise). Demographic and clinical parameters did not differ between patients with and without biological profile of recent C. pneumoniae infection. CONCLUSION: C. pneumoniae is a pathogen that requires specific antimicrobial treatment. Its detection must always be performed considering its prevalence in patients presenting with acute COPD exacerbations.

The Association of Chlamydia pneumonia and Helicobacter pylori IgG Seropositivity With Omentin-1, Visfatin and Adiponectin Levels in Postmenopausal Women.

Some adipocytokines are cardioprotective or pro-inflammatory for cardiovascular system. Chronic infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori has been also considered as novel risk factors for atherosclerosis. The main aim of the current population-based study is to investigate the potential link between circulating adipocytokines and Chlamydia pneumoniae or Helicobacter pylori IgG seropositivities. A total of 250 healthy postmenopausal women who participated in a prospective cohort study were evaluated for IgG antibodies directed against C.pneumoniae and H. pylori. Omentin-1, visfatin, adiponectin, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured by highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. The prevalence of IgG antibodies against C. pneumoniae and H. pylori among the studied population was 20.4% (51 women) and 57.2% (143 women), respectively. There were no significant differences in adipocytokine levels between H. pylori IgG seropositive and H. pylori seronegative subjects. Similar results for visfatin and omentin-1 were found when C. pneumoniae IgG seropositive were compared with C. pneumoniae IgG seronegative subjects. However, in general linear model adjusted for age, body mass index and hs-CRP levels revealed significant difference between C. pneumoniae seropositive and C. pneumoniae seronegative subjects for circulating adiponectin. In conclusion, Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG seropositivity was associated with higher adiponectin levels in postmenopausal women. The elucidation of interaction mechanism of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a cardioprotective adipocytokine (adiponectin) will be useful in future therapeutic strategies.

Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori IgG seropositivities are not predictors of osteoporosis-associated bone loss: a prospective cohort study.

The potential link between infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae or Helicobacter pylori and osteoporosis has not been investigated in population-based longitudinal studies. A total of 250 healthy postmenopausal women who participated in a prospective cohort study were evaluated for IgG antibodies directed against C. pneumoniae and H. p ylori, osteoprotegerin (OPG), the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), CrossLaps, and osteocalcin. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the femoral neck and lumbar spine at baseline and at follow-up 5.8 years later. There were no significant differences in age-adjusted bone turnover markers, OPG, RANKL, the RANKL/OPG ratio, and BMD between the C. p neumoniae and H. p ylori IgG seropositive and seronegative subjects (P > 0.05). Neither C. p neumoniae nor H. p ylori IgG seropositivity was associated with age-and body mass index-adjusted BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine or bone loss at the 5.8-year follow-up. In logistic regression analysis, neither C. p neumoniae nor H. p ylori IgG seropositivities predicted incident lumbar or spine osteoporosis 5.8 years later. In conclusion, neither C. p neumoniae nor H. p ylori IgG seropositivity was associated with bone turnover markers, the RANKL/OPG ratio, BMD, or bone loss in postmenopausal women. In addition, chronic infection with C. p neumoniae or H. p ylori did not predict incident osteoporosis among this group of women.

SPECIFIC SERUM IMMUNOGLOBULIN G AGAINST CHLAMYDIA PNEUMONIAE IN HEALTHY CHILDREN AND ADULTS IN SOUTH-EAST OF IRAN.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumonia) is an obligate intracellular bacterium and recognized as a risk factor for several diseases such as asthma, atherosclerosis and arthritis. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of C. pneumonia in healthy subjects in different age groups. METHODS: The serum levels of anti C. pneumonia IgG were measured by using of ELISA. RESULTS: Totally, 630 subjects (164 children and 466 adults) were included into study. The seroprevalence and the mean titer of anti C. pneumonia antibody were 11.3% and 14.48?2.18 RU/mL; at age 510 years, 15% and 17.47 +/- 2.40 RU/mL at age 11-20 years, 21% and 25.15 +/- 4.56 RU/mL at age 21-30 years group, 40% and 53.77 +/- 6.40 RU/mL at age 31-40 years, 94% and 146.41 +/- 8.95 RU/mL at age 41-50 years, 98% and 153.59 +/- 10.38 RU/mL at age 51-60 years, 96% and 138.80 +/- 12.78 RU/mL at age 61-70 years, respectively. The differences of the seroprevalence and the mean titer of anti C. pneumonia antibody between age groups were significant (p<0.0001). The sero-prevalence and the mean titer of anti C. pneumonia antibody were 11.6% and 14.33 +/- 1.49 RU/mL in children and 65.5% and 97.40 +/- 4.46 RU/mL in adults. The seroprevalence and the mean titer of anti C. pneumonia antibody were significantly higher in adults in comparison with those in children (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: These findings showed that the sero- prevalence and titer of anti C. pneumonia IgG were increased with advanced ages and were higher in adults as compared to children.

