Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
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Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice

Published on: February 20, 2019

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Targeting Programmed Cell Death as an Innovative Strategy Against Atherosclerosis: Potential of Natural Compound

Jilin Fan1, Tingting Zhu1, Xiaoling Tian1

  • 1Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China.

Phytotherapy Research : PTR
|July 9, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Natural compounds can target programmed cell death (PCD) pathways to combat atherosclerosis (AS). This review explores how plant-derived molecules like flavonoids and polyphenols offer therapeutic potential for AS by modulating cell death mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Science
  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, driven by inflammation, lipid disorders, and cell death.
  • Programmed cell death (PCD), including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis, is increasingly recognized as a key factor in AS progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms of critical PCD pathways in AS.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of natural compounds targeting PCD for AS treatment and prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of molecular mechanisms of PCD in AS.
  • Analysis of natural products (flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids) and their effects on PCD pathways in AS.

Main Results:

  • PCD pathways are integral to AS pathogenesis.
  • Natural compounds modulate various PCD pathways to alleviate AS.
  • Specific natural product classes show promise in targeting PCD for AS therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting PCD with natural compounds represents a promising therapeutic strategy for AS.
  • Further research into these natural products can provide insights for developing precise anti-atherosclerotic therapies.
Keywords:
atherosclerosismolecular mechanismsnatural productsprogrammed cell deathtargeted therapy

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