Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and Heart Disease
Decades of scientific research have firmly established atherosclerosis as a chronic inflammatory condition.
While various inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein have been linked to atherosclerosis, it's crucial to identify the primary drivers of these inflammatory responses. One such critical source of vascular inflammation in atherosclerosis is lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of pathogenic bacteria.
LPS, an endotoxin, is a molecule composed of a lipid and a polysaccharide, predominantly found in the surface membrane of gram-negative bacteria residing in the gastrointestinal tract, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and others. Acting as an endotoxin, LPS augments the negative charge of the bacterial membrane, prompting the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and eliciting a robust immune response.
Detection of antibodies against LPS indicates the infiltration of large endotoxins through the intestinal barrier into the systemic circulation, contributing to atherosclerosis.
Epidemiological studies have implicated LPS as a risk factor for atherosclerosis development. Elevated serum levels of LPS have been consistently associated with atherosclerosis progression.
Accumulating evidence supports the notion that an inflammatory milieu derived from LPS should be regarded as a risk factor for initiating or exacerbating atherosclerosis.
Numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between elevated serum LPS levels and atherosclerosis development.
Recommended laboratories for LPS testing include Vibrant Wellness, Cyrex Labs (Array 2 - Intestinal Antigenic Permeability Screen), and KBMO Diagnostics (Gut Barrier Panel).
In functional medicine, a treatment protocol known as the 6Rs—remove, replace, reinoculate, repair, rebalance, and re-test—has shown significant efficacy in eradicating LPS and improving cardiovascular health.
Remove: Eliminate stressors such as trigger foods (e.g., gluten), parasites, and harmful bacteria or yeast through methods like elimination diets or targeted medications/herbs.
Replace: Supplement digestive enzymes, bile acids, and hydrochloric acid to aid proper digestion.
Reinoculate: Promote the growth of beneficial bacteria through probiotic-rich foods or supplements, along with prebiotic-rich foods to nourish these microbes.
Repair: Support GI tract healing with nutrients like zinc, antioxidants (e.g., vitamins A, C, E), omega-3 fish oils, and glutamine.
Rebalance: Address lifestyle factors like sleep, exercise, and stress management to optimize digestive health.
Re-test: Regular monitoring is recommended post-treatment to assess the elimination of LPS from systemic circulation.
Implementing these therapeutic principles can lead to symptom improvement and potentially complete resolution, making re-testing essential to verify LPS eradication.