We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Increased atherogenesis during Streptococcus mutans infection in ApoE-null mice.
- Authors
Kesavalu, L; Lucas, A R; Verma, R K; Liu, L; Dai, E; Sampson, E; Progulske-Fox, A
- Abstract
Streptococcus mutans, a dental caries pathogen, also causes endocarditis and is detected in atheroscelerotic plaque. We investigated the potential for an invasive strain of S. mutans, OMZ175, to accelerate plaque growth in apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE(null)) mice without and with balloon angioplasty (BA) injury, a model of restenosis. ApoE(null) mice were divided into 4 groups (N = 10), 2 with and 2 without BA. One each of the BA and non-BA groups was infected with S. mutans (Sm). S. mutans DNA, plaque area, inflammatory cell invasion, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression were measured at 6-20 weeks post-infection. S. mutans genomic DNA was detected in the aorta, liver, spleen, and heart. Plaque growth was significantly increased in infected mice with BA (Sm+BA) vs. those in the non-infected groups (p < 0.03). Plaque size was increased after infection without BA (Sm), but did not reach significance. Aortic specimens from both S. mutans and Sm+BA groups displayed increased numbers of macrophages, and TLR4 expression was increased in BA mice. In conclusion, S. mutans infection accelerated plaque growth, macrophage invasion, and TLR4 expression after angioplasty. S. mutans may also be associated with atherosclerotic plaque growth in non-injured arteries.
- Publication
Journal of dental research, 2012, Vol 91, Issue 3, p255
- ISSN
1544-0591
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1177/0022034511435101