Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2025, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (18): 3906-3914.doi: 10.12307/2025.655

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AMP-activated protein kinase mediates macrophage fatty acid oxidation: an approach to prevent and treat atherosclerosis with traditional Chinese medicine

Cao Panxia1, Peng Zining2, Liu Shanshan3, Fei Tiantian1, Liang Tengyun1, Zhang Mengwen1, Wu Hong1   

  1. 1The Second Clinical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, Henan Province, China; 2The First Clinical College of Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650000, Yunnan Province, China; 3Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, Henan Province, China 
  • Received:2024-07-03 Accepted:2024-08-12 Online:2025-06-28 Published:2024-11-29
  • Contact: Wu Hong, Professor, Doctoral supervisor, The Second Clinical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, Henan Province, China
  • About author:Cao Panxia, MD candidate, The Second Clinical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, Henan Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Henan Province Key Science and Technology Project, No. 242102311208 (to LSS); Henan Province “Double First-Class” Initiative for Traditional Chinese Medicine Scientific Research, No. HSRP-DFCTCM-2023-8-43 (to LTY); Henan Academy of Environmental Sciences Innovation Ecosystem Project, No. 219 (to CPX); University-Level Research Innovation Project, No. 2023KYCX046 (to CPX)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The energy metabolism and polarization state of macrophages play a crucial role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown significant therapeutic potential for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis by regulating macrophage metabolic pathways.
OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress in AMP-activated protein kinase regulation of macrophage energy metabolism and polarization and explore the mechanism of TCM in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
METHODS: A computerized search was conducted on the databases including Web of Science, PubMed, and CNKI, covering relevant literature up to June 2024. The search terms were “AMPK, fatty acid oxidation, macrophage polarization, Traditional Chinese Medicine, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease” in Chinese and English. A total of 62 articles were finally included for review.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The shift in macrophage energy metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis plays a key role in the progression of atherosclerosis. The activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in macrophages promotes fatty acid oxidation and M2 polarization, exerting anti-inflammatory effects and stabilizing arterial plaques. TCM monomers (such as ginseng, astragalus, and polygonatum) and compounds (such as Huanglian Jiedu Decoction, Yangxin Shumai Granules, and Tiaogan Daozhuo Formula) influence macrophage metabolism and cellular function by regulating the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway and intervening in multiple signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and mammalian target of rapamycin, thereby achieving therapeutic effects. Future research should focus on the interactions between AMP-activated protein kinase, metabolism, and polarization pathways, as well as how TCM exerts its therapeutic effects through these pathways, providing new strategies for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点:组织构建;骨细胞;软骨细胞;细胞培养;成纤维细胞;血管内皮细胞;骨质疏松;组织工程

Key words: atherosclerosis, AMP-activated protein kinase, macrophage polarization, fatty acid oxidation, energy metabolism, traditional Chinese medicine, review, engineered tissue construction

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