Together, these results may identify miR-122 as a novel regulator in EC apoptosis, which offers it as a possible target for therapeutic interventions of atherosclerosis.
The odds ratio of miR-122 solely was 0.12 (95% CI [0.05-0.43]) and factors such as cholesterol, triglyceride together with miR-122 level were closely associated with atherosclerosis (all <i>p</i> < 0.001).
Within this chapter, the most prominent microRNAs involved in lipid metabolism, e.g., miR-27a/b, miR-33/33*, miR-122, miR-144, or miR-223, and their intracellular and extracellular functions will be extensively discussed, in particular focusing on their mechanistic role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis.
In particular, miR122 and miR-33 have a significant impact on lipid homeostasis and are potential therapeutic targets for treating lipid disorders and/or atherosclerosis.
This review surveys the impact of microRNA-mediated regulation in biological processes governing the cholesterol/lipoprotein metabolism, fatty acid β-oxidation (eg by miR-122 and miR-33), and endothelial dysfunction related to atherosclerosis.