Association between eotaxin (CCL11), C-reactive protein, and antimicrobial antibodies in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty.

Eotaxin (CCL11) is a potent chemoattractant for eosinophils and lymphocytes. Apart from its functions in the eosinophilic system, eotaxin has been shown to be overexpressed in atherosclerosis. We therefore sought to determine whether chronic infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae or other infectious agents is correlated with concentrations of eotaxin or C-reactive protein since this mechanism could explain the finding that chronic infection stimulates smooth muscle cell migration and plaque development.

A randomized trial in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angioplasty: roxithromycin does not reduce clinical restenosis but angioplasty increases antibody concentrations against Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Background: Elevated antibodies against Chlamydia pneumoniae have been associated with coronary artery disease. In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angioplasty, we therefore investigated the effect of roxithromycin on symptomatic restenosis and determined antichlamydial antibodies as well as inflammatory and immunological parameters.

Methods: A total of 327 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty were randomized to roxithromycin or placebo and followed-up for 1 year.