内质网应激与动脉粥样硬化的研究进展

Progress of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Related to Atherosclerosis

内质网应激是指细胞在缺血、氧化应激、钙稳态紊乱、蛋白质折叠错误或正常蛋白质表达增强等条件下发生的一系列适应性的保护反应。越来越多的研究表明,内质网应激在动脉粥样硬化发展的所有阶段均具有重要作用。该文主要综述了动脉管壁不同类型的细胞中内质网应激和细胞凋亡在动脉粥样硬化发展中的作用,并总结了目前调节这些途径的靶向分子以及它们在动脉粥样硬化治疗中的潜在疗效。

The endoplasmic reticulum （ER） is a complex cytoplasmic membrane structure presented in eukaryotic cells, involving in protein folding, lipid synthesis and regulation of the intracellular calcium balance. The capacity of protein folding in ER can be saturated, then induce ER stress （ERS） response. The accumulating evidence demonstrates that ERS and associated apoptosis can be induced in the pathological conditions of atherosclerotic lesions and contribute to the disease progression. Notably, they may play a role in the development of vulnerable plaques that induce thrombosis and are therefore especially dangerous. ERS response is regulated by several signaling mechanisms that involve protein kinases and transcription factors. Some of these molecules can be regarded as potential therapeutic targets to improve treatment of atherosclerosis.