Title:Dynamic Role of Macrophage Sub Types on Development of Atherosclerosis
and Potential Use of Herbal Immunomodulators as Imminent
Therapeutic Strategy
Volume: 20
Issue: 1
Author(s): Parimalanandhini Duraisamy, Sangeetha Ravi, Mahalakshmi Krishnan, Catherene M. Livya, Beulaja Manikandan, Koodalingam Arunagirinathan and Manikandan Ramar*
Affiliation:
- Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai - 600 025, India
Keywords:
Atherosclerosis, macrophages, Ox-LDL (oxidized low-density lipoprotein), cytokines, immunomodulators, curcumin.
Abstract: Atherosclerosis, a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, is a global alarm causing
mortality worldwide. Being a progressive disease in the arteries, it mainly causes the recruitment of
monocytes to the inflammatory sites and subsides pathological conditions. Monocyte-derived
macrophage mainly acts in foam cell formation by engorging the LDL molecules, oxidizes it into
Ox-LDL and leads to plaque deposit development. Macrophages in general differentiate, proliferate
and undergo apoptosis at the inflammatory site. Frequently two subtypes of macrophages M1
and M2 have to act crucially in balancing the micro-environmental conditions of endothelial cells
in arteries. The productions of pro-inflammatory mediators like IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α by M1
macrophage have atherogenic properties majorly produced during the early progression of atherosclerotic
plaques. To counteract cytokine productions and M1-M2 balance, secondary metabolites
(phytochemicals) from plants act as a therapeutic agent in alleviating atherosclerosis progression.
This review summarizes the fundamental role of the macrophage in atherosclerotic lesion formation
along with its plasticity characteristic as well as recent therapeutic strategies using herbal components
and anti-inflammatory cytokines as potential immunomodulators.