The Asp299Gly Toll-like receptor 4 polymorphism in advanced aortic atherosclerosis.

Background: Recently, the common Asp299Gly polymorphism of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) was found to be associated with a reduced incidence of acute myocardial infarction and carotid atherosclerosis. As TLR-4 signalling is causally involved in atherogenesis, the polymorphism was postulated to impart protection from atherosclerosis. To explore a potential atheroprotective effect, we studied the association between the Asp299Gly polymorphism and atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients undergoing angiography for suspected renovascular disease.

C-reactive protein, atherosclerosis and kidney function in hypertensive patients.

Previous studies have shown a relationship between coronary or carotid atherosclerosis and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. In the present investigation, we evaluated the relationship between high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) concentrations and the presence of atherosclerotic lesions in the renal arteries and/or abdominal aorta. In 95 hypertensive patients who underwent intra-arterial DSA on suspicion of renovascular disease, blood was sampled during the procedure for measurement of hsCRP.

Chlamydia pneumoniae seropositivity and systemic and renovascular atherosclerotic disease.

Background: Patients with hypertension may be vulnerable to vascular Chlamydia pneumoniae and/or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection because of increased expression of adhesion molecules.

Objective: To determine whether C pneumoniae or CMV is associated with the presence of atherosclerotic lesions in hypertensive patients.

Methods: Ninety-six angiographic studies on 100 consecutive patients with of clinical signs or symptoms suggestive of renovascular hypertension were reviewed for the presence or absence of atherosclerotic lesions at the level of the renal arteries as well and abdominal aorta.