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Filardo S, Di Pietro M, Diaco F, Romano S, Sessa R. Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in SARS-CoV-2- and Chlamydia pneumoniae-Associated Cardiovascular Diseases. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070723. [PMID: 34202515 PMCID: PMC8301438 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the years, a growing number of studies have provided evidence that oxidative stress and inflammation may be involved in the pathogenesis of infectious agent-related cardiovascular diseases. Amongst the numerous respiratory pathogens, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus responsible for the global ongoing pandemic, and Chlamydia pneumoniae, a widely known intracellular obligate bacteria, seem to have an essential role in promoting reactive oxygen species and cytokine production. The present review highlights the common oxidative and inflammatory molecular pathways underlying the cardiovascular diseases associated with SARS-CoV-2 or C. pneumoniae infections. The main therapeutic and preventive approaches using natural antioxidant compounds will be also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome “Sapienza”, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (F.D.); (R.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome “Sapienza”, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (F.D.); (R.S.)
| | - Fabiana Diaco
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome “Sapienza”, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (F.D.); (R.S.)
| | - Silvio Romano
- Cardiology, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, P.le Salvatore Tommasi, 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome “Sapienza”, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (F.D.); (R.S.)
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2
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Della Rosa N, Tosi D, Caserta G, Adani R. Lunate bone loss associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. Trauma Case Rep 2021; 34:100431. [PMID: 34307820 PMCID: PMC8283024 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2021.100431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumoniae may activate osteoclast cells, thereby inducing bone resorption and joint inflammation. Herein is a case report of a young man with misdiagnosed persistent wrist pain without any major trauma. Investigation of the patient's medical history confirmed a recent systemic C. pneumoniae infection. Preoperative X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a substantial decrease in cancellous lunate bone compactness. A stepwise approach was undertaken considering the rapid onset of bone devascularisation and the clinical presentation. Wrist arthroscopy confirmed extensive joint inflammation associated with decreased osteochondral lunate solidity. Microbiological examination excluded joint infection. Histological analysis showed a diffuse inflammatory infiltration. Temporary mediocarpal K-wire stabilization and synovectomy were performed. Postoperative MRI confirmed lunate bone revascularization. At 6 and 12 months' follow-up the young man was pain-free and had good recovery of range of motion. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that inflammatory conditions may promote osteoclast cell activity and induce bone resorption. Moreover, infection with C. pneumoniae could activate specific "osteoporotic" bone pathways. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first published case report of specific lunate bone loss induced by systemic C. pneumoniae infection. The authors proposed an etiologic explanation, and a stepwise approach was associated with good outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Della Rosa
- Department of Hand surgery and Microsurgery, University Hospital of Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Tosi
- Department of Hand surgery and Microsurgery, University Hospital of Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caserta
- Department of Hand surgery and Microsurgery, University Hospital of Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Adani
- Department of Hand surgery and Microsurgery, University Hospital of Modena, Italy
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3
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Di Pietro M, Filardo S, Frasca F, Scagnolari C, Manera M, Sessa V, Antonelli G, Sessa R. Interferon-γ Possesses Anti-Microbial and Immunomodulatory Activity on a Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Model of Primary Human Synovial Fibroblasts. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E235. [PMID: 32050567 PMCID: PMC7074713 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis, an obligate intracellular pathogen, is the most common cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, and it is potentially responsible for severe chronic sequelae, such as reactive arthritis. To date, details of the mechanisms by which Chlamydiae induce innate antimicrobial pathways in synovial fibroblasts, are not well characterized; therefore, herein, we investigated the effects of interferon (IFN)α, IFNβ, and IFNγ on the infection, and replication phases of the C. trachomatis developmental cycle, as well as on the induction of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and IFN-related pathways. To do so, we set up an in vitro chlamydial-infection model of primary human synovial cells treated with IFNs before or after the infection. We then determined the number of chlamydial inclusion forming units and inclusion size, as well as the expression of toll like receptor (TLR)2, TLR3, TLR4, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), stimulator of IFN gene (STING), IRF9, ISG56, and GBP1. The main result of our study is the significant inhibition of C. trachomatis infection and replication in human synovial cells following the treatment with IFNγ, whereas IFN-I proved to be ineffective. Furthermore, IFNγ greatly upregulated all the PRRs and ISGs examined. In conclusion, IFNγ exhibited a potent anti-Chlamydia activity in human synovial cells as well as the ability to induce a strong increase of innate immune pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Di Pietro
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Simone Filardo
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Federica Frasca
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia–Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia–Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Martina Manera
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Sessa
- Department of Orthopedics, San Giovanni Calibita-Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 00186 Rome, Italy;
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia–Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Hospital “Policlinico Umberto I”, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (M.M.); (R.S.)
