Role of Chaos in Atherosclerosis

Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate whether chaotic phenomena affect the process of atherosclerosis (ATH). Methods: Modeling the major elements in the initiation of atherosclerosis, that is to say, oxLDL, macrophages (MAC) and foam cells (FCE), a set of three first order differential equations has been developed and studied in phase-space (x,y,z). Results: The elementary equilibrium points in three dimensional phase portrait analysis, including attractors, saddles and repellors. Conclusions: Attractors indicate a stable equilibrium point, which attenuates the evolution of ATH,while the saddles and particularly the repellors correspond to an unstable dynamic system, which promotes the formation of ATH-plaques.Among other mechanisms, chaotic phenomena also seem to regulate in a particular way the ATH-process, that calls for further theoretical and experimental research.