Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) is one of the main cell types in blood vessel wall, and the VSMC apoptosis is involved in the development of atherosclerosis (AS). In early AS, the apoptosis of VSMC is regarded as a compensatory mechanism for neointimal hyperplasia and lumen stenosis. However, this process will also accelerate the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques, resulting in serious cardiovascular complications. More studies on the related genes, RNA, and inducing factors of VSMCs apoptosis in occurrence and development of AS can provide scientific strategies for prevention and treatment of AS in different periods.血管平滑肌细胞(vascular smooth muscle cells,VSMCs)是血管壁中的主要细胞类型,其凋亡参与了动脉粥样硬化(atherosclerosis,AS)的发生和发展。在早期AS中,VSMCs凋亡可作为新生内膜增生和管腔狭窄的代偿机制,然而这一过程又会加速AS斑块破裂,造成严重的心血管疾病并发症。在AS的发生和发展中,对VSMCs凋亡的相关基因、RNA及其诱导因素的研究可为不同时期AS的预防和治疗提供科学依据。.