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Isolation of Macrophage Subsets and Stromal Cells from Human and Mouse Myocardial Specimens
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The Multifaceted Nature of Macrophages in Cardiovascular Disease

Cindy X Li1,2, Lixia Yue1,2

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiovascular Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.

Biomedicines
|June 27, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Macrophages are key immune cells influencing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This review explores their dual role in promoting or suppressing inflammation and disease progression in heart and vascular disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cardiology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global cause of mortality.
  • Macrophages are versatile immune cells involved in both health and disease.
  • Their role in inflammatory processes, including CVD, is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of macrophage functions in cardiovascular diseases.
  • To highlight the dual role of macrophages in promoting or suppressing inflammation in CVD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current knowledge on macrophages in cardiovascular diseases.
  • Synthesis of information on macrophage polarization and function in various CVD contexts.

Main Results:

  • Macrophages play critical roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, ischemic injury, and heart failure.
  • Macrophage polarization (e.g., M1 vs. M2) significantly impacts disease outcomes.
  • Dysfunctional macrophages contribute to chronic inflammation and tissue damage in CVD.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophages are central players in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Targeting macrophage functions presents a potential therapeutic strategy for CVD.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate macrophage heterogeneity and its therapeutic implications in CVD.

Keywords:
atherosclerosiscardiovascular diseaselipid metabolismmacrophage-mediated inflammationmacrophages

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