微小分子核糖核酸是属内源性小分子核糖核酸,通过降解或抑制靶基因,在转录后水平调节基因表达。一些微小核糖核酸是动脉粥样硬化形成过程的调节器,包括内皮细胞损伤与修复、内皮祖细胞分化、炎症反应、脂质代谢和平滑肌细胞增殖等。另外一些微小核糖核酸可能是动脉粥样硬化新颖的诊断标志物或者治疗目靶。现就最近的研究阐述微小核糖核酸与动脉粥样硬化发生过程的关系。 MicroRNA is an endogenous small molecule ribonucleic acid that regulates gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by degrading or repressing the target gene. Some miRNAs are regulators of atherosclerotic processes, including endothelial cell injury and repair, endothelial progenitor cell differentiation, inflammatory response, lipid metabolism and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Other small ribonucleic acids may be novel diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis. Recent studies have elucidated the relationship between miRNA and atherosclerosis.