Emerging roles of mitochondria ROS in atherosclerotic lesions: causation or association?

Mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species (mtROS) is one of the major sources of cellular ROS, and excessive mtROS is associated with atherosclerosis progression in both human and mouse models. This review aims to summarize the most recent studies showing the existence, the causes and pathological consequences of excessive mtROS in atherosclerosis. Despite numerous association and causation studies demonstrating the importance of mtROS in atherosclerosis progression, the failure of antioxidant therapy in human randomized clinical trials demands more definitive, cell-type specific investigations. Better mechanistic understanding of mtROS in atherosclerosis may lead to more effective therapeutic strategies.