Chinese Medicine Regulates Apoptosis to Treat Atherosclerosis： A Review
10.13422/j.cnki.syfjx.20221302
- VernacularTitle:中药调控细胞凋亡抗动脉粥样硬化研究进展
- Author:
Zhengxiao REN
1
;
Qingjun ZHU
1
;
Yanfang WANG
1
;
Ziwei LI
1
;
Yingying ZHANG
1
;
Ping CHE
1
Author Information
1. Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine，Jinan 250355，China
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
apoptosis;
vascular endothelial cells;
vascular smooth muscle cells;
macrophages;
atherosclerosis;
Chinese medicine
- From:
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae
2022;28(22):214-223
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis （AS） is a chronic multifactorial vascular disease and a major pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases. It mainly occurs in the middle-aged and elderly and causes high mortality. Apoptosis is a form of spontaneous programmed death. Under pathological conditions， the apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells （VECs）， vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs）， and macrophages is the key factor of the occurrence and development of AS. The apoptosis of VECs may be an early event that promotes the formation and progression of AS lesions， while the subsequent apoptosis of VSMCs and macrophages accelerates the formation of AS unstable plaques and plays a key role in the late stage of AS. Therefore， apoptosis may provide a new target for the treatment of AS. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that Chinese medicine plays a positive role in the treatment of AS by regulating apoptosis factors and apoptosis-associated signaling pathways. However， the studies about the treatment of AS with Chinese medicine from apoptosis have not been systematically reviewed. Therefore， we reviewed the relevant literature and systematically summarized the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis. Specifically， we focused on mitochondrial apoptosis pathway， death receptor apoptosis pathway， endoplasmic reticulum stress apoptosis pathway and explored the role of apoptosis in AS. Further， we reviewed the progress in the role and mechanism of Chinese medicine in regulating apoptosis against AS， aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of AS and the development of drugs.