[Chlamydia pneumoniae persistent infection is associated with primary IgA nephropathy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlations between Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) infection and IgA nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS: Seventy patients with primary IgAN were enrolled in the study. Seventy serum specimens from healthy blood donors and twelve renal autopsy specimens from accidental death bodies were regarded as control groups. Serum CP IgG and CP IgA antibody titers were detected by indirect immunofluorescence. CP DNA of renal tissue was measured by fluorescent quantitative PCR. Finally, using statistical methods, we analyzed the correlations of CP infection and CP DNA of renal tissue with clinical manifestations and kidney pathological changes of IgAN patients. RESULTS: The rate of CP persistent infection in IgAN group was higher than that of healthy blood donor group (P<0.01). The rate was not significantly different within the IgAN group, such as among acute infection, previous infection and no infection subgroups (P>0.05). It was higher in the patients with gross proteinuria and/or durative renal insufficiency than in non-gross proteinuria patients (P<0.05). The scores of glomerular patholopical and tubulointerstitial injury of CP persistent infection patients were higher than those of non-persistent infection ones (P<0.05). The renal injury of CP persistent infection patients was more severe than that of non-persistent infection ones. The positive rate of CP DNA in gross proteinuria and/or renal insufficiency patients was higher than that of non-gross proteinuria patients (P<0.05). The scores of glomerular pathological and tubulointerstitial injury of positive CP DNA patients were respectively higher than those of negative CP DNA ones (P<0.05, P<0.01). The renal injury of patients with positive CP DNA was more severe than that of negative CP DNA ones. CP persistent infection was obviously correlated with renal CP DNA (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Primary IgAN is associated with CP persistent infection, but not with CP previous infection or CP acute infection.

Association between Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection and risk of coronary heart disease for Japanese: the JPHC study.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection is considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease in western countries. However, evidence of it being a risk for Japanese is very limited because of a lower risk of coronary heart disease than for western people. The aim of this study was to examine further the association between C. pneumoniae infection and risk of coronary heart disease in Japanese. METHODS: We conducted a nested case-control study of 49,011 Japanese men and women who participated in The Japan Public Health Center (JPHC) study. By the end of 2004, 196 cases of coronary heart disease and 155 cases of myocardial infarction had been documented among the participants. Two controls were selected for each case. For these subjects, we examined the association between serum anti C. pneumoniae IgA and IgG on the one hand and risk of coronary heart disease on the other. RESULTS: Concentration of C. pneumoniae IgA antibody was positively associated with risk of coronary heart disease and more specifically myocardial infarction. Subjects with the highest quartile of IgA antibody showed 2.29 (95%CI, 1.21-4.33) times higher risk of coronary heart disease and 2.58 (95%CI, 1.29-5.19) times higher risk of myocardial infarction than those with lowest quartile. However, no such association was detected for IgG antibody. CONCLUSION: C. pneumoniae infection was found to be positively associated with risk of coronary heart disease.

Seroprevalence of Chlamydophila abortus infection in yaks (Bos grunniens) in Qinghai, China.

Chlamydophila abortus is an important amphixenosis which in a wide range of animals, associated with reproductive disorders in yaks. In order to assess the prevalence of this infection in yaks in Qinghai, China, a cross-sectional study was carried out, and a total of 674 serum samples were collected from June to October 2012 in six counties, and antibodies to C. abortus were examined by indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test. The overall seroprevalence of C. abortus in yaks was 17.66 % (119/674), and the seroprevalence of antibodies to C. abortus in yaks ranged from 11.82 to 28.43 % among the six different areas, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The seropositivity of C. abortus infection in different age groups varied from 16.33 to 18.49 %, and prevalence in yaks of ≥3 year (18.49 %) was slightly higher than that in yaks of <3 year, but the differences among the age groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The seroprevalence of C. abortus infection in male yak (16.8 %) was slightly lower than that in females (17.85 %), and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). So far, this is the first systematic and comprehensive investigation of C. abortus infectionin in yaks in this area.

