Phospholipid Infusion

Phospholipid Infusion (“PPC” or “PlaqueX”)

  

What is a Phospholipid?

Phosphatidylcholine (“PC”) is one of the main phospholipids (a type of fat) that makes up the membranes of the cells in your body. PC also forms the transport vehicles for cholesterol, such as HDL and LDL. Cell membranes consist of a double layer of phospholipid molecules. Receptors for cell signaling such as hormones and neurotransmitters are embedded in the membranes. PC for commercial use is typically obtained from plant sources, for example soybeans. PC is used to make several FDA-approved iv and oral drugs, and is also used as therapy for respiratory-distress syndrome in premature babies.

What is Polyunsaturated Phosphatidylcholine (PPC or PlaqueX)?

One type of PC called polyunsaturated phosphatidlycholine (“PPC”) has been studied and used extensively in Europe as a medicine, but is not generally recognized by the medical community in Canada. PPC has many benefits for people with heart disease, stroke, poor circulation, liver disease, and kidney disease. It also is used to prevent various diseases and slow the effects of aging.

Why is Polyunsaturated Phosphatidylcholine (PPC or PlaqueX) Therapy Important?

As we age the PPC in our cell membranes becomes damaged by toxins, detergents, free radicals, heavy metals, smoking, hypertension, high blood sugar and high levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin. With advanced age, the body is no longer able to produce enough PPC to repair this damage. Loss of PPC causes:

• Loss of cell membrane fluidity
• Loss of enzyme function within the membranes
• Loss of waste elimination and nutrient uptake through the membranes
• Loss of cell integrity, and eventually cell death

 The end results of the cell membrane damage are:

• Scar tissue
• Plaque formation in the arteries
• Increased blood levels of LDL cholesterol
• Cell dysfunction
• Reduced function of micelles (microscopic beads of fat that act as chemical transporters)

What are the Benefits of Polyunsaturated Phosphatidylcholine (PPC or PlaqueX) Therapy?

Intravenous PPC therapy helps to reverse these problems. Research shows that PPC therapy can have the following beneficial effects:

• Increase levels of glutathione (the master antioxidant of the body)
• Lower blood LDL cholesterol
• Increase blood HDL cholesterol
• Reduce cholesterol buildup in the artery walls
• Reduce platelet aggregation and adhesion, preventing platelet deposits on artery walls
• Improve red cell membrane fluidity, allowing red cells to deform better to flow through narrow capillaries (improved microcirculation)
• Improve abnormal ECG findings in people with heart disease
• Decrease angina attacks in people with heart disease in as little as 2 weeks (with daily therapy)
• Reduce daily nitroglycerin consumption in people with angina
• Improve the ability to walk and exercise in people with heart disease or peripheral vascular disease (reduce claudication)
• Improve well-being
• Improve physical and mental activity
• Improve circulation to the feet to prevent gangrene in people with arterial disease
• Reduce narrowing of the carotid arteries in people with vascular disease (improved blood flow to the brain)

What Conditions can be Managed by Polyunsaturated Phosphatidylcholine (PPC or PlaqueX)?

Research has been conducted on PPC treatment of various conditions in animals and humans. The following publications are available free for review:

PPC is associated with improved insulin sensitivity (poor insulin sensitivity is a problem found in type 2 diabetes).

PPC improves liver injury caused by statin drugs (cholesterol lowering drugs).

PPC reduces scarring in the liver caused by chronic hepatitis B infection.

PPC prevents inflammation from causing organ injury (anti-inflammatory action).

PPC prevents arterial disease due to alcohol consumption.

PPC prevents inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

PPC prevents alcoholic liver disease.

PPC protects against heart and blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease).

PPC prevents alcoholic brain damage.

PPC reverses bowel narrowing due to scarring.

PPC protects against radiation injury (with cancer radiation therapy).

PPC protects against kidney injury with a blocked ureter.

Who Qualifies for Polyunsaturated Phosphatidylcholine (PPC or PlaqueX) Therapy?

If you have any of the following conditions you may be an ideal candidate for PPC infusion therapy:

1. high blood pressure due to narrowed arteries

2. heart disease due to narrowed arteries (angina, heart attack, abnormal heart rhythm, heart failure)

3. high cholesterol

4. narrowed arteries in the neck or brain (carotid stenosis, TIA, stroke, vascular dementia)

5. cirrhosis of the liver

6. alcoholic liver injury

7. diabetes

8. poor circulation in the legs or feet (including claudication, slow healing wounds, gangrene)

9. kidney failure due to vascular disease (including patients on dialysis)

10. recurrent bowel blockage due to scar tissue

11. anyone interested in preventing cardiovascular disease

12. anyone interested in reducing the effects of aging

What Does a Course of Polyunsaturated Phosphatidylcholine (PPC or PlaqueX) Therapy Look Like?

PPC therapy depends on the severity of the condition being addressed. If prevention is required, we may recommend a series of 8 or 10 weekly treatments followed by monthly maintenance. On the other hand, if severe heart disease needs to be managed, we may recommend 2 or 3 infusions per week (at least 2 days apart), which will be reduced to weekly infusions once some improvement is noted. This may continue for 20 – 40 infusions, then typically a maintenance of one or 2 infusions per month will be recommended.

The infusion time is about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the amount of fluid administered is either 250ml or 500ml. The PPC dose is started low and gradually increased to a standard dose as tolerated.

What are the Expected Side Effects?

PPC infusions are very safe, but some mild side effects are possible. Diarrhea is possible with higher doses or if the PPC is infused too fast. Irritation of the vein (burning pain) is possible if the PPC is not diluted enough or infused too fast in a small vein. A fall in blood pressure with dizziness may occur if the PPC is infused too fast. Fatigue after the infusion is possible, especially in people of Asian descent. Allergy is possible but rare.

Therapy Enhancement

PPC infusion is quite useful on its own, but it is possible to achieve further benefit by combining it with a second therapy. We may offer to combine ozone therapy or chelation therapy for even faster results. When combination therapy is administered, there is a specific sequence required. The therapies cannot be mixed but must be administered one after the other. Your Sano Via doctors are familiar with combination therapy and can make a safe and effective treatment plan for you.