Chinese medicine targets cellular autophagy against cardiovascular diseases: research progress and future prospects

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Pharmacology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of mortality.
• Cellular autophagy is a critical process implicated in CVD pathogenesis.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers potential therapeutic strategies for CVDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review TCM's role in regulating autophagy for CVD treatment.
• To explore the mechanisms, current research status, and future trends of TCM in CVD management.
• To identify gaps in clinical data and specific pathways for advancing TCM-based CVD therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on TCM, autophagy, and CVDs.
• Analysis of cellular and animal models investigating TCM's effects on autophagy.
• Discussion of potential drug interactions and metabolic pathways involved.

Main Results:

• TCM demonstrates significant potential in modulating cellular autophagy for CVD treatment.
• Current research is predominantly based on preclinical models, lacking extensive clinical validation.
• Specific molecular targets and metabolic pathways require further elucidation.

Conclusions:

• TCM-based autophagy regulation presents a promising avenue for novel CVD therapies.
• Bridging the gap between preclinical findings and clinical application is crucial.
• Further investigation into mechanisms and clinical efficacy is warranted for widespread adoption.