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4
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Di Pietro M, Filardo S, Romano S, Sessa R. Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae Interaction with the Host: Latest Advances and Future Prospective. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7050140. [PMID: 31100923 PMCID: PMC6560445 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7050140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Research in Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae has gained new traction due to recent advances in molecular biology, namely the widespread use of the metagenomic analysis and the development of a stable genomic transformation system, resulting in a better understanding of Chlamydia pathogenesis. C. trachomatis, the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, is responsible of cervicitis and urethritis, and C. pneumoniae, a widespread respiratory pathogen, has long been associated with several chronic inflammatory diseases with great impact on public health. The present review summarizes the current evidence regarding the complex interplay between C. trachomatis and host defense factors in the genital micro-environment as well as the key findings in chronic inflammatory diseases associated to C. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, University of Rome "Sapienza", 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, University of Rome "Sapienza", 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvio Romano
- Cardiology, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, University of Rome "Sapienza", 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Edvinsson M, Welvaart N, Ryttberg L, Wretenberg P, Vikerfors T, Nyström-Rosander C. No evidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in the synovia of patients with osteoarthritis. J Int Med Res 2018; 47:635-640. [PMID: 30392431 PMCID: PMC6381461 DOI: 10.1177/0300060518807062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of disability affecting millions of people of all ages worldwide. The pathogenesis involves an inflammatory component, but the cause of the inflammation remains incompletely understood. The intracellular bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and C. pneumoniae have been demonstrated in patients with reactive arthritis. Both of these microorganisms can cause chronic and persistent infections, with C. trachomatis being the most common cause of reactive arthritis. This study was performed to investigate the presence of C. pneumoniae in a large number of patients with primary OA. METHODS The study included 75 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. During surgery, a synovial biopsy was performed and synovial fluid drawn. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of C. pneumoniae was run on all patients, and real-time PCR of bacterial 16S rDNA was conducted on 30 of the 75 patients to screen for the presence of other bacteria. RESULTS Real-time PCR showed no evidence of the presence of C. pneumoniae in the patients' specimens, nor were other bacteria detected. CONCLUSIONS Although an inflammatory component is part of the pathogenesis of OA, we found no evidence indicating that C. pneumoniae is a stimulator of that inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Edvinsson
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nicole Welvaart
- 2 Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Lars Ryttberg
- 2 Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Per Wretenberg
- 2 Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Tomas Vikerfors
- 3 Department of Infectious Diseases, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,4 Västerås Central Hospital, Västerås, Sweden
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Infectious Agents in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases through Oxidative Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112459. [PMID: 29156574 PMCID: PMC5713425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence demonstrates that vascular oxidative stress is a critical feature of atherosclerotic process, potentially triggered by several infectious agents that are considered as risk co-factors for the atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). C. pneumoniae has been shown to upregulate multiple enzymatic systems capable of producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as NADPH oxidase (NOX) and cyclooxygenase in vascular endothelial cells, NOX and cytochrome c oxidase in macrophages as well as nitric oxide synthase and lipoxygenase in platelets contributing to both early and late stages of atherosclerosis. P. gingivalis seems to be markedly involved in the atherosclerotic process as compared to A. actinomycetemcomitans contributing to LDL oxidation and foam cell formation. Particularly interesting is the evidence describing the NLRP3 inflammasome activation as a new molecular mechanism underlying P. gingivalis-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Amongst viral agents, immunodeficiency virus-1 and hepatitis C virus seem to have a major role in promoting ROS production, contributing, hence, to the early stages of atherosclerosis including endothelial dysfunction and LDL oxidation. In conclusion, oxidative mechanisms activated by several infectious agents during the atherosclerotic process underlying CVDs are very complex and not well-known, remaining, thus, an attractive target for future research.
