Vafadar Asma, Tajbakhsh Amir, Hosseinpour-Soleimani Fatemeh, Savardshtaki Amir, Hashempur Mohammad Hashem
Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Cell Death Discov. 2024 Dec 18;10(1):493. doi: 10.1038/s41420-024-02254-2.
Efferocytosis, the clearance of apoptotic cells, is a critical process that maintains tissue homeostasis and immune regulation. Defective efferocytosis is linked to the development of chronic inflammatory conditions, including atherosclerosis, neurological disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Moreover, the interplay between autophagy and efferocytosis is crucial for inflammation control, as autophagy enhances the ability of phagocytic cells. Efficient efferocytosis, in turn, regulates autophagic pathways, fostering a balanced cellular environment. Dysregulation of this balance can contribute to the pathogenesis of various disorders. Phytochemicals, bioactive compounds found in plants, have emerged as promising therapeutic agents owing to their diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. This review aims to highlight the pivotal role of phytochemicals in enhancing efferocytosis and autophagy and explore their potential in the prevention and treatment of related disorders. This study examines how phytochemicals influence key aspects of efferocytosis, including phagocytic cell activation, macrophage polarization, and autophagy induction. The therapeutic potential of phytochemicals in atherosclerosis and neurological diseases is highlighted, emphasizing their ability to enhance efferocytosis and autophagy and reduce inflammation. This review also discusses innovative approaches, such as nanoformulations and combination therapies to improve the targeting and bioavailability of phytochemicals. Ultimately, this study inspires further research and clinical applications in phytochemical-mediated efferocytosis enhancement for managing chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
胞葬作用，即凋亡细胞的清除，是维持组织稳态和免疫调节的关键过程。有缺陷的胞葬作用与慢性炎症性疾病的发展有关，包括动脉粥样硬化、神经疾病和自身免疫性疾病。此外，自噬与胞葬作用之间的相互作用对于炎症控制至关重要，因为自噬增强了吞噬细胞的能力。反过来，高效的胞葬作用调节自噬途径，营造一个平衡的细胞环境。这种平衡的失调会导致各种疾病的发病机制。植物化学物质是植物中发现的生物活性化合物，由于其多样的药理特性，包括抗氧化、抗炎和免疫调节作用，已成为有前景的治疗剂。本综述旨在强调植物化学物质在增强胞葬作用和自噬中的关键作用，并探索它们在预防和治疗相关疾病中的潜力。本研究考察了植物化学物质如何影响胞葬作用的关键方面，包括吞噬细胞活化、巨噬细胞极化和自噬诱导。强调了植物化学物质在动脉粥样硬化和神经疾病中的治疗潜力，突出了它们增强胞葬作用和自噬以及减轻炎症的能力。本综述还讨论了创新方法，如纳米制剂和联合疗法，以提高植物化学物质的靶向性和生物利用度。最终，本研究激发了在植物化学物质介导的胞葬作用增强方面的进一步研究和临床应用，以管理慢性炎症和自身免疫性疾病。
