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Updated: Jun 7, 2025
Quantification of Monocyte Chemotactic Activity In Vivo and Characterization of Blood Monocyte Derived Macrophages
Published on: August 12, 2019
Mechanisms and treatment of atherosclerosis: focus on macrophages
LingNa Zhang1, JiaWei Li1, YuShun Kou1
1School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
Abstract:
Macrophages are the basic mediators and coordinators of various types of chronic inflammation and play a crucial role in the formation and development of atherosclerosis (AS). In the complex microenvironment of atherosclerotic plaques, macrophages of different sources are exposed to different signal stimuli and thus polarized into various subpopulations. Various types of macrophages with predominantly M1 and M2 phenotypes also play different regulatory roles in the initiation and progression of AS. Lipid-lowering drugs, mainly statins, are widely used in clinical practice, but the adverse reactions are obvious and there is a lack of personalized treatment. Emerging targeted macrophage and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-related therapies can regulate the cellular microenvironment, inhibit the polarization of M1 macrophages, and promote the activation of M2 macrophages, providing new ideas for the prevention and treatment of AS.
Insights
Macrophages are key in chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis (AS). New therapies targeting macrophage polarization, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, offer personalized approaches beyond statins for AS treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Macrophages are central to chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis (AS) development.
- Macrophage polarization into M1 and M2 phenotypes differentially impacts AS initiation and progression.
- Current lipid-lowering drugs like statins have limitations, including adverse effects and lack of personalized treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of macrophage polarization in atherosclerosis.
- To investigate novel therapeutic strategies targeting macrophages in AS.
- To evaluate the potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in modulating macrophage phenotypes for AS treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on macrophage biology in AS.
- Analysis of studies on M1 and M2 macrophage roles in atherosclerotic plaque development.
- Examination of emerging therapies, including TCM, for macrophage-targeted intervention in AS.
Main Results:
- Macrophages significantly influence chronic inflammation and AS.
- M1 macrophages promote AS, while M2 macrophages may offer protective effects.
- Targeted therapies can modulate macrophage polarization, shifting the balance towards M2 phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage polarization is a critical factor in AS pathogenesis.
- Targeting macrophage phenotypes presents a promising avenue for personalized AS treatment.
- TCM-based therapies offer novel strategies to regulate macrophage polarization and combat AS.
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