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Leonard CA, Schoborg RV, Borel N. Productive and Penicillin-Stressed Chlamydia pecorum Infection Induces Nuclear Factor Kappa B Activation and Interleukin-6 Secretion In Vitro. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:180. [PMID: 28553623 PMCID: PMC5425588 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) is an inflammatory transcription factor that plays an important role in the host immune response to infection. The potential for chlamydiae to activate NFκB has been an area of interest, however most work has focused on chlamydiae impacting human health. Given that inflammation characteristic of chlamydial infection may be associated with severe disease outcomes or contribute to poor overall fitness in farmed animals, we evaluated the ability of porcine chlamydiae to induce NFκB activation in vitro. C. pecorum infection induced both NFκB nuclear translocation and activation at 2 hours post infection (hpi), an effect strongly enhanced by suppression of host de novo protein synthesis. C. suis and C. trachomatis showed less capacity for NFκB activation compared to C. pecorum, suggesting a species-specific variation in NFκB activation. At 24 hpi, C. pecorum induced significant NFκB activation, an effect not abolished by penicillin (beta lactam)-induced chlamydial stress. C. pecorum-dependent secretion of interleukin 6 was also detected in the culture supernatant of infected cells at 24 hpi, and this effect, too, was unchanged by penicillin-induced chlamydial stress. Taken together, these results suggest that NFκB participates in the early inflammatory response to C. pecorum and that stressed chlamydiae can promote inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory A Leonard
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert V Schoborg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City, TN, USA
| | - Nicole Borel
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
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Kalantarhormozi MR, Assadi M, Vahdat K, Asadipooya K, Ostovar A, Raissi K, Darabi H, Farrokhi S, Dobaradaran S, Farrokhnia M, Nabipour I. Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori IgG seropositivities are not predictors of osteoporosis-associated bone loss: a prospective cohort study. J Bone Miner Metab 2016; 34:422-8. [PMID: 26056026 DOI: 10.1007/s00774-015-0688-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Kalantarhormozi
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Majid Assadi
- The Persian Gulf Nuclear Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Katayoun Vahdat
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Kamyar Asadipooya
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Afshin Ostovar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Katayoun Raissi
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Hossein Darabi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Shokrollah Farrokhi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Maryam Farrokhnia
- Department of Biochemistry, The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Iraj Nabipour
- Department of Biochemistry, The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, Boostan 19 Alley, Imam Khomeini St, 7514763448, Bushehr, Iran.
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Filardo S, Di Pietro M, Schiavoni G, Minniti G, Ortolani E, Romano S, Sessa R. Chlamydia pneumoniae Clinical Isolate from Gingival Crevicular Fluid: A Potential Atherogenic Strain. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2015; 5:86. [PMID: 26636048 PMCID: PMC4659442 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2015.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae has been associated to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. The aim of our study was to characterize, for the first time, a C. pneumoniae strain isolated from the gingival crevicular fluid of a patient with chronic periodontitis, described as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. C. pneumoniae isolate was characterized and compared to the respiratory AR-39 strain by VD4-ompA genotyping and by investigating the intracellular growth in epithelial and macrophage cell lines and its ability to induce macrophage-derived foam cells. Inflammatory cytokine levels were determined in the gingival crevicular fluid sample. C. pneumoniae isolate showed a 99% similarity with the AR-39 strain in the VD4-ompA gene sequence and shared a comparable growth kinetic in epithelial cells and macrophages, as evidenced by the infectious progeny and by the number of chlamydial genomic copies. C. pneumoniae isolate significantly increased the number of foam cells as compared to uninfected and LDL-treated macrophages (45 vs. 6%, P = 0.0065) and to the AR-39 strain (45 vs. 30%, P = 0.0065). Significantly increased levels of interleukin 1-β (2.1 ± 0.3 pg/μL) and interleukin 6 (0.6 ± 0.08 pg/μL) were found. Our results suggest that C. pneumoniae may harbor inside oral cavity and potentially be atherogenic, even though further studies will be needed to clarify the involvement of C. pneumoniae in chronic periodontitis as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University Rome, Italy
| | - Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiavoni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Minniti
- General Dentistry and Emergency Care Unit, George Eastman Dental Hospital Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Ortolani
- General Dentistry and Emergency Care Unit, George Eastman Dental Hospital Rome, Italy
