Vitamin D and Atherosclerosis: Unraveling the Impact on Macrophage Function

Abstract Vitamin D plays a crucial role in preventing atherosclerosis and in the regulation of macrophage function. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the clinical evidence regarding the impact of vitamin D on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, and associated risk factors. Additionally, it explores the mechanistic studies investigating the influence of vitamin D on macrophage function in atherosclerosis. Numerous findings indicate that vitamin D inhibits monocyte or macrophage recruitment, macrophage cholesterol uptake, and esterification. Moreover, it induces autophagy of lipid droplets in macrophages, promotes cholesterol efflux from macrophages, and regulates macrophage polarization. This review particularly focuses on analyzing the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways through which vitamin D modulates macrophage function in atherosclerosis. It claims that vitamin D has a direct inhibitory effect on the formation, adhesion, and migration of lipid‐loaded monocytes, thus exerting anti‐atherosclerotic effects. Therefore, this review emphasizes the crucial role of vitamin D in regulating macrophage function and preventing the development of atherosclerosis.