[Heart-brain interaction: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies from integrated TCM and western medicine].

Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medicaWu Jie-Fang, Lyu Qiu-LunPublished 5/1/2026Last synced 7/3/2026Status: syncedPMID: 42392798DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20260120.501

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases have a high global incidence and are major causes of disability and mortality. This review integrates perspectives from both TCM and modern medicine. Based on the TCM theory of "heart-brain homology", it comprehensively analyzes the effects of cardiovascular risk factors and cerebral lesions on the heart-brain axis. A three-dimensional regulatory axis is proposed, encompassing metabolic reprogramming, inflammatory-oxidative cascade reactions, and epigenetic regulation mediated by ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenases(TET enzymes). Furthermore, the protective effects of multi-target therapeutic agents, including statins, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2(SGLT2) inhibitors, and TCM preparations such as Tongxinluo Capsules and Naoxintong Capsules, on the cardiovascular and nervous systems are discussed. Future directions include artificial intelligence(AI)-assisted drug discovery and novel drug delivery platforms(e.g., functional hydrogels and nanocarriers), which offer promising strategies for heart-brain targeted therapy.

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