Cardiovascular disease treatment using traditional Chinese medicine：Mitochondria as the Achilles' heel

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular research
• Mitochondrial biology
• Integrative medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of mortality, driven by factors like inflammation, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress.
• Mitochondria play a critical role in cellular energy production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, influencing CVD progression.
• Current CVD management includes lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery, but mechanisms for alternative therapies are under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the link between mitochondria, cardiovascular risk factors, and CVD progression.
• To explore the potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in managing CVD.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which TCM influences mitochondrial quality and function for CVD treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on mitochondria, CVD risk factors, and TCM.
• Systematic summary of research on mitochondrial dysfunction in CVD.
• Analysis of TCM's role in modulating mitochondrial pathways relevant to CVD.

Main Results:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with CVD development and progression.
• TCM interventions have demonstrated efficacy in managing CVD.
• Emerging evidence suggests TCM alleviates CVD by targeting and improving mitochondrial quality and function.

Conclusions:

• Mitochondria are crucial targets for CVD management.
• TCM offers a promising therapeutic avenue for CVD by modulating mitochondrial health.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and optimize TCM's role in cardiovascular health.