Natural products modulate mitochondria-associated membranes to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, and its prevalence and associated mortality are projected to rise significantly alongside the aging of the population. Aging, as a primary and non-modifiable risk factor, contributes to the progressive decline in cardiovascular structure and function, thereby predisposing individuals to a spectrum of CVDs, including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), and hypertension. A growing body of experimental evidence indicates that mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction serves as a key driver in the onset and development of CVD. The mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM), a specialized subcellular domain, mediates the critcal communication between these two organelles. Functioning as both a physical tether and a functional platform, the MAM regulates essential cellular processes and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of CVD. Current conventional pharmacotherapies for CVD, while effective, are often associated with potential side effects and typically involve complex, long-term medication regimens that necessitate regular monitoring and therapeutic adjustments. In contrast, natural products (NPs), underpinned by unique theoretical frameworks and extensive postive clinical experience, offer patients a complementary and differentiated therapeutic choice.