J Clin Lab Anal. 2026 Sep 7:e70310. doi: 10.1002/jcla.70310. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
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.
PMID:42704033 | DOI:10.1002/jcla.70310