细胞自噬在动脉粥样硬化发生发展中的作用

Role of autophagy in the development of atherosclerosis

细胞自噬是生物体内清除功能异常的细胞器、错误折叠的蛋白质、被氧化的脂类等有害大分子物质的重要途径。在动脉粥样硬化中的作用具有双重性,不仅作为抵御环境变化对细胞造成损害的防御机制,又可以诱导细胞Ⅱ型程序性死亡,如何调控自噬在动脉粥样硬化的防治中至关重要。巨噬细胞、血管内皮细胞和血管平滑肌细胞的自噬参与动脉粥样硬化发生发展过程,在斑块的形成和破裂中发挥潜在作用。深入了解细胞自噬与动脉粥样硬化的关系,将有可能为动脉粥样硬化的药物防治提供新的治疗靶点。

Autophagy refers to a conserved cellular process for abnormal organelles,misfolded proteins and oxidized lipids that occurs in all eukaryotic cells. It plays a dual role in atherosclerosis. Basal autophagy can protect plaque cells against oxidative stress by degrading damaged intracellular material,while excessive stimulation of autophagy in cells may cause autophagic death,so it＇s important to regulate the activities of autophagy in prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Autophagy in macrophages,vascular endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells is involved in the development of atherosclerosis and plays a potential role in plaque formation and rupture. Further exploration of the relationship between autophagy and atherosclerosis can provide a new therapeutic target in the drug discovery of atherosclerosis.