Xiao Ban Tong Mai Fang regulates autophagy via targeting miR-126-3p: bioinformatics analysis for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis

• miR-126-3p is upregulated in atherosclerotic cell models, suggesting its involvement in atherosclerosis pathogenesis. • Xiao Ban Tong Mai Fang downregulates miR-126-3p expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. • The formula inhibits autophagy and the MAPK signaling pathway, similar to the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine. • Bioinformatics analysis identified 10 key miRNAs and 257 autophagy-related genes, with MAPK pathway as a key mediator.