CYCS and atherosclerosis: Cytochrome c assembles procaspase‐9, activates caspase‐3 in succession and finally induces apoptosis.47, 48 Recent studies have indicated that an excess generation of mitochondrial ROS plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.24, 49 Meanwhile, mitochondrial fission leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and cell apoptosis.31 In this study, 7‐KC treatment in macrophages induced the reduction mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), significant ROS and cytochrome c release, as well as mitochondrial fragmentation and the impairment of mitochondrial ultrastructure.