Monocyte/Macrophage——atherapeutic target of atherosclerosis

It is now generally recognized that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease,in which monocyte/macrophage plays a crucial role.The monocyte/macrophage is involved in every stage of atherosclerosis.The activity of monocyte/macrophage and their interactions with other cells in the plaque mileu provide novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis.This paper reviews the recent advances in the treatment of atherosclerosis from those aspects of reducing monocyte/macrophage,suppressing oxidative stress, regulating cholesterol metabolism involved in monocyte/macrophage activities,decreasing macrophage-derived inflammatory activity and increasing plaque stability,to provide a reference for anti-atherosclerosis drugs' clinical use,research and development.