Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen und Diagnose

A Novel Chemical Solution to Demineralize Valvular and Coronary Calcification: Insights from Yogurt and Honey

Abstract

Mohamad H Yamani and Raouf E Nakhleh

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the demineralizing efficacy of combined L(+) Lactic Acid And D-Gluconic Acid (LAGA) solution and combined yogurt and honey on human specimens of calcific valves and coronaries retrieved from patients who underwent aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement and heart transplantation.

Background: Cardiovascular calcification is a major health problem in the aging population and hence, the need for therapeutic strategies to attenuate the disease process. Methods: Serial sections of 4 Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) calcific aortic valves, 4 calcific mitral valves and 12 coronary arteries were treated with LAGA solution. Von Kossa silver staining was used for histological semiquantitative evaluation of extent of calcification. A direct treatment of the tissue specimens with combined yogurt and honey was also performed.

Results: A complete dissolution of the calcification was noted in all the aortic, mitral and coronary specimens after treatment with LAGA solution (P<0.0001). A direct treatment of the aortic, mitral, and coronary specimens with combined yogurt and honey for 24 hours showed mild reduction in the degree of calcification by at least one grade that was statistically significant (P<0.01).

Conclusions: LAGA solution is efficacious in demineralizing calcific aortic and mitral valves and calcific coronary arteries. Combined yogurt and honey result in mild reduction in calcification. Our study may pave the way for epidemiological studies and potential therapeutic strategies to treat patients with vascular calcification.