Figure 4.

LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks and inflammation. During ageing, there is an increased accumulation of inflammatory molecules as well as a burst in oxidative stress. A prolonged state of inflammation can be detrimental for cardiovascular tissue and it can predispose to atherogenesis. Indeed, an increase in inflammatory cytokines and chemokines leads to the internalization of oxidized lipoproteins (ox-LDL) with transformation in foam cells, both contributing to tissue injury. The figure summarizes in vitro experiments performed in endothelial cells (ECs), macrophages cells (M∅) and cardiomyocytes (CMs).