Chlamydia pneumoniae and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional investigation between presence of antibodies and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in past studies has shown no relationship, but progression over time has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies and progression of CAC and ankle-brachial index (ABI). DESIGN: The Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a prospective population-based cohort of racially and ethnically diverse male and female participants recruited from six communities in the USA, age 45-84 years, free of clinical cardiovascular disease at baseline. METHODS: The main outcomes were progression of mean CAC and ABI between exams 1 (2000-02) and 3 (2004-05) (median follow-up of 3.13 years) by C. pneumoniae antibody. Multivariate models adjusting for demographics, obesity, smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity were computed. RESULTS: Of 2223 subjects analysed, 76% were positive for C. pneumoniae antibodies. Progression of CAC was significantly higher in the antibody-positive group (93.8 vs. 78.2 agatston units, p = 0.02) and in antibody-positive subjects with CAC ≥10 at baseline (216.5 vs. 178.6, p = 0.02) than antibody-negative group. Smoking and body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2) both had interactions with presence of C. pneumoniae yielding significantly greater CAC progression. Progression of ABI did not significantly differ by C. pneumoniae antibody status in models adjusted for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: C. pneumoniae antibodies are related to progression of CAC, particularly in individuals with CAC present at baseline. This provides evidence that certain groups are at higher risk of atherosclerotic progression and may be useful for risk stratification and treatment.

Chlamydia pneumoniae and osteoporosis-associated bone loss: a new risk factor?

UNLABELLED: We found an association between the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA both in osteoporotic bone tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the increase in circulating resorptive cytokines. INTRODUCTION: Our study was designed to determine whether C. pneumoniae infection may be involved in osteoporosis-associated bone loss. METHODS: The study included 59 women undergoing hip joint replacement surgery for femoral neck fracture: 32 with osteoporosis and 27 with osteoarthritis. A total of 118 tissue specimens (59 bone tissues, 59 PBMCs) were examined for C. pneumoniae DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serum levels of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (sRANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6 were also measured. RESULTS: C. pneumoniae DNA was detected in osteoporotic bone tissue whereas it was not found in non-osteoporotic bone tissue (p < 0.05). A significantly higher rate of C. pneumoniae DNA (p < 0.05) was found in PBMCs of osteoporotic patients than in those of osteoarthritis patients. Among osteoporotic patients, serum sRANKL, IL-1, and IL-6 concentrations as well as sRANKL/OPG ratio significantly differ between patients with bone tissue and PBMCs positive to C. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae-negative patients. CONCLUSION: The association between the presence of C. pneumoniae DNA, both in bone tissue and PBMCs, and the increase in sRANKL/OPG ratio as well as in IL-1ß and IL-6 levels observed in osteoporotic patients suggests C. pneumoniae infection as a new risk factor for osteoporosis.

Dual-color bioluminescent assay using infected HepG2 cells sheds new light on Chlamydia pneumoniae and human cytomegalovirus effects on human cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) transcription.

Chlamydia pneumoniae and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) are intracellular pathogens able to infect hepatocytes, causing an increase in serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels due to the production of inflammatory cytokines. We investigated whether these pathogens could interfere with cholesterol metabolism by affecting activity of hepatic cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) promoter. CYP7A1 is the rate-limiting enzyme responsible for conversion of cholesterol to bile acids, which represents the main route of cholesterol catabolism. A straightforward dual-reporter bioluminescent assay was developed to simultaneously monitor CYP7A1 transcriptional regulation and cell viability in infected human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells. C. pneumoniae and HCMV infection significantly decreased CYP7A1 promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner, with maximal inhibitions of 33±10% and 32±4%, respectively, at a multiplicity of infection of 1. To support in vitro experiments, serum cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels were also measured in Balb/c mice infected with C. pneumoniae. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides also increased in infected mice compared with controls. Although further investigation is required, this work presents the first experimental evidence that C. pneumoniae and HCMV inhibit CYP7A1 gene transcription in the cultured human hepatoblastoma cell line.

Genomic screening for Chlamydophila pneumoniae-specific antigens using serum samples from patients with primary infection.

Chlamydophila pneumoniae, an obligate intracellular human pathogen, causes respiratory tract infections. The most common techniques used for the serological diagnosis of C. pneumoniae infections are microimmunofluorescence tests and commercial serological ELISA tests; these are based on the detection of antibodies against whole chlamydial elementary bodies and lipopolysaccharide/outer membrane protein, respectively. Identification of more specific and highly immunodominant antigens is essential for the development of new serodiagnostic assays. To identify novel specific antigens from C. pneumoniae, we screened 455 genes with unknown function in the genome of C. pneumoniae J138. Extracts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells expressing GFP-tagged C. pneumoniae proteins were subjected to Western blot analysis using serum samples from C. pneumoniae-infected patients as the primary antibodies. From this comprehensive analysis, 58 clones expressing C. pneumoniae open reading frames, including hypothetical proteins, were identified as antigens. These results have provided useful information for the development of new serological tools for the diagnosis for C. pneumoniae infections and for the development of vaccines in future.

[The dynamics of detection of antibodies class G against Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia psittaci in blood serum of patients of different age groups].

The detection of antibodies class G in blood serum of patients of different age groups was carried out in 2005-2010. The analysis permitted to establish the peak of activity of chlamydiae infection in 2006 and increase of activity of morbidity in 2010.

