Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.
Biofisika Institute (UPV/EHU, CSIC), Barrio Sarriena s/n., 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.
Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Mar 20;23(6):3346. doi: 10.3390/ijms23063346.
Atherosclerosis is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is initiated by endothelium activation and, followed by a cascade of events (accumulation of lipids, fibrous elements, and calcification), triggers the vessel narrowing and activation of inflammatory pathways. The resultant atheroma plaque, along with these processes, results in cardiovascular complications. This review focuses on the different stages of atherosclerosis development, ranging from endothelial dysfunction to plaque rupture. In addition, the post-transcriptional regulation and modulation of atheroma plaque by microRNAs and lncRNAs, the role of microbiota, and the importance of sex as a crucial risk factor in atherosclerosis are covered here in order to provide a global view of the disease.
动脉粥样硬化是心血管疾病（CVD）的主要危险因素，是全球范围内导致死亡的主要原因。动脉粥样硬化由内皮细胞激活引发，随后一系列事件（脂质、纤维成分和钙化的积累）引发血管狭窄和炎症途径的激活。由此产生的动脉粥样硬化斑块，以及这些过程，导致心血管并发症。本综述重点介绍了动脉粥样硬化发展的不同阶段，从内皮功能障碍到斑块破裂。此外，还介绍了 microRNAs 和 lncRNAs 对动脉粥样硬化斑块的转录后调控和调节、微生物组的作用以及性别作为动脉粥样硬化的关键风险因素的重要性，以便全面了解该疾病。
