Objective: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays an important role in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix in atherosclerosis plaques. Autophagy protects macrophages against the processes of vascular disease. Our research explores how autophagy plays roles in macrophages to secret MMP-9. Methods and results: In response to increased doses of oxLDL or CQ we monitored the autophagic flux. Our results revealed that oxLDL was dynamically associated with autophagy and 100 mu g/ml oxLDL blocked autophagic flux in THP-1 cells. Moreover p62/SQSTM1 knocking down and CQ respectively inhibited and increased MMP-9 transcriptional expression. These effects were mediated by inhibition of NF-kappa B. Conclusion: Abundant oxLDL blocked autophagic flux resulting in the aggregation of p62/SQSTM1. Then p62/SQSTM1 was involved in gene expression of MMP-9 via NF-kappa B-dependent signaling, and thus featuring novel plaque vulnerability properties of the atherosclerotic plaque. Understanding the mechanism that selectively modulates p62/SQSTM1 will provide a novel strategy for anti-atherogenesis. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Inc.