Heart Disease
Possible Pathogenic Link Between H pylori Infection and Atherosclerosis – (07-25-02)
Possible Pathogenic Link Between H pylori Infection and Atherosclerosis
I plan on going to my grave believing that H pylori is an opportunistic infection (if not normal flora…) and that the conditions associated with infection (gastric cancer, ulcers, heart disease) are really secondary effects of whatever physiological alterations allowed H pylori to thrive and not the bacteria themselves. Here we see an immunological cross reaction between proteins in H pylori and artery walls. Lest we jump to conclusions, recall that nutrients such as zinc are essential for proper development and maturation of the immune system. Is it possible that a zinc deficiency could lead to faulty maturation and thus cross reaction?
Circulation — Abstracts: Franceschi et al. 106 (4): 430
