Research progress on macrophages in cardiovascular diseases

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cardiology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a significant global health burden.
• Macrophages, critical immune cells, are increasingly recognized for their role in CVD pathogenesis.
• Understanding macrophage behavior is vital for developing novel CVD therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of macrophage plasticity and signaling pathways in CVD.
• To explore therapeutic strategies targeting macrophages in CVD treatment.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies on macrophage subtypes and signaling pathways in CVD.
• Selection of relevant research from major medical databases.

Main Results:

• Macrophages exhibit plasticity, differentiating into various phenotypes (e.g., M1, M2) based on their microenvironment.
• Different macrophage phenotypes release distinct cytokines and are regulated by signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/Akt, TLR4, TGF-β/Smads).
• M1 macrophages promote inflammation, while M2 macrophages aid in inflammation resolution and tissue repair.

Conclusions:

• Modulating macrophage signaling pathways can impact CVD progression.
• Strategies include reducing macrophage aggregation, promoting M2 polarization, and restoring M1/M2 balance.
• Targeting macrophage functions offers a potential therapeutic avenue for improving the inflammatory microenvironment in CVD.