1.Exploration of Regulatory Mechanism of Mitochondrial Quality Control in Neuroprotection of Acute Ischemic Stroke from Theory of Kidney Governing Yin and Yang
Qinru YANG ; Junyu DUAN ; Zhenhong LIU ; Yonghong GAO ; Jinghe LIU ; Yingzhi XU ; Lu TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):249-257
Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) homeostasis serves as a fundamental mechanism in maintaining the mitochondrial structure and function. Dysregulation of MQC contributes to the progression of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) through multiple pathways including disturbances in energy metabolism, increased oxidative stress, and imbalances in mitochondrial fusion and fission. Drawing upon the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of the kidney governing Yin and Yang, this study innovatively proposes an integrative model of "Yin-Yang dynamic balance-MQC homeostasis" to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Specifically, kidney Yang deficiency and decline result in reduced driving force, thereby inhibiting mitochondrial fusion. This leads to decreased efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation and impaired adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Conversely, when kidney Yin is dysfunctional and excessive phlegm-blood stasis accumulates, mitochondrial fission becomes hyperactive, causing rapid accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intensified oxidative stress. The interplay between these two pathological states culminates in the central TCM pathogenesis—Yin-Yang imbalance and disordered Qi and blood-of AIS. To address this pathogenesis, a therapeutic strategy is proposed: tonifying the kidney as the primary intervention to restore MQC homeostasis, supplemented by resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis to interrupt the deleterious cycle of cerebral vascular damage. This work integrates the holistic perspective of TCM with contemporary molecular insights, offering precise intervention targets along the "kidney-mitochondria axis" for the prevention and treatment of AIS, while establishing a novel integrative paradigm for stroke management that bridges traditional and modern medicine. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which TCM regulates MQC in AIS and integrating classical TCM theories with evidence-based medicine to facilitate the translation of theoretical insights into clinical applications.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail