Abstract

MicroRNAs are a class of non-coding RNA molecules that have been reported to play a crucial role in cell signaling via post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. There is increasing evidence showing that this class of RNA is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascuular diseases, including atherosclerosis. More recently, it has been demonstrated that microRNAs can function to protect against the development of atherosclerosis. The primary goal of this review is to discuss the discovery, mechanism, and therapeutic use of microRNA molecules as atheroprotective agents.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, microRNA.