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Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
Published on: October 17, 2017
The involvement of the monocytes/macrophages in chronic inflammation associated with atherosclerosis
Ioana Madalina Fenyo1, Anca Violeta Gafencu
1Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology, "Nicolae Simionescu" of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania.
Insights
Monocytes and macrophages are central to atherosclerosis plaque development and progression. Targeting these cells offers a promising therapeutic strategy for this chronic arterial disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a chronic arterial disease marked by plaque formation.
- Monocytes and macrophages are critical players in atherosclerotic lesion development, influencing lipid accumulation, inflammation, and matrix remodeling.
- Monocyte recruitment to the vascular wall is a key pathological event, mediated by endothelial adhesion molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the pivotal role of monocytes and macrophages in atherosclerosis.
- To underscore the heterogeneity and dynamic behavior of macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques.
- To emphasize the therapeutic potential of targeting monocytes/macrophages in atherosclerosis treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on monocyte/macrophage involvement in atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of cellular processes including recruitment, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis within atherosclerotic lesions.
- Examination of the influence of the micro-environment on macrophage behavior.
Main Results:
- Monocytes/macrophages are integral to all stages of atherosclerotic plaque progression.
- Macrophage populations within plaques are diverse, reflecting complex micro-environmental interactions.
- Cellular activities of macrophages (differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis) critically impact disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Monocytes and macrophages are essential therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.
- Understanding macrophage behavior in the atherosclerotic plaque is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Targeting these cells presents a significant avenue for future atherosclerosis research and therapy.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a progressive chronic disease of large and medium arteries, characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Monocytes and macrophages are key factors in lesion development, participating to the processes that mediate the progression of the atherosclerotic plaque (lipid accumulation, secretion of pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic factors, extracellular matrix remodeling). The recruitment of the monocytes in the vascular wall represents a hallmark in the pathology of the atherosclerotic lesion. Monocyte adhesion and transmigration are dependent on the complementary adhesion molecules expressed on the endothelial surface, whose expression is modulated by chemical mediators. The atherosclerotic plaque is characterized by a heterogeneous population of macrophages reflecting the complexity and diversity of the micro-environment to which cells are exposed after entering the arterial wall. Within the atherosclerotic lesions, macrophages differentiate, proliferate and undergo apoptosis. Taking into account that their behavior has a direct and critical influence on all lesional stages, the development of therapeutic approaches to target monocytes/macrophages in the atherosclerotic plaque became a focal interest point for researchers in the field.
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