Toward a Reasoned Classification of Diseases Using Physico-Chemical Based Phenotypes

Area of Science:

• Integrative biology
• Physical chemistry
• Disease classification

Background:

• Current disease classifications lack focus on underlying physico-chemical mechanisms.
• Energy flow through cells and tissues is often overlooked in disease categorization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a conceptual framework for an energy-oriented disease classification.
• To integrate physical chemistry principles into disease understanding and classification.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on physical chemistry of biological interactions in diseases.
• Analysis from perspectives of fluid/solid mechanics, electricity, and chemistry.

Main Results:

• Consistent evidence of altered physical and chemical forces in various diseases.
• Identification of distinct mechanical, electric, and chemical disease phenotypes.

Conclusions:

• Disease mechanisms require evaluation through physics and chemistry principles.
• A hypothetical model links disease progression to mechanical stress, electric fields, and chemical equilibria (e.g., ATP).
• This approach may enhance drug-repurposing strategies.