Cytomegalovirus stimulated mRNA accumulation and cell surface expression of the oxidized LDL scavenger receptor, CD36.

Objective: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been epidemiologically associated with multiple disease processes including coronary, carotid and cardiac graft atherosclerosis. An early initiating event in atherogenesis is the uptake by macrophages of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (OxLDL) via the scavenger receptor, CD36. Because CMV can activate host-cell gene transcription, we hypothesized that CMV may upregulate CD36 expression.

The cholesteryl ester transfer protein Taq1B gene polymorphism predicts clinical benefit of statin therapy in patients with significant coronary artery disease.

Background: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) regulates plasma lipid distribution. A polymorphism in the CETP gene (Taq1B) is associated with CETP activity, HDL concentration, atherosclerosis progression, and response to statins, and may influence cardiovascular (CV) events. We studied CETP Taq1B genotype, plasma HDL, and clinical events among all patients and patients stratified by statin treatment.

Statin therapy interacts with cytomegalovirus seropositivity and high C-reactive protein in reducing mortality among patients with angiographically significant coronary disease.

Background: Seropositivity to cytomegalovirus (CMV) and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) may jointly predict increased mortality rates in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Therapy with statins reduces lipid levels but may also have other beneficial (eg, antiinflammatory) effects. This study prospectively evaluated the effect of statins on CMV-and CRP-associated death among patients with significant, angiographically defined CAD.