Vol 9, No 4 (2003)
Research paper
Published online: 2003-09-26
Possible interactions of fluoride, calcium, and fatty acids in atherosclerotic plaques
Acta Angiologica 2003;9(4):151-157.
Abstract
Background. Quantitative and qualitative changes in the mineral composition
of the arterial wall seem to be engaged in the formation of the atherosclerotic
plaque. The aim of this study was to determine the content of fluoride and calcium
in atherosclerotic plaques and to understand the process of fluorine ions binding
into the plaque.
Material and methods. Plaques were obtained from patients operated for atherosclerosis of carotid arteries. Median content of fluoride and calcium in the atherosclerotic plaques were 0.75 and 207 μmol/g, respectively.
Results. No correlation between the content of fluoride and calcium (R = 0.11, p = 0.60) was disclosed.
Conclusions. We are of the opinion that fluoride reacts with fatty acids of the plaque, disrupting carbon bonds of the fatty acid molecule. Fluoride is a component of the atherosclerotic plaque but apparently is not deposited together with calcium ions. Fluoride is capable of interacting with fatty acids of the atherosclerotic plaque.
Material and methods. Plaques were obtained from patients operated for atherosclerosis of carotid arteries. Median content of fluoride and calcium in the atherosclerotic plaques were 0.75 and 207 μmol/g, respectively.
Results. No correlation between the content of fluoride and calcium (R = 0.11, p = 0.60) was disclosed.
Conclusions. We are of the opinion that fluoride reacts with fatty acids of the plaque, disrupting carbon bonds of the fatty acid molecule. Fluoride is a component of the atherosclerotic plaque but apparently is not deposited together with calcium ions. Fluoride is capable of interacting with fatty acids of the atherosclerotic plaque.
Keywords: fluoridecalciumfatty acidsatherosclerotic plaque