Polarization of macrophage in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a complicated metabolic cardiovascular disease,which is characterized by basic pathological changes:deposits of fatty materials within the intima of arteries,increased foam cells,intensified inflammation,necrosis and collapse of atheromatous plaque,ulcer bleeding and thrombosis,inflammation phenomenon such as fibrous tissue proliferation and calcification.However,macrophages play an important role in this process,participating in a variety of inflammatory responses.Reseaches showed that macrophages can change its phenotype according to the tissue microenvironment and thus functions diversifiedly in different periods of inflammation.Macrophages phonotype transformation,ie,the polarization plays a pivotal role in the process of the formation and development of atherosclerosis.This paper systemically reviews and focuse on the classification of different macrophage phonotypes,conversion between various types and the underlying mechanisms.