1.Pathogenesis and Syndrome Differentiation Treatment of Heart Failure Based on "Spleen-mitochondria" and Theory of "Dampness, Turbidity, Phlegm, and Fluid-related Diseases"
Rui ZHANG ; Fuyun JIA ; Jingshun YAN ; Xuan LIU ; Yadong WANG ; Yinan MA ; Yan LIU ; Qiang XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):265-274
Guided by Academician Zhang Boli's theory of "dampness, turbidity, phlegm, and fluid-related diseases",this paper elaborated on the pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation treatment of heart failure from the perspective of the "spleen-mitochondria". It analyzed the essential similarities between "spleen-mitochondria" and "dampness, turbidity, phlegm, and fluid-related diseases", as well as their close association with the onset of heart failure. Furthermore,it explored the connection between spleen function and mitochondrial function in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM),positing that the spleen's role in transportation and transformation is analogous to mitochondrial material metabolism and energy conversion,with spleen deficiency closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction. It thus concluded that mitochondrial material metabolism and energy conversion represent the microscopic essence of the spleen's role in transportation and transformation,and mitochondrial dysfunction is a contributing factor to pathological products like dampness and turbid phlegm,which are closely associated with the occurrence of heart failure. The four elements of dampness,turbidity,phlegm,and fluid are a series of related symptoms resulting from abnormal fluid transportation and transformation,serving as both factors in the onset of heart failure and the core pathological basis for its deterioration. Therefore,during the treatment of heart failure,it is essential to regulate mitochondrial function. Early intervention should focus on eliminating dampness and turbidity to improve mitochondrial function and restore normal energy metabolism. In the middle and late stages,emphasis should be placed on resolving phlegm,promoting blood circulation,warming Yang,and reducing water retention to alleviate mitochondrial damage and improve cardiac function. Supporting Qi and strengthening the spleen should be a continuous approach,and treatment should be adjusted to enhance mitochondrial function and stabilize the condition,thereby improving prognosis. This paper discussed the role of the spleen and mitochondria in the pathogenesis of heart failure,examined the evolution of heart failure mechanisms from the perspective of dampness, turbidity, phlegm, and fluid-related diseases,and proposed a phased treatment strategy. It enriched the theory of dampness, turbidity, phlegm, and fluid-related diseases and offered new strategies for heart failure treatment. However,in practical application,TCM strategies for treating heart failure need to be integrated with modern medical approaches to provide a more solid scientific foundation for treatment.
2.Research progress on the improvement of myocardial fibrosis by traditional Chinese medicine through regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome
Rui ZHANG ; Jingshun YAN ; Fuyun JIA ; Kexin JIA ; Chenyang LIU ; Yan LIU ; Ye LI ; Qiang XU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(8):1008-1012
Myocardial fibrosis (MF), characterized by decreased cardiac function and myocardial compliance, is a pathological process and a progression factor in various cardiovascular diseases. The nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is closely related to the development of MF. Recent studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the NLRP3 inflammasome to alleviate MF. Based on this, this article systematically summarizes the research progress on the mechanisms by which TCM regulates the NLRP3 inflammasome to improve MF. It is found that active ingredients of TCM, such as alkaloids (lycorine,vincristine,bufalin), saponins (astragaloside Ⅳ, diosgenin,ginsenoside Rg3), terpenoids (celastrol,oridonin), and phenols (polydatin,curcumin,phloridzin) as well as TCM formulas (Zhachong shisanwei pills,Zhilong huoxue tongyu capsules, Luqi formula) can inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby suppressing the release of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1β and IL-18, reducing inflammatory damage to myocardial tissue, alleviating excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix, and thus exerting the effect of improving MF.
3.Therapeutic Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Myocardial Fibrosis Via Modulation of Signaling Pathways: A Review
Jingshun YAN ; Linping ZHU ; Hongxia ZHANG ; Danni HUANG ; Xinliang LYU ; Wenyue LI ; Xiaofeng LI ; Yuhong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(13):230-239
Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a prevalent pathological process in a spectrum of cardiac conditions, including myocardial infarction, hypertensive heart disease, and dilated cardiomyopathy. It is marked by an overabundance of extracellular matrix deposition, diminished myocardial compliance, and impaired cardiac function, which can lead to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The current therapeutic approach primarily aims to suppress the progression of fibrosis, yet the therapeutic outcomes are poor. The pathogenesis of MF involves multiple signaling pathways, including the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smads signaling pathway, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) boasts a rich history in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, offering distinctive benefits such as minimal side effects and high safety, and it has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in the treatment of MF. In recent years, research has turned its attention to the application of TCM in modulating the signaling pathways associated with MF. It has been demonstrated that TCM can modulate the MF-related signaling pathways to exert anti-inflammatory effects, regulate cellular autophagy, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, reduce myocardial oxidative stress and damage, and inhibit the activation of fibroblasts and collagen synthesis, thereby exhibiting the potential to mitigate or even reverse the progression of MF. Experimental research and clinical observations indicate that TCM formulas such as Yixin Futing decoction, Luhong prescription, Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsules, and Kangjian Yixin prescription can effectively ameliorate MF and enhance cardiac function through the multi-component regulation of multiple cellular pathways. Specific TCM constituents, including isoliquiritigenin and astragaloside, have been shown to inhibit the expression of TGF-β1, thereby disrupting the Smad signaling pathway. Compounds like glycyrrhizic acid and allicin can suppress the NF-κB signaling pathway and curtail collagen synthesis in myocardial cells, and forsythoside can activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, contributing to its anti-fibrotic effects.