Virus may set stage for damage.

Most people know that cigarettes and high-fat food can contribute to atherosclerosis, the leading killer in the developed world, but is an unhealthy lifestyle all it takes to clog arteries? A small, but vocal, group of researchers believes atherosclerosis starts with a virus, not with a cheeseburger. According to the theory, vascular damage caused by a virus could lay a foundation for the buildup of plaque.

Though it has its supporters, this theory always has suffered a credibility problem since there never has been any direct evidence that viruses can injure human vessels. Now, thanks to a discovery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (Mo.), there is a new reason to reconsider the idea. Researchers report that a virus related to those that cause mononucleosis and Kaposi's sarcoma can injure arteries in mice, the first time such an effect had been seen in mammals.

"We're still a long way from showing that viruses can trigger atherosclerosis or other vascular diseases in humans," admits Herbert W. Virgin, assistant professor of pathology, molecular microbiology, and medicine. "But now we have a better idea that it may be possible, and we know which viruses might be involved."

The discovery echoes studies that suggest a link between bacterial infections and some vascular diseases. That link remains inconclusive, but Virgin believes it is entirely possible that both viruses and bacteria...

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