Surface tension in human pathophysiology and its application as a medical diagnostic tool

Pathological features of disease appear to be
quite different. Despite this diversity, the common feature of
various disorders underlies physicochemical and biochemical
factors such as surface tension. Human biological fluids
comprise various proteins and phospholipids which are capable
of adsorption at fluid interfaces and play a vital role in the
physiological function of human organs. Surface tension of body
fluids correlates directly to the development of pathological
states.
Methods: In this review, the variety of human diseases mediated
by the surface tension changes of biological phenomena and
the failure of biological fluids to remain in their native state are
discussed.
Results: Dynamic surface tension measurements of human biological fluids depend on various
parameters such as sex, age and changes during pregnancy or certain disease. It is expected
that studies of surface tension behavior of human biological fluids will provide additional
information and might become useful in medical practice. Theoretical background on surface
tension measurement and surface tension values of reference fluids obtained from healthy and
sick patients are depicted.
Conclusion: It is well accepted that no single biomarker will be effective in clinical diagnosis.
The surface tension measurement combined with routine lab tests may be a novel non-invasive
method which can not only facilitate the discovery of diagnostic models for various diseases
and its severity, but also be a useful tool for monitoring treatment efficacy. We therefore expect
that studies of surface tension behavior of human biological fluids will provide additional useful
information in medical practice.