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

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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.