This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.Purpose: Determine if oral pathogenic bacteria are present in excised atheromas using a variety of laboratory techniques including in vitro culture, microscopy, immunochemistry, and PCR.Participants: One hundred patients needing a clinically indicated endarterectomy (surgical removal of plaque from the artery in the neck).Procedures (methods): Research participants will be asked to undergo a dental exam to assess overall health of the mouth and teeth. During the dental exam, samples of plaque and fluid from between the teeth andgums will be collected. The participant will then undergo a clinically indicated endarterectomy at which time plaque will be removed and analyzed for the same bacteria found within the patient?s mouth. Bloodsamples from this study will be analyzed for various inflammatory/infectious markers now, and possibly in the future, to look for differences in these markers among patients with and without periodontal disease. Theblood will be analyzed for antibody titers and also banked for genetic testing in the future to specifically look for expression of genes that code for inflammatory markers. Data regarding their clinical work-up (laboratory values, vascular risk factors, carotid ultrasound, echocardiogram, MRI brain, MRA brain and neck) will be collected.
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