MicroRNA-Mediated Autophagy and Cardiovascular Diseases: Exploring the Crossroads of Atherosclerosis and Beyond.

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a complex cardiovascular disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids, inflammatory cells, and fibrous materials within arterial walls. Autophagy plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating lipid metabolism in vascular cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation, have emerged as key modulators of autophagy and contributors to AS progression.

METHODS

This review synthesizes current evidence on the interplay between miRNAs and autophagy in the context of AS and related cardiovascular diseases. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify studies investigating miRNA-mediated regulation of autophagic flux, associated molecular pathways, and their implications for vascular health and disease.

RESULTS

Specific miRNAs have been identified as critical regulators of autophagy in AS, influencing autophagic flux through various signaling pathways. These miRNA-mediated mechanisms contribute to lipid metabolism, inflammation, and cellular homeostasis in vascular cells, thereby affecting the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions.

CONCLUSION

Elucidating the regulatory networks linking miRNAs and autophagy provides valuable insights into novel therapeutic strategies targeting aberrant miRNA-mediated autophagy. These findings highlight the potential of miRNAs as therapeutic and diagnostic targets for preventing or mitigating the development of AS and related cardiovascular diseases.