| | - Silvio Romano
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University Rome, Italy
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Chlamydia pneumoniae-Mediated Inflammation in Atherosclerosis: A Meta-Analysis. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:378658. [PMID: 26346892 PMCID: PMC4546765 DOI: 10.1155/2015/378658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have attempted to relate the C. pneumoniae-mediated inflammatory state with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, providing inconsistent results. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to clarify whether C. pneumoniae may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by enhancing inflammation. 12 case-control, 6 cross-sectional, and 7 prospective studies with a total of 10,176 patients have been included in this meta-analysis. Odds Ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval was used to assess the seroprevalence of C. pneumoniae and differences between levels of inflammatory markers were assessed by standard mean differences. Publication bias was performed to ensure the statistical power. hsCRP, fibrinogen, interleukin- (IL-) 6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ showed a significant increase in patients with atherosclerosis compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05), along with a higher seroprevalence of C. pneumoniae (OR of 3.11, 95% CI: 2.88–3.36, P < 0.001). More interestingly, hsCRP, IL-6, and fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in C. pneumoniae IgA seropositive compared to seronegative atherosclerotic patients (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the present meta-analysis suggests that C. pneumoniae infection may contribute to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases by enhancing the inflammatory state, and, in particular, seropositivity to C. pneumoniae IgA, together with hsCRP, fibrinogen, and IL-6, may be predictive of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk.
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11
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Effects of Mentha suaveolens essential oil on Chlamydia trachomatis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:508071. [PMID: 25685793 PMCID: PMC4320923 DOI: 10.1155/2015/508071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common cause of sexually transmitted bacterial infection worldwide, has a unique biphasic developmental cycle alternating between the infectious elementary body and the replicative reticulate body. C. trachomatis is responsible for severe reproductive complications including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and obstructive infertility. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether Mentha suaveolens essential oil (EOMS) can be considered as a promising candidate for preventing C. trachomatis infection. Specifically, we investigated the in vitro effects of EOMS towards C. trachomatis analysing the different phases of chlamydial developmental cycle. Our results demonstrated that EOMS was effective towards C. trachomatis, whereby it not only inactivated infectious elementary bodies but also inhibited chlamydial replication. Our study also revealed the effectiveness of EOMS, in combination with erythromycin, towards C. trachomatis with a substantial reduction in the minimum effect dose of antibiotic. In conclusion, EOMS treatment may represent a preventative strategy since it may reduce C. trachomatis transmission in the population and, thereby, reduce the number of new chlamydial infections and risk of developing of severe sequelae.
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12
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Di Pietro M, Filardo S, De Santis F, Mastromarino P, Sessa R. Chlamydia pneumoniae and oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease: state of the art and prevention strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 16:724-35. [PMID: 25561227 PMCID: PMC4307271 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16010724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae, a pathogenic bacteria responsible for respiratory tract infections, is known as the most implicated infectious agent in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Accumulating evidence suggests that C. pneumoniae-induced oxidative stress may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of CVDs. Indeed, the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within macrophages, endothelial cells, platelets and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) after C. pneumoniae exposure, has been shown to cause low density lipoprotein oxidation, foam cell formation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet adhesion and aggregation, and VSMC proliferation and migration, all responsible for the typical pathological changes of atherosclerotic plaque. The aim of this review is to improve our insight into C. pneumoniae-induced oxidative stress in order to suggest potential strategies for CVD prevention. Several antioxidants, acting on multi-enzymatic targets related to ROS production induced by C. pneumoniae, have been discussed. A future strategy for the prevention of C. pneumoniae-associated CVDs will be to target chlamydial HSP60, involved in oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Fiorenzo De Santis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Paola Mastromarino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University, Rome 00185, Italy.
