Disrupted Mitochondrial Quality Control in Atherosclerotic Disease: Mitophagy and Dynamics in Focus.

Mitochondrial health is essential for maintaining cardiac function, and mitophagy-the selective degradation of damaged mitochondria-is central to maintenance of mitochondrial quality. In this review, we focus on the role of mitophagy in atherosclerotic disease, exploring both canonical and noncanonical pathways. We aim to highlight how proper regulation of mitophagy supports cardiac health, while imbalances in this process can contribute to the onset and progression of cardiovascular conditions. In addition, we examine the cardioprotective potential of mitophagy in the context of disease and discuss its close relationship with mitochondrial dynamics, particularly as they relate to both macrovascular and microvascular dysfunction. Finally, we identify current gaps in knowledge and outline key questions that remain for the field to address, with the goal of guiding future research in this critical area of cardiovascular biology.