Intestinal mucosal barrier: a potential target for traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular...

Area of Science:

• Integrative medicine
• Cardiovascular research
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of mortality and morbidity.
• Intestinal mucosal barrier impairment is a key pathological alteration in CVD progression.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers multi-target approaches for disease treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review TCM's role in treating CVD by repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier.
• To explore the mechanisms underlying TCM's therapeutic effects on the intestinal barrier and CVD.
• To highlight TCM's potential in managing cardiovascular risk factors like hyperlipidemia, obesity, and diabetes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on TCM (botanical drugs, formulas, patent medicines) targeting the intestinal mucosal barrier in CVD.
• Analysis of TCM's impact on gut microbiota, intestinal tight junctions, and vascular integrity.
• Examination of TCM's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties.

Main Results:

• TCM regulates gut microbiota structure and metabolites.
• TCM enhances intestinal tight junctions and preserves vascular barrier integrity.
• TCM demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects, inhibiting myocardial fibrosis and promoting vascular repair.

Conclusions:

• TCM effectively repairs the intestinal mucosal barrier, offering a novel strategy for CVD prevention and treatment.
• TCM influences gut microbiota and metabolism, impacting cardiovascular risk factors.
• TCM presents multifaceted therapeutic potential for cardiovascular health through intestinal barrier modulation.