Interaction between bacteria and cholesterol crystals: Implications for endocarditis and atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The interaction between pathogenic bacteria and cholesterol crystals (CCs) has not been investigated. However, CCs are found extensively in atherosclerotic plaques and sclerotic cardiac valves. Interactions between pathogenic bacteria and CCs could provide insights into destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques and bacterial adhesion to cardiac valves.

Methods

Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used to assess in vitro bacterial adhesion to CCs and proliferation in the presence of CCs compared to plastic microspheres and glass shards as controls. Ex vivo studies evaluated bacterial adhesion to atherosclerotic rabbit arteries compared to normal arteries and human atherosclerotic carotid plaques compared to normal carotid arteries. Scanning electr

SUBMITTER: Boumegouas M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8856546 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature