Abstract
It is widely accepted that salt intake reduction and regular exercise is a healthy lifestyle, which can prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Meanwhile, there is evidence that the endothelial glycocalyx layer (EGL) is related to CVD. However, how such a healthy lifestyle helps to prevent CVD via the function of the EGL has not been scientifically established. In this research, a series of large-scale molecular dynamics simulations have been conducted to study ion transport inside the EGL under varying flow velocities. Results show that a fast blood flow velocity favors the Na+ transport out of the EGL, which can explain the increase in the thickness of an exclusion layer between red blood cells and the EGL under fast blood flow situations, as witnessed in some previous experiments. Based on findings from this fundamental research, a theory is proposed, which can answer the open-ended question “Why do we need to reduce salt intake and exercise regularly”. The findings may also have implications for other therapies to combat cardiovascular diseases.
Highlights
The endothelial glycocalyx layer (EGL), the first and foremost barrier in direct contact with blood (Curry and Adamson, 2012), is closely related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (Rabelink and de Zeeuw, 2015)
Previous studies have demonstrated the significance of the EGL as a sodium barrier (Oberleithner, 2012) from the perspective of cell mechanics as mentioned in the Introduction
By introducing the red blood cells (RBCs), the present research further demonstrates the importance of such a barrier in regulating the motion of RBCs, from the perspective of electrostatics
Summary
The endothelial glycocalyx layer (EGL), the first and foremost barrier in direct contact with blood (Curry and Adamson, 2012), is closely related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (Rabelink and de Zeeuw, 2015). EGL acts as a crucial buffer barrier for sodium (Oberleithner, 2012). Previous studies have experimentally demonstrated that salt overload stiffens vascular endothelial cells and increases vascular sodium permeability, thereby damaging the glycocalyx sodium barrier of vascular endothelium (Oberleithner et al, 2011). Intake of sodium chloride would have implications for the function of the endothelial glycocalyx as a foremost sodium barrier. These findings elucidate the significance of the EGL as a barrier from the perspective of cell mechanics. How the crucial function of EGL is affected by electrostatics requires further investigation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
