Abstract TP110: Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Genetic Factors as Determinants of Carotid Plaque Stability

Introduction: Little is known about the role of H pylori in human atherosclerosis. We have previously demonstrated its presence in carotid plaques, especially among asymptomatic patients, with prevalence of cagA-positive strains. Polymorphisms of genes of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), lipoprotein APOE (APOE), IL1 receptor antagonist (IL1Ra) and myeloperoxidase(MPO) are associated with atherosclerosis. We evaluated the role of H pylori in certain features of carotid plaques and assessed allelic and genotypic frequenciesand their association with H pylori infection and plaque characteristics. Methods: We studied 137 carotid plaques of patients undergoing endarterectomy. We categorized as stable those predominantly fibrous plaques with scarce inflammatory cells, intact cap and no hemorrhage and unstable those plaques with inflammation, thin cap, ruptured lipid core, thrombi and hemorrhage. We extracted genomic DNA and identified and typified H Pylori DNA. DNA was also obtained from peripheral blood ...