Phospholipid: what is it, why is it needed by the body, what are the pathologies associated with it

The human body is a complex system, where everyone, even the smallest element, has its own role. In general, they all work to ensure that the bodies have a normal and long life. But sometimes there are unforeseen fatal failures, and some elements of the body begin to destroy others, thereby jeopardizing the health and life of the person. Antibodies to phospholipids - a vivid example of this.

Why do phospholipids

The human body consists of cells in which the membrane necessarily contains phospholipids.
These structures are involved in the transport of fats and cholesterol, are solvents of hydrophobic substances. Phospholipid - what is it? From the point of view of organic chemistry, this is a complex compound of esters of polyhydric alcohols and fatty acids, which also has a phosphorus acid residue in the molecule. Figuratively there is a tail-hydrophobic, trying to avoid touching the water, and the head is hydrophilic, excellent with water contacting. Such amphiphilism is a very useful quality that determines why each phospholipid is so important for the body. What does it mean? First, these substances dissolve cholesterol, maintaining the plasticity of cell membranes, and "repair" them in case of deformation. Secondly, it affects the coagulability of the blood, the regeneration of tissues. With deficiency of phospholipids, damaged cells can not recover, which leads to a number of diseases. According to their charge, these substances are positive, negative and neutral.

Antiphospholipid syndrome

The disease occurs when antibodies to phospholipids begin to be produced. This condition is called antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Causes of occurrence:

- infectious diseases;

- a side effect of taking psychotropic medications and hormonal contraception;

- nodular periarteritis ;

- Oncological diseases;

- lupus erythematosus;

- AIDS;

- some vascular diseases;

Genetic predisposition.

Everyone knows how useful antibodies are. This is a special type of protein, designed to save a person from various alien objects: viruses, bacteria and other things. But sometimes they start to work incorrectly and attack important elements for the body, destroying them and preventing normal metabolism. In the case of phospholipids, antibodies are mostly bound to negative species (cardiolipins and phosphatidylserines). They can also act on a neutral phospholipid. What does this entail? One of the biggest troubles is the violation of platelet membranes and cells in the vessels. In this connection, arise:

- thrombosis;

- miscarriages and premature births;

Fading of the fetus;

- diseases;

- heart problems, in particular strokes.

AFS with a frequency of about 5 people per 100 is found in pregnant women and 3-4 people per hundred - in the elderly.

Symptoms

Unfortunately, sometimes patients do not even suspect that in their bodies antibodies instead of viruses and bacteria destroy important substances such as phospholipid. That this happens, people learn only from tests. Symptoms that indicate the presence of APS can be as follows:

- the appearance of a vascular pattern on the body (especially often it appears on the hips and legs);

- decreased vision (as there are thrombi in the retina);

- protein in the urine;

- hypertension;

- kidney failure;

- Miscarriages and sudden fading of the normally developing fetus;

Premature birth.

Diagnostics

Antibodies to cardiolipin are considered to be the main fraction of AT to phospholipids. What does this mean? Such antibodies are of several classes - IgM, IgA and IgG. In a small amount, they are always present in the human body. The detection in serum is considered to be the norm:

- IgG - up to 19 IU / ml;

- IgM - up to 10 IU / ml;

- IgA - up to 15 IU / ml.

Most often, laboratory tests show the presence of antibodies IgG (40-45%) and IgA (17-55%). The presence of IgM in the serum is less frequent (5-30%). The amount of these antibodies is significantly reduced after treatment with APS. Their low rates are also observed in patients with syphilis, lupus erythematosus, arthritis (rheumatoid) and Sjogren's syndrome.

The blood test is given only on an empty stomach. After the last meal should pass from 8 to 12 hours.

Essential phospholipids - what is it?

Essential phospholipids are named because of their importance and indispensability for the vital activity of cells. Now drugs are produced that include these substances. They are used in hepatology, cardiology, neurology. They have an excellent regenerative effect on the membranes of the liver cells, since phospholipids in them are 65%. Also they are used for:

- Hepatitis;

- intoxication;

- Atherosclerosis;

- ischemia of the heart;

- Gastrointestinal diseases;

- Toxicosis;

- Diseases of the skin;

- Irradiation.

There is evidence that the use of essential phospholipids is useful in diabetes mellitus.

The preparation is produced in capsules and in solutions for injections. Apply the drug in combination with other medicines.