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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
08:43

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Published on: May 31, 2016

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Exploring Macrophage Contribution to Vascular Calcification in Atherosclerosis

Siarhei A Dabravolski1, Mikhail A Popov2, Olga N Maltseva3

  • 1Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Braude Academic College of Engineering, Karmiel, Israel.

IUBMB Life
|September 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Macrophages play a dual role in vascular calcification (VC), a key feature of atherosclerosis. Understanding their M1 and M2 phenotypes offers new therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease, especially in diabetes and CKD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Vascular calcification (VC) is a critical factor in atherosclerosis, increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
  • VC is particularly prevalent in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • Macrophages are key cellular players in the development and progression of VC within atherosclerotic plaques.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pivotal role of macrophages in vascular calcification (VC).
  • To explore the distinct functions of M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes in modulating vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) behavior and calcification.
  • To highlight microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential therapeutic targets for regulating macrophage activation in VC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on macrophage phenotypes (M1 and M2) and their functions in VC.
  • Analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms of macrophage-mediated calcification.
  • Examination of the influence of macrophage balance on osteoclastic differentiation and calcified deposit resorption.

Main Results:

  • M1 macrophages promote VSMC transdifferentiation and calcification via pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., OSM, BMP).
  • M2 macrophages exhibit protective effects that may mitigate excessive vascular calcification.
  • The balance of macrophage populations influences osteoclastic differentiation and the resorption of calcified deposits.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophages have dual roles in atherosclerosis-related VC, acting as both promoters and potential mitigators.
  • Understanding macrophage phenotypes and their regulation by miRNAs is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Targeting macrophage pathways could improve cardiovascular health outcomes, especially in high-risk populations like those with diabetes and CKD.

Keywords:
atherosclerosiscalcificationinflammationmacrophagesmicroRNAsosteogenesis

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