Increased expression of CD11a and CD45 on leukocytes and decreased serum TNF-alpha levels in patients with isolated coronary artery ectasia.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysm and ectasia have similar pathological pathways. TH2-associated cytokines are stimulated by aneurismal tissue and correspondingly lack mediators associated with TH1 response. In this study, we measured serum TNF-alpha and IL-18 levels which are strong TH1 stimulating cytokines and also investigated the expression of CD11a, CD11b, CD18 adhesion molecules and CD45 on leukocytes in patients with coronary artery ectasia (CAE) and controls with normal coronary arteries (NCA). METHODS: A total of 51 isolated CAE patients free of atherosclerosis and 37 NCA controls were included in the study. Cell counts and cell surface adhesion molecules were detected by flow cytometry using fluorescence conjugated monoclonal antibodies. Serum TNF-alpha, IL-18 levels, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae IgG and IgM and Helicobacter pylori IgG levels were detected by ELISA methods. RESULTS: The mean fluorescence intensities of CD11a on granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes and CD45 on granulocytes and monocytes were significantly higher in CAE patients when compared with the NCA group (10.01 +/- 8.2 vs. 6.79 +/- 3.49, p = 0.04; 15.84 +/- 8.64 vs. 11.56 +/- 5.27, p = 0.016; 29.58 +/- 9.98 vs. 20.02 +/- 9.66, p < 0.001; 7.58 +/- 5.03 vs. 4.57 +/- 3.05, p = 0.003; 18.73 +/- 1238 vs. 10.74 +/- 738, p = 0.004; respectively) detected by flow cytometry. TNF-alpha levels were significantly lower in the patient group (18.76 +/- 7.07 vs. 24.29 +/- 8.46; p < 0.001) when compared with controls. The percentage of granulocytes was higher in the CAE group when compared with the NCA group (65.52 +/- 14.91 vs. 52.28 +/- 1537; p = 0.002). Contrarily, the percentage of monocytes was higher in the control group when compared with the CAE group (18.12 +/- 15.69 vs. 934 +/- 733 p = 0.008). Among the infection markers studied, only C. pneumoniae IgG levels were significantly higher in patients when compared with controls (81.62 +/- 48.53 RU/mL vs. 63.79 +/- 33.83 RU/mL; p = 0.045). In CAE patients, TNF-alpha levels significantly correlated with mean fluorescence intensity levels of CD45+ granulocyte (0.525, p < 0.001), monocyte (0.469, p = 0.001) and lymphocytes (0376, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The decreased levels of TNF-alpha may indicate predominance of TH2 and lack of TH1 type immunity in CAE patients, similar to patients with aortic aneurysms. Increased levels of cell surface adhesion molecules in CAE are an indicator of activation of leukocytes for adherence and transmigration through the vessels for the initiation of inflammation.

A pilot study on the association between double positive Chlamydia pneumoniae serology and serum lipid indices alterations in obese adult females.

AIMS: To study the relationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae serologic status and serum lipid abnormalities in apparently healthy obese female subjects living in urban areas. MAIN METHODS: Serum samples from 117 apparently healthy females (mean age 50 years), classified as overweight/obese (OW/OB,n=74) or normal weight (NW,n=43) according to their body mass index (BMI), were tested for specific IgG and IgA antibodies against C. pneumoniae using ELISA assay. Serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TChol) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLChol) concentrations were measured using enzymatic methods. Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLChol) was calculated using the Friedewald formula. Lifestyle data for all subjects were collected using a validated self-reported questionnaire. KEY FINDINGS: The prevalence of C. pneumoniae infection, as indicated by single positive serology (IgG(+) or IgA(+)), was significantly higher among the OW/OB females than the NW subjects (38.5%vs.27.0%,p=0.021). Females with double-positive serology (IgG(+)/IgA(+)) in the OW/OB group indicated significantly higher (p<0.05) mean serum TG, TChol and LDLChol levels compared to the double seronegatives (IgG(-)/IgA(-)) from this group. On the contrary, no statistical differences (p>0.05) were observed in these serum lipid indices between subjects in the NW group with considered opposite C. pneumoniae serology. Multivariate regression analysis on the 42 double-seropositive subjects, including both OW/OB and NW females and adjusted for such potential confounders as age, BMI and lifestyle factors, showed a significant association of double-positive C. pneumoniae serology with serum TG (ß=0.244;p=0.049),LDLChol (ß=0.332;p=0.037) and TChol-to-HDLChol ratio (ß=0.313;p=0.042). SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest that possible chronic C. pneumoniae infection is a potential non-dietary factor in modification of the serum lipid profile in the adult OW/OB females.