Capsaicin activates the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) to induce autophagy and inhibit foam cell transformation from VSMCs via the regulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, and enhance cholesterol efflux as well as reduce cholesterol uptake via the regulation of ABCA1 and LDL-related protein 1 expression, and thereon ameliorate atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice fed an HFD [45,46] (Figure 1D). This evidence concerns the gene APOE and atherosclerosis.