Autophagy in Atherosclerosis

摘要: Evidence is accumulating that autophagy occurs in advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Although there an almost relentless discovery of molecules are involved autophagy, studies selective induction or inhibition using knockout mice just now beginning to reveal its biological significance. Most likely, safeguards plaque cells against cellular distress, particular oxidative injury, by degrading the damaged intracellular material. In this way, protective and contributes recovery unfavorable environment. Pharmacological approaches have recently been developed stabilize vulnerable, rupture-prone lesions through autophagy. This approach has proven be successful short-term studies. However, how affects processes such as inflammation remains elucidated currently under investigation. review highlights possibilities for exploiting a drug target stabilization.