Natural products as multi‑target therapies for sepsis‑induced myocardial dysfunction (Review)

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Sepsis is a leading global cause of death, with sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) significantly increasing patient mortality.
• The complex pathophysiology of SIMD involves inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis, with no established effective therapies.
• Natural products have a long history in traditional medicine for cardiovascular diseases, offering potential cardioprotective benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical manifestations and pathophysiology of SIMD.
• To summarize the cardioprotective mechanisms of natural products against SIMD.
• To explore structure-activity relationships and identify molecular targets for natural products in SIMD treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical manifestations and pathophysiology of SIMD.
• Analysis of natural products' effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function in SIMD.
• Exploration of structure-activity relationships and binding affinities of natural products to SIMD-related proteins.

Main Results:

• Natural products can modulate inflammatory pathways, reduce oxidative stress, inhibit apoptosis, and improve mitochondrial function in SIMD.
• Key molecular targets and binding affinities of various natural products against SIMD-related proteins were highlighted.
• Structure-activity relationship analysis provides insights into the design of effective SIMD-targeting natural compounds.

Conclusions:

• Natural products provide multi-targeted strategies for combating SIMD.
• This review offers guidance for discovering SIMD-focused dietary supplements and lead compounds.
• The findings lay the groundwork for future translational research in developing novel therapies for SIMD.