A recent study has showed that cardiac glycosides have anti-atherosclerotic effects (1). This was foreseen in the acidity theory of atherosclerosis, because these cardiotonics have properties of reduction of lactic acid concentration in blood and a specific sympathoinhibitory response by blocking the overproduction of catecholamine. (2). Also compatible with the acidity theory concept is the conclusion from the authors of the present study telling that low concentrations of digitoxin would help to avoid side effects and might represent a specific therapeutically option for the treatment of inflammatory cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis.
1) Digitoxin elicits anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective properties in endothelial cells: Therapeutic implications for the treatment of atherosclerosis?, Joanna Jagielska, Gustavo Salguero, Bernhard Schieffer, Udo Bavendiek, doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.03.019
2) Carlos ETB Monteiro, Acidic environment evoked by chronic stress: A novel mechanism to explain atherogenesis. Available from Infarct Combat Project, January 28, 2008 at http://www.infarctcombat.org/AcidityTheory.pdf
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