Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
Department of Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Phytother Res. 2024 Nov;38(11):5270-5289. doi: 10.1002/ptr.8316. Epub 2024 Sep 2.
Vascular dementia (VaD) is a prevalent form of dementia stemming from cerebrovascular disease, manifesting in memory impairment and executive dysfunction, thereby imposing a substantial societal burden. Unfortunately, no drugs have been approved for the treatment of VaD due to its intricate pathogenesis, and the development of innovative and efficacious medications is urgently needed. Apoptosis, a programmed cell death process crucial for eliminating damaged or unwanted cells within an organism, assumes pivotal roles in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis maintenance. An increasing body of evidence indicates that apoptosis may significantly influence the onset and progression of VaD, and numerous natural compounds have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying apoptosis and its correlation with VaD. We also provide a crucial reference for developing innovative pharmaceuticals by systematically reviewing the latest research progress concerning the neuroprotective effects of natural compounds on VaD by regulating apoptosis. Further high-quality clinical studies are imperative to firmly ascertain these natural compounds' clinical efficacy and safety profiles in the treatment of VaD.
血管性痴呆（VaD）是一种源于脑血管疾病的常见痴呆症形式，表现为记忆障碍和执行功能障碍，从而给社会带来了巨大负担。由于其复杂的发病机制，目前尚无药物被批准用于治疗 VaD，因此急需开发创新有效的药物。细胞凋亡是一种对于生物体清除受损或不需要的细胞至关重要的程序性细胞死亡过程，在胚胎发育和组织稳态维持中发挥关键作用。越来越多的证据表明，细胞凋亡可能会显著影响 VaD 的发生和发展，并且许多天然化合物已经显示出显著的治疗潜力。在这里，我们讨论了细胞凋亡的分子机制及其与 VaD 的相关性。我们还通过系统地综述有关天然化合物通过调节细胞凋亡对 VaD 的神经保护作用的最新研究进展，为开发创新药物提供了重要参考。还需要进行高质量的临床研究，以确定这些天然化合物在治疗 VaD 中的临床疗效和安全性。
