Internal medicine

Autophagy

Obesity

Lipolysis

Apoptosis

Adipose tissue

Chemistry

Dyslipidemia

Cholesterol

Lipoprotein

Signal transduction

Biochemistry

Medicine

PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Pharmacology

Transplantation

Inhibitors of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) have unique antiatherosclerotic effects, such as depletion of plaque macrophages, induction of autophagy, and activation of cholesterol efflux. However, a common side effect of their use is dyslipidemia, a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis. Indeed, mTOR inhibitors prevent lipid storage, increase low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and activate lipolysis. Although the net effect of mTOR inhibition seems favorable, the use of cholesterol lowering drugs to manage dyslipidemia remains the most recommended strategy.

mTOR Inhibition and Cardiovascular Diseases