Several processes including endothelial angiogenesis, vascular neointimal lesion formation, vascular
inflammation process, lipoprotein metabolism, and hypertension are critically involved in atherosclerosis. This
chapter aims to introduce the role of miRNAs in lipoprotein metabolism. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
when oxidized by oxygen free radicals and coming into contact with arterial wall, causes atherosclerotic lesions
leading to increase in endothelial permeability and adhesiveness. In response to the damage to the artery wall and
endothelial dysfunction, the immune system responds by recruiting white blood cells to adsorb the oxidized-LDL.
The stimulation of lipid uptake into these cells by oxidized-LDL is critical to the initiation and development of
atherosclerosis. miR-122 has been documented to regulate cholesterol synthesis and miR-125a to regulate lipid
uptake in monocytes/macrophages.
