Abstract: Autophagy is a self-protecting cell catabolic pathway. That macrophages involved in lipid metabolism disorders is the basis of atherosclerotic lesions. Autophagy plays an important role in the inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis and the promotion of cholesterol efflux. The macrophage autophagy can promote lipid metabolism, reduce the formation of foam cells, reduce the inflammation signal, thereby inhibiting atherosclerosis. Induction of macrophage autophagy may have far-reaching significance in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Key words: Atherosclerotic, macrophages, autophagy