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13
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Rosenwald AG, Murray B, Toth T, Madupu R, Kyrillos A, Arora G. Evidence for horizontal gene transfer between Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Chlamydia phage. BACTERIOPHAGE 2014; 4:e965076. [PMID: 26713222 PMCID: PMC4589997 DOI: 10.4161/21597073.2014.965076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia-infecting bacteriophages, members of the Microviridae family, specifically the Gokushovirinae subfamily, are small (4.5–5 kb) single-stranded circles with 8–10 open-reading frames similar to E. coli phage ϕX174. Using sequence information found in GenBank, we examined related genes in Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Chlamydia-infecting bacteriophages. The 5 completely sequenced C. pneumoniae strains contain a gene orthologous to a phage gene annotated as the putative replication initiation protein (PRIP, also called VP4), which is not found in any other members of the Chlamydiaceae family sequenced to date. The C. pneumoniae strain infecting koalas, LPCoLN, in addition contains another region orthologous to phage sequences derived from the minor capsid protein gene, VP3. Phylogenetically, the phage PRIP sequences are more diverse than the bacterial PRIP sequences; nevertheless, the bacterial sequences and the phage sequences each cluster together in their own clade. Finally, we found evidence for another Microviridae phage-related gene, the major capsid protein gene, VP1 in a number of other bacterial species and 2 eukaryotes, the woodland strawberry and a nematode. Thus, we find considerable evidence for DNA sequences related to genes found in bacteriophages of the Microviridae family not only in a variety of prokaryotic but also eukaryotic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne G Rosenwald
- Department of Biology; Georgetown University ; Washington, DC USA
| | - Bradley Murray
- Department of Biology; Georgetown University ; Washington, DC USA
| | - Theodore Toth
- Department of Biology; Georgetown University ; Washington, DC USA
| | | | | | - Gaurav Arora
- Department of Biology; Georgetown University ; Washington, DC USA
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14
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Buchacher T, Wiesinger-Mayr H, Vierlinger K, Rüger BM, Stanek G, Fischer MB, Weber V. Human blood monocytes support persistence, but not replication of the intracellular pathogen C. pneumoniae. BMC Immunol 2014; 15:60. [PMID: 25488836 PMCID: PMC4268907 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-014-0060-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intracellular pathogens have devised various mechanisms to subvert the host immune response in order to survive and replicate in host cells. Here, we studied the infection of human blood monocytes with the intracellular pathogen C. pneumoniae and the effect on cytokine and chemokine profiles in comparison to stimulation with LPS. Results Monocytes purified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by negative depletion were infected with C. pneumoniae. While immunofluorescence confirmed the presence of chlamydial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the cytoplasm of infected monocytes, real-time PCR did not provide evidence for replication of the intracellular pathogen. Complementary to PCR, C. pneumoniae infection was confirmed by an oligonucleotide DNA microarray for the detection of intracellular pathogens. Raman microspectroscopy revealed different molecular fingerprints for infected and non-infected monocytes, which were mainly due to changes in lipid and fatty acid content. Stimulation of monocytes with C. pneumoniae or with LPS induced similar profiles of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6, but higher levels of IL-1β, IL-12p40 and IL-12p70 for C. pneumoniae which were statistically significant. C. pneumoniae also induced release of the chemokines MCP-1, MIP-1α and MIP-1β, and CXCL-8, which correlated with TNF-α secretion. Conclusion Infection of human blood monocytes with intracellular pathogens triggers altered cytokine and chemokine pattern as compared to stimulation with extracellular ligands such as LPS. Complementing conventional methods, an oligonucleotide DNA microarray for the detection of intracellular pathogens as well as Raman microspectroscopy provide useful tools to trace monocyte infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12865-014-0060-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Buchacher
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Therapy Approaches in Sepsis, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria.
| | | | | | - Beate M Rüger
- Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gerold Stanek
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Michael B Fischer
- Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,Department for Health Sciences and Biomedicine, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria.
| | - Viktoria Weber
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Therapy Approaches in Sepsis, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria. .,Department for Health Sciences and Biomedicine, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria.
