Presence of cytomegalovirus DNA in leucocytes is associated with increased oxidative stress and subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy adults

Abstract

Objective: Investigate the latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection as a biomarker of oxidative stress and atherosclerosis.

Methods: Latent CMV infection was diagnosed in healthy individuals with PCR-evidence of CMV DNA in peripheral leucocytes. Oxidative stress and atherosclerosis were measured by mitochondrial DNA oxidative damage index (mtDNA^ΔCT) and intima media thickness (IMT).

Results: The CMV DNA positive subjects had a higher mean mtDNA^ΔCT and greater IMT than subjects in the control group.

Conclusions: Presence of CMV DNA in leucocytes, as a marker of latent CMV infection, was associated with increased levels of oxidative stress and subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy adults.

• Atherosclerosis
• cytomegalovirus
• intima media thickness
• mitochondrial dysfunction
• oxidative stress