AIM:To investigate the protective effect of autophagy on oxidized low density lipoprotein( oxLDL)-induced macrophage apoptosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS:The RAW264.7 macrophages were pretreated with 3 mmol/L 3-methyladenine( 3-MA),1 μmol/L rapamycin( Rap) or 4 mmol/L 4-phenylbutyricacid( PBA) respectively for 1 h and then treated with ox-LDL( 100 mg/L) for 12 h.The cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining,respectively....