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15
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Sessa R, Pietro MD, Filardo S, Turriziani O. Infectious burden and atherosclerosis: A clinical issue. World J Clin Cases 2014; 2:240-249. [PMID: 25032197 PMCID: PMC4097149 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i7.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases of multifactorial etiology, are the leading cause of death worldwide. In the last decade, more infectious agents, labeled as “infectious burden”, rather than any single pathogen, have been showed to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis through different mechanisms. Some microorganisms, such as Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae), human cytomegalovirus, etc. may act directly on the arterial wall contributing to endothelial dysfunction, foam cell formation, smooth muscle cell proliferation, platelet aggregation as well as cytokine, reactive oxygen specie, growth factor, and cellular adhesion molecule production. Others, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), influenza virus, etc. may induce a systemic inflammation which in turn may damage the vascular wall (e.g., by cytokines and proteases). Moreover, another indirect mechanism by which some infectious agents (such as H. pylori, C. pneumoniae, periodontal pathogens, etc.) may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is molecular mimicry. Given the complexity of the mechanisms by which each microorganism may contribute to atherosclerosis, defining the interplay of more infectious agents is far more difficult because the pro-atherogenic effect of each pathogen might be amplified. Clearly, continued research and a greater awareness will be helpful to improve our knowledge on the complex interaction between the infectious burden and atherosclerosis.
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16
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Di Pietro M, Filardo S, De Santis F, Sessa R. New insights into Chlamydiae persistence: an energy metabolism strategy? Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2013; 26:525-8. [PMID: 23755769 DOI: 10.1177/039463201302600227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiaceae is a family of obligate intracellular bacteria generally considered energy parasites. Several studies have suggested that Chlamydiae are capable of independently producing energy and, more importantly, several genes involved in the energy metabolism are up-regulated during the persistent state. Thus, it has been suggested that chlamydial persistence could be a complex and flexible metabolic strategy designed to favor a lengthy survival in the host cell by evading the immune response. In conclusion, more detailed studies on the shift in the chlamydial energy metabolism, from the active to the persistent form, may be helpful in future to determine whether chlamydial persistence observed in vitro does occur in vivo and whether chronic sequelae of chlamydial diseases may be related to the persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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17
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Di Pietro M, Filardo S, De Santis F, Sessa R. Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in atherosclerotic lesion development through oxidative stress: a brief overview. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:15105-20. [PMID: 23877837 PMCID: PMC3742290 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140715105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae, an obligate intracellular pathogen, is known as a leading cause of respiratory tract infections and, in the last two decades, has been widely associated with atherosclerosis by seroepidemiological studies, and direct detection of the microorganism within atheroma. C. pneumoniae is presumed to play a role in atherosclerosis for its ability to disseminate via peripheral blood mononuclear cells, to replicate and persist within vascular cells, and for its pro-inflammatory and angiogenic effects. Once inside the vascular tissue, C. pneumoniae infection has been shown to induce the production of reactive oxygen species in all the cells involved in atherosclerotic process such as macrophages, platelets, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to oxidative stress. The aim of this review is to summarize the data linking C. pneumoniae-induced oxidative stress to atherosclerotic lesion development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, Rome 00185, Italy; E-Mails: (M.D.P.); (S.F.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, Rome 00185, Italy; E-Mails: (M.D.P.); (S.F.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Fiorenzo De Santis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, Rome 00185, Italy; E-Mails: (M.D.P.); (S.F.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, Rome 00185, Italy; E-Mails: (M.D.P.); (S.F.); (F.D.S.)
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18
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Rassu M, Filardo S, Mastromarino P. Chlamydia Pneumoniae and Cardiovascular Disease in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients: An Update. EUR J INFLAMM 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x1301100206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), due to accelerated atherosclerosis, are responsible for approximately 50% of mortality in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD). Over the last decade, Chlamydia pneumoniae, a respiratory pathogen, has been involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and several reports have suggested the association between C. pneumoniae infection and CVD in HD patients. This report reviews the contribution of C. pneumoniae infection in cardiovascular diseases in ESRD patients, in light of recent studies on cardiovascular risk factors; we hypothesize that C. pneumoniae-infection may contribute to mineral bone disorder and, consequently, vascular calcification. However, further studies are needed to define the relationship between C pneumoniae and bone and vascular disorders in HD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Rassu
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - S. Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - P. Mastromarino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
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