Protective Effect of Natural Medicinal Plants on Cardiomyocyte Injury in Heart Failure: Targeting the Dysregulation of Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Mitophagy

Figure 7

Regulatory mechanism of natural medicinal plants in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis by regulating oxidative stress and mitophagy, mitochondrial fusion/fission (receptor-mediated/non-receptor-mediated). Oxidative stress refers to a relatively unbalanced state with excessive ROS production or insufficient antioxidant capacity in the body. The activity of SOD/GSH is insufficient, the production of ATP is inadequate, and oxidative phosphorylation is decreased. Substances like superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals are collectively referred to as “ROS.” Under physiological conditions, mitochondria generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation to provide energy for cells, and the electron reduction process in the respiratory chain reduces a small amount of oxygen to ROS. However, increased production of ROS and insufficient antioxidant capacity result in ROS accumulation. Mitophagy and mitochondrial fusion/fission work synergistically and interactively to suppress oxidative stress injury and maintain cellular homeostasis during mitochondrial oxidative stress injury. However, insufficient mitophagy activation and increased mitochondrial fission levels can also lead to mitochondrial dysfunction when there is excessive oxidative stress. Natural medicinal plants can further affect mitochondrial redox balance and maintain mitochondrial functions, including ATP generation and activation of oxidative phosphorylation.