Sortilin as a Culprit in the Atherosclerosis Plaque Progression: Evidence from Clinical and Experimental Studies

Sortilin acts as a key receptor for lipids, growth factors, cytokines, and enzymes and participates in pathological cargo loading and transferring of extracellular vesicles. Emerging evidence suggests a significant role of sortilin in hyperlipidemia and the risk of atherosclerosis. Recent epidemiological evidence demonstrated that sortilin has been implicated in atherosclerosis plaque progression in patients with coronary or peripheral artery disease. The present study presents a comprehensive review of the contribution of sortilin to atherosclerosis progression. Here, recent experimental and clinical findings are summarized to determine the effects of sortilin on atherosclerosis progression and the related underlying mechanisms.