Bioelectric theory of Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis

Abstract

The present theory is based on the bioelectric principle of interaction of blood components and the arterial wall. Under normal physiological conditions, endothelial cells of arteries are strongly negatively charged due to sulfate groups of mucopolysaccharides (MPS). At physiological pH (7.4) blood cells and proteins are also negatively charged thus creating mutual repulsion and unobstructed blood flow. Under the conditions of chronic hypoxia, due to decreased vital capacity, blood pH decreases and the negative charge of its components is diminished. Drastic decrease of pH causes neutralization of charges and intravascular precipitation of predominantly high molecular weight fibrinogen (HMW-F) and low- and very low-density lipoprotein (LDL and VLDL). Formation of such insoluble macromolecular complexes is also favored by the presence of ionized calcium (IC) and cationic proteins (CP) released from blood platelets by stress-induced stimuli, or ingested with certain food products (e.g. red meats). these complexes will not, however, form a plaque as long as MPS of the arterial wall can be released, subsequently bind IC and CP and free LDL, VLDL and fibronogen back into the circulation. Atherosclerotic plaque is initiated at the site of the arterial wall which lost its protective negative charge and at which MPS are covalently bound to collagen fibers. Lack of antioxidants (Vitamin C and E) contributes further to a build-up of plaque by peroxidation-induced cross-linking of LDL-cholesterol with proteins and MPS. In view of this theory, atherosclerosis can be prevented by: maintenance of a proper blood pH through efflcent lung ventilation and breathing of air rich in negative ions; inhibition of peroxidation reactions by ingestion of vitamin C and E; consumption of food products rich In electronegative compounds (e.g. various pectins, onion and garlic) which can counter-balance the loss of negative charge of arteries.