Hyperlipidemia is a well-accepted risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a novel class of posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression, are involved in a variety of biological and pathological processes, including the regulation of the lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. As our knowledge of miRNAs expands, a new class of "circulating miRNAs" has recently been described. It includes miRNAs which may be found in various bodily fluids packaged in microvesicles/exosomes, or bound to specific transporting proteins. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles have been identified as one such carrier. As this class of miRNAs likely plays a role in intercellular communication, it may also contribute to the atherosclerosis development and progression. This review aims to provide a comprehensive explanation of the roles of distinct miRNAs involved in the regulation of the lipid metabolism. These microRNAs seem to be promising therapeutic agents, as documented in rodents and African green monkeys. The second part of the review focuses on circulating miRNAs and their involvement in the atherosclerosis, especially as their levels have been described as altered in patients with dyslipidemia/hyperlipidemia. Special emphasis is placed on miRNAs transported in a complex with HDL particles and on those which may be considered potential atherosclerosis biomarkers.

Department of Pathological Physiology Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University Kamenice 5 Building A18 625 00 Brno Czech Republic

International Clinical Research Center Department of Cardiovascular Diseases St Anne's University Hospital Brno Pekarska 53 656 91 Brno Czech Republic

International Clinical Research Center Department of Cardiovascular Diseases St Anne's University Hospital Brno Pekarska 53 656 91 Brno Czech Republic ; Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University Kamenice 5 Building A20 625 00 Brno Czech Republic ; Department of Pathological Physiology Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University Kamenice 5 Building A18 625 00 Brno Czech Republic

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Mechanistic Role of MicroRNAs in Coupling Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis