Systems Delta-S

Theoretical bases of Entropy variation systems

Model 2: Entropy in chronic phatological processes

Theoretical bases

Disease may be defined as the result of the breakdown of homeostatic equilibrium and the functional reserve as the complex means by which it may be restored and maintained. We already know that this process has a "surplus" energy cost that may be redefined as follows:
DeltaSt=DeltaSm +/-DeltaSa+DeltaSrs

Where:DeltaSt= var. in global entropy (always positive, expresses ageing)
DeltaSm=var. in entropy due to metabolism (always positive)

DeltaSa=var. entropy due to chemical energy from food
(positive or negative according to the biocompatibility of what is eaten)

DeltaSrs= var. in global entropy due to the activation of the functional reserve
(always positive, includes also progressive synergistic organic dysfunctions).

Any conflict between the energy required for the various functions and the available energy affects the efficiency of the functional reserve and thus the possibility of the cell to perform activities greater than those performed under normal conditions whenever the reserve has to be increased. In the case of a chronic event, the functional reserve is constantly drawn upon and, as a result of the DeltaSrs, tends gradually to push the system slowly but irreversibly towards a thermodynamically more probable state, that is, one of greater disorder, which corresponds to the clinical progress of the pathology.


EXTERNAL ACTION TO RESTORE HOMEOSTASIS

Conventional action to deal with the pathological event consists in using an external substance capable of blocking/slowing down the activity of the pathogenic agent, so as to neutralize/reduce the DeltaSrs, and to replace it for the period needed for recovery with a +DeltaS of variable size (depending on the therapeutic effectiveness of the means adopted vis-à-vis the side effects introduced). Whenever full recovery is not possible, the new thermodynamic equilibrium is a function of the risk/benefit ratio and will be characterized by a different rate of decline towards a thermodynamically more probable, and in any case, irreversible state. Since the ultimate aim of all treatment is always to neutralize the DeltaSrs, it is possible to envisage a therapeutic alternative consisting of supplying from outside the system energy which does not contain matter and has such strong characteristics of biocompatibility that it introduces a negative DeltaS of equal value (stabilization of the energy dependent homeostatic functions activated by the functional reserve) or of greater value (process of recovery if the deficit preventing recovery in the acute phase of the pathological event is attributed exclusively to bioenergetic stress).


Assumpt n° 2