Chronic intermittent hypoxia induces atherosclerosis by NF-κB-dependent mechanisms

► Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) caused atherosclerosis in mice on a high cholesterol diet. ► P50 gene deletion diminished CIH-induced NF-κB activation and atherosclerosis. ► P50 gene deletion inhibited vascular inflammation, hypercholesterolemia and foam cell formation. ► NF-κB blockade abrogated CIH activation of 3 major atherogenic mechanisms and atherosclerosis. ► NF-κB serves as a central common pathway that leads to CIH-induced atherosclerosis.