The role of cytomegalovirus and interleukin-8 in destabilization of atherosclerotic lesions in humans

Relevance. Currently, the role of persistent infections in the atherogenesis development mechanism is not fully understood. Therefore, its important to analyze the role of viral infection against the background of the pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization. The aim of the work was a comparative immunohistochemical study of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and IL-8 in different types of human atherosclerotic lesions during their destabilization. Materials and methods. The study was carried out on 130 autopsy samples of human aorta. CMV was detected by direct immunofluorescent antibody staining. IL-8 was detected by two-stage streptavidin-biotin antibody staining. Results. It has been shown that active detection of both CMV and IL-8 is characteristic of atherogenesis foci of the arterial intima with the most intense immune-inflammatory changes. The obtained results indicate the synergism of the cellular response to CMV and IL-8 in the vascular wall during the destabilization atherosclerotic lesions process. Conclusion. According to the results of the work, it can be concluded that both the presence of CMV in atherosclerotic lesions and the high production of IL-8 play a significant role in the formation of unstable atherosclerotic plaques in the vascular wall.